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 WELCOME TO TIGER CUBS!
Tiger Cubs, BSA, was developed in 1982 to meet the
needs and desires of a 7-year-old boy and his family.
Over the years, parts of the program's structure have evolved with our changing
society, but the basic elements have remained the same. Tiger Cubs is a simple,
fun program for first-grade boys and their families.
Tiger Cubs introduces boys and their adult partners to the excitement of Cub
Scouting as they live the Tiger Cub motto together: Search, Discover; Share.
Tiger Cubs is designed to build stronger families through involvement in a
simple, low-cost program that is flexible and fun for boys and adults. A shared
leadership component, where a den leader works with boy-adult partner teams,
gives everyone input into the planning and carrying out of activities.
Who Can Join Tiger Cubs?
Tiger Cubs is for boys who are in the first grade (or
are 7 years old) and their adult partners. The basic element of Tiger Cubs is
the Tiger Cub-adult partner team. The adult may be a parent, brother, sister,
aunt, uncle, or even a neighbor. The requirements are that the adult partner be
18 years of age or older, care about the boy, and be strongly committed to his
well-being. The boy and his adult partner join Tiger Cubs together. They do all
the family, den, and Go See It activities together. The adult partner is
responsible for seeing that the boy is successful with his advancement in Tiger
Cubs.
TIGER CUB DENS
Each Tiger Cub and his adult partner are
considered a team, and five to nine Tiger Cub teams form a Tiger Cub den. Tiger
Cubs runs on a shared leadership model. A Tiger Cub den leader works with a
different boy-adult partner team each month to plan the den meetings, the Go See
It, and the den's part in the pack meeting.
The Tiger Cub den should be actively involved in the pack meeting. The den
leader should coordinate with the Cubmaster to determine what part the Tiger Cub
den will play in the pack meeting. The den may prepare a simple song or skit,
and boys should be awarded their advancement recognition at pack meetings.
Packs that have more than one Tiger Cub den should not combine Tiger Cub den
meetings; each den should hold its own den meetings. The pack is not limited in
the number of Tiger Cub dens it may have, and it should plan to have enough
Tiger Cub dens to allow every eligible boy to be a Tiger Cub.
The pack provides Tiger Cubs with a continuing Cub Scouting experience through
the pack meetings and helps boys transition to Wolf dens.
 TIGER CUB DEN LEADERSHIP
Active, enthusiastic families, and a
knowledgeable, well-trained den leader are the most important factors
influencing the success of a Tiger Cub den.
The Tiger Cub den leader gives leadership to planning and carrying out a
year-round program of activities for the Tiger Cub den. Although it is ideal for
the den leader to be an individual with experience in Cub Scouting, the pack may
select a new parent or guardian in the Tiger Cub den. The pack is responsible
for seeing that the den leader is trained for the position and is given ongoing
support by the other leaders.
The adult partner is a parent or other adult who co-registers with a boy as part
of a Tiger Cub team. Each boy-adult partner team assumes the responsibility of
hosting one or more months of den meetings with the den leader. The host team
and the den leader plan the meeting program and the location.
The Tiger Cub den leader manages the den using the concept of shared leadership.
Each Tiger Cub-adult partner team assumes the responsibility of hosting one or
more months of meetings. (The number of months will depend on the size of the
den and whether they begin the program in the summer or the fall). Along with
the Tiger Cub den leader, the host team plans the den meeting program and
selects the location of the den meetings and the Go See It outings.
Shared leadership is a key element of Tiger Cubs because direct adult
involvement is important for boys of this age. Through this sharing of
leadership, each boy and adult partner is given an opportunity to lead without
the pressure of a continuing leadership commitment. Shared leadership also
brings a wealth of knowledge and variety to the program as each host team has
something different to bring to the program. The Tiger Cub den leader provides
experience and continuity throughout the program year.
PLANNING THE TIGER CUB DEN MEETING
The Tiger Cub den leader and the host adult
partner should plan the den meetings and the Go See It; however, they are not
expected to find and develop all of the ideas and materials needed to run their
den meetings. The pack leadership team will have already planned pack meetings
through the annual pack program planning conference and will have determined
what support the dens will provide for those meetings. A den leader can get help
from the Cubmaster and pack committee members to develop the den meeting
programs. All of these can help the den leader and host adult partner plan good
den meetings.
Den leaders and adult partners can incorporate their own and their boys' ideas
of what the boys will enjoy doing. A well-planned den meeting will keep the
interest of the boys, and the boys will want to attend.
Who Attends Tiger Cub Den Meetings?
Tiger Cubs is a program for both boys and adults to spend time together
doing fun things with other Tiger Cub teams. Tiger Cubs and their adult partners
should attend four meetings each month to experience the fun of Scouting:
• Twice a month they will meet at the host family's home or place of choice for
a den meeting.
• Once a month they will go on an outing, called a Go See It. Once a month they
will attend the Cub Scout pack meeting.
Who Is Responsible?
As Tiger Cubs is based on shared leadership, each
month a different adult partner will be working with the Tiger Cub den leader to
plan the two den meetings and the Go See It for that month. They will also
organize the participation of the boys in the monthly pack meeting. The den
meetings will be based on the theme of the month or on one of the required
achievements (covered in the Tiger Cub Handbook). The Tiger Cub den leader and
the host adult partner should plan the den meetings and the Go See It, but they
are not expected to find and develop all of the ideas and materials needed to
run the den meetings. It is important that all the adult partners participate in
planning and conducting at last one monthly meeting cycle. At this age boys need
this kind of adult involvement.
Tiger Cub Den Resources
Several resources are available to help the Tiger
Cub den leader and host adult partner plan the den meetings and Go See It.
Cub Scout leader roundtable, a combined planning meeting for the packs in your
district, provides program ideas, policy guidelines, and information on events
in your district and council. Check with the pack leadership for the time and
place of district roundtable.
• Cub Scout Program Helps (No. 34304), provides den meeting outlines based on
the monthly themes. The activities planned for Tiger Cubs and their adult
partners are designed to be age-appropriate for first-grade boys.
• Cub Scout Leader How-To Book (No. 33832A), is filled with ideas for games,
crafts, skits, songs, and more. Choose activities that are age-appropriate for
Tiger Cubs and can be adapted to include adult partners.
• "Where to Go" booklets have been compiled by many local councils and districts
for dens to use in planning outings in the community or to a place of interest.
These booklets may provide information on activities available at different
locations, fees, and a contact person. Check to see whether your council has
developed one for your area.
• Other BSA literature and helps are available for you to use in your planning.
Check your pack library or council service center for appropriate materials on
songs, ceremonies, the Academics and Sports program, the BSA Family program, and
outdoor opportunities that your den could use or be a part of.
Tiger Cub Den Meeting Location
The location of den meetings will vary depending on the resources of the
host adult partner. The meetings should be held in a predetermined place so that
all den members will know where they will meet that month. An ideal meeting
place is the home of the host team, if there is enough room for everybody.
Meetings can be held in a basement, garage, back-yard, park, town square, or
apartment building. Some dens meet at the chartered organization's meeting place
or at a local school.
Besides meeting twice a month at a set location, once a month the den will do a
Go See It and visit a place of interest associated with the monthly theme or one
of the advancement requirements.
Tiger Cub Den Meeting Date and Time
Tiger Cub den meetings are held each week at a
time that is convenient for adult partners and is appropriate for Tiger Cub-age
boys. Each month the boys and adult partners will attend two den meetings, one
Go See It, and a pack meeting. Meetings should last no longer than one hour.
It's better to have a short meeting and keep it moving than to have a longer one
that can bore boys. Boys need to have fun so that they then look forward to the
next meeting.
Tiger Cub Den Records and Charts
Several record forms and charts are needed for the
den meeting.
• Tiger Cub Den Meeting Program. This form helps the den leader and host adult
partner plan a den meeting. They should fill in the details for each portion of
the den meeting, including the plans and equipment needed.
• Tiger Cub Den Advancement Report. Tiger den leaders use this form to
report advancement of the boys in the den so that recognition items can be
obtained and presented at the pack meeting.
• Tiger Cub Den Advancement Chart (No. 34715). This wall chart is used to record
Tiger Cub advancement and serves as an incentive for the boys in the den.
• Tiger Cub Den Record. This two-sided form is used by the Tiger Cub den
leader to keep weekly track of advancement, attendance, and dues. The den leader
can record the date each boy joined the den and the date he transitions to a
Wolf Cub Scout den. Phone numbers and addresses as well as other information is
requested on this form. It also provides a place for the den leader to keep
track of the shared leadership schedule for the boy-adult partner teams.
• Individual Tiger Cub Record. The den leader keeps this record for each boy in
the den. Space is provided for a record of attendance and dues, personal and
family data, and a detailed advancement record. Whenever a boy transitions to
the next rank of Cub Scouting, the record should go with him and be given to his
new den leader.
• Monthly Den Dues Envelope (No. 34209). Den leaders use this envelope to
collect dues, which is optional in Tiger Cubs.
 Tiger Cub Den Tools and Equipment
Each boy-adult partner team should have a copy of
the Tiger Cub Handbook. It includes the advancement requirements and electives
that the boys and adults can complete together. Program elements are also
explained, as well as how meetings can help boys advance.
The den should have a Tiger Cub den flag and a U.S. flag, which are sometimes
furnished by the pack, along with flag stands or holders. Other ceremony
equipment that could accumulate over time could includes candles, ceremony
boards, and a den doodle, which is a good incentive for advancement.
Dens will also need some items for crafts and games. Since the den meeting place
may be different each month, it can be a good idea to have a "travel box" that
goes to each den site. It could include things such as crayons, paint,
paintbrushes, glue, scissors, paper, rulers, pencils, wood pieces, cord or
string, spools, plastic bottle caps, jar lids, aluminum foil, leather scraps,
beads, craft feathers, and fabric. Den families could donate or loan these. As
planning is done, other items and tools may be needed for a particular project.
 EIGHT PARTS OF A TIGER CUB DEN MEETING
A good working plan for Tiger Cub den meetings
emphasizes the Tiger Cub motto: Search, Discover, Share. Cub Scout Program Helps
uses this pattern, which divides the meeting into eight parts. Each part has a
purpose, and none of the parts should be omitted. It is suggested that you
follow this pattern, as it will make planning and running den meetings easier.
Parts of a Tiger Cub Den Meeting
1. Before the Meeting
2. Gathering
3. Opening
4. Share
5. Discover
6. Search
7. Closing
8. After the Meeting
1. Before the Meeting. The purpose of this part of the meeting is to give
the den leader and host adult partner time to make preparations, gather
supplies, set out the U.S. flag and den flag, and take care of any last-minute
details before the boys and their adult partners arrive.
2. The Gathering is an activity or game that keeps the boys interested
and busy while everybody else arrives. Having activities for when Tiger Cubs
arrive will help avoid some of the behavior problems that can happen when boys
don't have enough to do. The gathering time also gives the den leader time to
take attendance, collect dues, and keep track of the achievements each boy has
completed while the host adult partner is with the boys.
3. The Opening is the official start of the den meeting. Whereas the
gathering time is an informal time, the opening is an organized activity that
signals the beginning of the meeting. Here are some ideas:
• Most den meetings begin with a flag ceremony. At this time, the boys can
practice saying the Tiger Cub motto and the Cub Scout Promise.
• A brief prayer may be included, but always be sensitive to the diverse
religious beliefs that may be represented in the den.
• The opening may also include boisterous action, such as a song, yell, or
applause.
• A roll call isn't necessary, but boys like to hear their names being said. If
the meeting relates to a monthly theme, such as jungle animals, each boy could
respond with the name of a jungle animal.
4. The Share part of the den meeting gives each boy an opportunity to
share something that he has done since the last meeting. This activity gives
boys time to share family experiences.
5. For the Discover time, the den leader may introduce the monthly theme
and talk about what the den will be doing for the pack meeting. Then, the boys
will play games, work on craft projects and puzzles, take part in outdoor
activities, or work on advancement requirements. The den leader can initial
requirements in each boy’s handbook as the boy completes them. (The adult
partner also signs in the handbook; see more about advancement below.)
• Den activities that boys and their adult partners can do together are the
best. They are a team, so they should participate and have fun as a team.
• Boys love to play games, so each meeting should include at least one game. It
can be indoors or outdoors, quiet or active. The host Tiger Cub could lead the
game. Once again, adult partners should be included.
Sometimes, boys will do a craft project during a den meeting. For instance,
around a holiday, boys could do holiday-related crafts or make something that is
needed for the pack meeting. Some projects can be completed during one or two
den meetings, but others might require that a Tiger Cub and his adult partner
work together at home. The den leader and host adult partner can explain the
project and help the boys do it. (Adult partners can be very helpful during
craft time.)
6. During the Search time of the meeting, the leaders will talk about
plans for the Go See It, an important component of Tiger Cubs. Boys love to get
out and see new things. This activity could fulfill one of the achievement
requirements or one of the elective requirements, and/or it could relate to the
monthly theme. See "Go See It Tips" at the end of this chapter.
7. The Closing draws the meeting to an end and is usually more serious
and quiet. Den leaders could present a thought for the day, have the boys say
the Tiger Cub motto or the Cub Scout Promise together, and/or give everyone
last-minute reminders about upcoming events. Leaders can also use this time to
reinforce the 12 core values of Cub Scouting.
8. After the Meeting, the den leader and host adult partner review the
events of the meeting and finalize plans for the next meeting and the upcoming
pack meeting. If this is the second den meeting of the month, the den leader may
meet with the host adult partner for the next month to plan and/or preview that
month's den activities.
ELEMENTS OF A GOOD TIGER CUB MEETING
• The meeting lasts no longer than an hour (unless it is a Go See It),
and it begins and ends on time.
• The meeting includes all eight parts of a Tiger Cub den meeting.
• The meeting is conducted by a trained den leader and the host adult partner.
• The den leader and the host adult partner are properly uniformed. The den
leader should wear a Cub Scout leader uniform with the orange neckerchief, and
the host adult partner is encouraged to wear the official orange Tiger Cub
T-shirt.
• Before the meeting begins, all equipment and materials are ready for use.
• A program with a well-written plan is conducted.
• Activities are related to the monthly theme and the next pack meeting.
• Opportunities for self-expression are provided through ceremonies, songs,
skits, games, stunts, puzzles, and crafts.
• The adult partners successfully manage boy behavior. The boys show respect for
the adult partners, the den leader, and the other boys.
• Tiger Cubs and their adult partners bring their Tiger Cub Handbook to the
meeting.
• Den records are accurate and kept up-to-date.
• The Tiger Cub motto-Search, Discover, Share-and family involvement are
emphasized in meetings, activities, and outings.
• The Tiger Cubs and their adult partners have fun.
USING THE THEME OF THE MONTH
Each year, Cub Scout Program Helps suggests 12
monthly themes suitable for Tiger Cubs and Cub Scouts. This annual publication
includes songs, skits, games, crafts, and ideas for Go See It activities that
complement the theme. Boys' Life magazine also features ideas and articles each
month on the recommended theme, and the monthly Cub Scout leader roundtable
meetings provide program ideas and instruction for these same themes.
Packs aren't required to use the recommended theme each month, but the themes
are chosen and planned to appeal to boys and to offer opportunities for them,
their adult partners, and their den leaders to achieve the purposes of Cub
Scouting (see page 2-1 for more about the purposes of Cub Scouting). By
following the themes, den leaders and the Cubmaster have a lot of support
material available to them.
Tiger Cub den leaders and host adult partners introduce the theme at the first
den meeting of the month. The activities for the second den meeting may use the
monthly theme, and the pack meeting also uses the monthly theme. Therefore, the
theme provides continuity among the two den meetings, the Go See It, and the
pack meeting. The theme is different each month, which helps provide variety and
hold the boys' interest.
ADVANCEMENT
Cub Scout ranks are set up by grade and age,
except for the Bobcat, which all boys must earn. The Tiger Cub rank is for those
boys who have completed kindergarten (or are 7 years old).
The Bobcat badge is earned after the Tiger Cub rank but before all other ranks.
Although participation with an adult partner is required for all Tiger Cub
awards, adult partners do not earn these awards. Recognition items are for boys
only.
To ensure that boys are given prompt recognition for advancement, it is
important that accurate, up-to-date den and pack advancement records are kept.
 Tiger Cub Belt Totem
To begin his path to the Tiger Cub rank, the Tiger
Cub must learn the Tiger Cub motto (Search, Discover, Share), the Cub Scout
sign, and the Cub Scout salute. When he has accomplished these tasks, he will be
awarded his Tiger Cub belt totem. This is a tiger paw with four strands for
totem beads that he wears on his belt. A boy earns totem beads by working on the
five Tiger Cub achievements. The Tiger Cub belt totem should be awarded at the
pack meeting.
As a boy completes each part of the achievements, he will be awarded either an
orange, white, or black totem bead at den meetings:
• He earns a white bead for each required family activity part he completes.
• He earns an orange bead for each required den activity part he completes.
• He earns a black bead for each required Go See It part he completes.
As each bead is awarded and added to the boy's totem, he should be recognized
with a simple ceremony at the den meeting. When the boy has earned all five
white beads, all five orange beads, and all five black beads, he is eligible to
receive his Tiger Cub badge.
Note that a boy can earn only one bead for each of the 15 achievement parts,
regardless of how many times he may repeat a particular part.
 Tiger Cub Badge
The Tiger Cub badge is for boys who complete all
parts of the five achievements and earn their 15 totem beads.
The five achievements are:
• Let's Go Outdoors
• Where I Live
• How I Tell It
• Making My Family Special
• Keeping Myself Healthy and Safe
For each achievement, the Tiger Cub-adult partner team must complete a den
activity, a family activity, and a Go See It.
The adult partner approves the completion of each achievement part by signing
the boy's handbook. The Tiger Cub, under the guidance of the den leader, keeps a
record of his individual progress on the Tiger Cub Den Wall Chart. The den
leader awards him totem beads at a den meeting as recognition for successful
completion of each requirement.
The Tiger Cub badge is presented to the adult partner at the next pack meeting.
In an impressive ceremony, the adult partner in turn presents the badge to the
boy.
Boys wear the Tiger Cub badge by placing it in the recessed area of the Tiger
Cub belt totem. When they transition into a Wolf Cub Scout den, they wear the
badge on the blue uniform shirt on the left pocket in the bottom position.
Tiger Track Beads
After earning the Tiger Cub badge, a boy is
encouraged to work on the numerous elective activities in his book, which are
aimed at sparking his interest in a new hobby, activity, or skill. When he
completes 10 electives, he earns a Tiger Track bead. He is also encouraged to
begin working on the requirements for his Bobcat badge.
The Tiger Track beads are worn on the fourth strand of the Tiger Cub belt totem.
There is no limit to the number of Tiger Track beads that a boy may earn;
however, each Tiger Track bead must represent the completion of 10 electives.
The purpose of the electives is to broaden the boy's horizons. After all, the
motto of Tiger Cubs is to Search, Discover, Share. The elective plan provides
advancement opportunities and recognition for the boy until he is eligible to
begin working on the Wolf rank. Boys may work on electives at the same time as
achievements, but a boy can't receive Tiger Track beads until he has earned the
Tiger Cub badge.
The den leader marks the Tiger Cub Den Advancement Report to show Tiger Track
beads earned and gives the report to the pack committee at the monthly pack
leaders' meeting. The Tiger Track beads are presented to the adult partners at
the next pack meeting, who in turn present them to their boys during a pack
advancement ceremony.
 Bobcat Badge
Before becoming a Wolf Cub scout, a boy must
complete the Bobcat requirements:
1. Learn and say the Cub Scout Promise and complete the Honesty Character
Connection.
a. KNOW: Discuss these questions with your family: at is a promise? What does it
mean to "keep your word?" What does honesty mean? What does it mean to "do your
best?"
b. COMMIT: Discuss these questions with your family. Why is a promise important?
Why is it important for people to trust you when you give your word? When might
it be difficult to keep your word? List examples.
c. PRACTICE: Discuss with family members why it important to be trustworthy and
honest and how you can do your best to be honest when you are doing the
activities in Cub Scouting.
2. Say the Law of the Pack. Tell what it means.
3. Tell what Webelos means.
4. Make the Cub Scout sign. Tell what it means.
5. Show the Cub Scout handshake. Tell what it means.
6. Say the Cub Scout motto.
7. Give the Cub Scout salute. Tell what it means.
8. With your adult partner, complete the "A Bobcat Requirement" section in the
front of the Tiger Cub Handbook.
When a boy has completed these requirements, his parent or guardian approves his
work and signs his book. The den leader indicates this on the Tiger Cub Den
Advancement Report and gives the report to the pack committee at the monthly
pack leaders' meeting. The boy is then eligible to receive his Bobcat badge in a
meaningful pack ceremony.
A boy saves the Bobcat badge. When he transitions into the Wolf Cub Scout
program, he will wear the Bobcat badge on the blue uniform shirt on the left
pocket in the top position.
No matter what age or grade a boy joins Cub Scouting, he must earn his Bobcat
badge before he can be awarded the rank of Wolf, Bear, or Webelos.
GO SEE IT
In keeping with the Tiger Cub motto "Search, Discover, Share," Tiger
Cubs and their adult partners should go on a Go See It outing each month. The Go
See It may fulfill part of a Tiger Cub advancement requirement. By going on
these outings, Tiger Cubs can learn about such things as their community or
nearby communities, places where adults work, community services (fire, police,
hospital, etc.), nature centers, animal care facilities, and other places of
interest to young boys.
A well-planned Go See It will benefit everyone involved, providing an
opportunity for boys and adults to
• acquire new interests and knowledge
• develop a deeper understanding of and respect for other people
• reinforce their attitudes of good citizenship, such as courtesy and kindness
• have fun, fun, fun!
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Louisville
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