Cub Scout Pack 141

The Tiger program is a simple and fun family-centered program for boys who are in the first-grade (or age 7) that encourages the Scout to achieve his full physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual potentials as an individual, as a responsible citizen, and as a member of his local, national, and international communities. Designed to introduce boys and their adult partners to the excitement of Cub Scouting, the Tiger program emphasizes shared leadership, learning about the community, and family understanding as the Tiger scouts do lots of really cool things with their adult partners. The program also provides the Tiger scout with an opportunity to try new things, provide service to others, build self-confidence, to development ethical decision making skills, and reinforce ethical standards. This program, along with the caring guidance of the adult partners, is intended to open up the world to the inquisitive mind of the young Scout. This first year in Scouting requires that an adult partner participate with the Scout in all den meetings and activities. The first steps along the Boy Scout Trail are provided here and every rank advancement through the Scouting program builds on the basic categories of adventures done as Tiger scouts. tiger_handbook

The Tiger program is conducted in two phases. In the first phase, the Tiger scout and his adult partner meet monthly with other Tiger scouts and their adult partners in what is called a “den.” A den consists of a group of boys, the same age, that come together and work on age appropriate adventures for status, rank, and recognition in the Pack. In the second phase, the Tiger scout and his adult partner meet in the home to conduct activities for the whole family. Like our entire Scouting program, the Tiger program follows a school-year cycle where boys remain in the Tiger program until they complete first grade, at which time, they graduate into a Wolf den and are eligible to participate in Cub Scout summer activities, including Cub Scout Day and Resident Camp.

As with all new Scouts to the program, the Tiger scout must earn his Bobcat badge before he can proceed to earn his Tiger badge. Once completed, the Tiger scout then works with his den and family on the adventures found in the Tiger handbook. The Tiger scout must complete six core Tiger adventures and one of thirteen Tiger elective adventures in order to receive his Tiger badge. After completing an adventure, the Cub Scout will receive an immediate recognition award in the form of a adventure loop that he can wear on his belt.

Boys like to belong to a group and the den is the place where boys learn new skills and develop interests in new things. A well-run group of Tiger scouts will start out by focusing on the idea of den-wide completions of adventures as a den. Basically, this will help the individual scouts learn sportsmanship and good citizenship as they learn how to get along with others. They also learn how to do their best, not just for themselves but also for the den. A good scout meeting is active, fun, and interesting and is often packed with activities, safe adventures, and games.

Tiger Den

First Grader or 7 years of age

Under the leadership of a Tiger den leader, the Tiger scout will spend the year working on a series of seven adventures described in his Tiger handbook that advances him towards the Wolf rank. By completing these seven adventures, the Tiger badge, the second diamond-shaped rank badge is earned.

A knowledgeable, well-trained den leader is critical to the success of a den. All leaders have certain responsibilities to the boys in Cub Scouts. Each leader should respect boys’ rights as individuals and treat them as such; see that boys find the excitement, fun, and adventure that they expected when they joined the program; provide enthusiasm, encouragement, and praise for boys’ efforts and achievements; develop among the boys a feeling of togetherness and team spirit that gives them security and pride; and provide opportunities for boys to experience new dimensions in their world.

The den leader plans the program of activities for the scouting year, carries out that program, and makes that plan available to all den parents. The den leader should enjoy being outside and be comfortable exploring the environment in a safe manner. The den leader also makes advancement opportunities available to each scout and tracks his advancements. The Tiger den leader can also recruit other adults to plan and organize individual adventure outings. One of the main roles of the Tiger den leader is to be encouraging, organized, and supportive as he or she gives each scout opportunities to lead and make decisions, both individually and for the den.

The Tiger den leader is a registered volunteer BSA position. Every Tiger den is required to have a registered den leader whose responsibilities include, but are not limited to: working directly with other den and pack leaders to ensure that the den is an active and successful part of the pack; planning, preparing for, and conducting den meetings; attending Pack Committee meetings; leading the den at Pack meetings and activities; keeping accurate records, helping the den earn the National Den Award; and preparing the Tiger scout for the future transition to Wolf scout at the end of the year.

The Cub Scout motto Do Your Best is a key part of the Cub Scouting program. There is no level of competence or skill required to complete adventures. Success is achieved by putting forth one’s best personal effort and having fun with fellow scouts.

TIGER DEN LEADERSHIP
Dani Higgs	George Evans

Our Tiger den meets the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Scout Room. (The Scout Room is in the basement of the Literacy Volunteers Of America building across the street from the Dollar General Market in downtown Christiansburg at the corner of West Main and Dunkley Streets.)

Blue Ridge Mountains Council

CUB SCOUT PACK 141

Tiger Den

First Grader or 7 years of age