TIGER SCOUTS

Big Idea 1:  Getting To Know You
York Adams Area Council

General

This Big idea is the first theme of the Tiger Den.  Boy Scouts of America wants the Tiger Den to become a team and the best way to guarantee it’s success is for everyone to get to know one another.  The Tiger and his partner will also become a team as they run their designated monthly theme.  Using this Big Idea, allows them to also get to know one another better.

This is the one theme that is done by the Tiger Cub Leader with the group to show them how to run a meeting when it becomes their turn.  The group them continues with this theme for the month.  Family Activities are encouraged to strengthen the Tiger/partner bond.

The First Meeting: The Tiger Cub Leader will need to be prepared for this one.  He/she should have the list of names of both Tigers and his partner and activities planned.  These should be copied out so that each team has a copy to facilitate communication within the den.  The Leader will also need to have an agenda with specific items to be discussed.  He/she should have the Tiger Den Notebook ready to be passed on.  This should include the roster of the Tiger Den, a list of the Pack’s leadership with telephone numbers, a Pack Calendar of Events, the Tiger Cub Resource book and a monthly list for sign-up.

The Tiger Cub Leader should also have a simple craft for the Tiger Teams to complete.  Boys love making things, and this gives them something to take home and show off to their friends.  This craft has a twofold  purpose; to give the tiger Team something of which to remember their first meeting and to show others what fun Tiger Cubs can be. Remember, when his friends see how much fun the Tiger is having, they also will want to join.

Gathering Activity: As the Tiger Teams arrive, have a  simple puzzle for the tiger to put together.  This could be just a picture of the Tiger logo glued to card stock,  cut apart and placed in an envelop. Try to have one for each tiger. While the boys are putting the puzzle together, check with the Tiger Partner for the correct spelling of names and that you have correct addresses and telephone number.  If they have not received their Tiger Packets, now is the time to distribute them.

Opening: Begin the program with the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance to the US Flag.  Following this, the Tiger Cub Leader introduces his/herself and explains their role. He/she can then explain the Tiger Cub motto or pledge.

Searching/Discovering/Sharing: This is the time of information sharing. Start this session with having each boy introduce his partner, explain their relationship, and share his ideas of a favorite food or dessert.  This can be a fun time, leading to lots of smiles as the partner finds out what his/her favorite actually is in the boy’s eyes.  Next the Tiger Cub Den Leader begins her information sharing.  He/she will cover the basics of the Tiger program, assist the Den in choosing a Tiger Cub Coordinator, and discuss the contents of the Tiger packets.  Uniforming is then discussed and the den is encouraged to make a decision. Set a time limit for the Tigers to have their uniforms. When discussing the uniform, it helps if the Leader has examples.

The Tiger Cub Leader will want to discuss how a meeting works. He/she will discuss the assignment of Teams to take a monthly theme and encourages the Teams to sign-up and helping them to choose their monthly themes. Den activities can be suggested and the Leader will review Pack Policy concerning ‘field trips.’

At this point, the Tigers are getting restless and need some activity. One such activity that will last them the entire year is the making of a Tiger Tales Scrapbook.  Explain that this book is to be used to put their thoughts and momentos of their year in Tigers into.  The scrapbook can be just prepunched typing paper placed in either a orange three-prong folder or covered with orange construction paper.  The Tiger then can decorate his scrapbook in whatever manner he desires. He may have his partner letter the scrapbook for him. Have plenty of Tiger stickers, crayons, markers and other decorations for the Tiger to use.

Closing: The Tiger Cub Leader uses this time to remind the Tiger Group that they are now a Den and of any upcoming Pack events, especially the first Pack meeting. He/she then closes the meeting with the Cub Scout Promise.

Meeting Ideas

1. Make a Den totem to place on top of the Tiger Den Flag

2. Have everyone make a name tag necklaces.

3. Make a Tiger Cub magnet---using an orange milk jug lid, cover edge with #674529 tape or yarn, glue a magnetic strip to the back.

4. Set up a monthly meeting poster. Decorate it with Tiger pictures. Have everyone fill in their assigned months. Post at Den meetings.

5. Discuss what you would like to do and see as a Tiger.

6. Have the partner draw a picture of his/herself with their Tiger doing a favorite activity. Have the Tiger color and place in his scrapbook.