Tiger Stories in Shapes Adventure

Adventure Type: Elective adventure
Number of Requirements: 4
Typical Time to Complete: 1–2 den meetings
Parent Involvement: Required, Tiger adult partner participation
Preparation Needed: Low to moderate
Activity Level: Low
Indoor or Outdoor: Both
Special Requirements: Explore community art, create shape-based art, learn Braille and sign language
Supplies Snapshot: Art images or local artwork, paper, crayons or markers, scissors, glue, Braille alphabet chart, sign language alphabet chart

The Tiger Stories in Shapes Adventure helps Tiger Scouts explore art and creativity while learning about shapes and patterns. As they look at artwork in their community, they begin to notice how artists use circles, squares, triangles, and other shapes to create interesting designs. This helps Tigers connect art with the shapes they see every day.

Tigers also get to create their own artwork using shapes. Through hands-on activities, they practice observation, imagination, and problem-solving. Along the way, they learn to share their ideas and talk about what they enjoy in different works of art.

This adventure also introduces Tigers to Braille and sign language. By learning new ways people communicate, Scouts gain a better understanding of others and build respect for different abilities and experiences.

Printable requirements for the Tiger Stories in Shapes Adventure

Check off sheet to keep track of your den's progress on the Tiger Stories in Shapes Adventure

Printable checkoff sheet for the Tiger Badge (for den or individual use)

Requirement 2: Talk About What You Like

Look closely at art or a picture of art with your den or Tiger adult partner. Decide what you like about the art, and share your ideas with your den, family or Tiger adult partner. 

Tigers learn that there are no right or wrong answers when talking about art. This activity builds confidence as they practice sharing opinions and listening to others. Encourage simple answers such as “I like the colors” or “The shapes remind me of a house.”

Easy Option: Show a picture of artwork at a den meeting and have each Tiger share one thing they like about it.

Here are some more options:

• Art on Display part 2: This activity is designed to be done in combination with requirement 1 and the Art on Display activity at an art museum. 
• Art Trail part 2: This activity is designed to be done in combination with requirement 1 and the Art Trail activity. 
• Virtual Tour of Art 2: This activity is designed to be done in combination with requirement 1 and the Virtual Tour of Art activity.

Requirement 3: Create Art Using Shapes

Create a piece of art using shapes.

This is the hands-on part of the adventure. Tigers use shapes to make something original while practicing creativity and problem-solving. Let them experiment and create freely without worrying about making the artwork look a certain way.

Easy Option: Provide pre-cut circles, squares, and triangles. Have Tigers glue them onto paper to create a picture of an animal, vehicle, or scene.

Here are more resources:

• Circle Art: Use circles of different sizes and colors to create patterns.
• Folding Art: Make an origami cat. 
• My Art From Shapes: Using the shapes in the Tiger Handbook make a piece of art.
• Spiral Art: Make a drawing using a spiral stencil set.
• Tangram Animals: Using tangrams make animal shapes. 

Requirement 4: Spell Your Name in Braille and Sign Language

Learn how to spell your name in Braille and sign language.

This requirement introduces Tigers to different ways people communicate. It helps build awareness and respect for people with different abilities. Keep the activity simple and fun, focusing on learning something new rather than memorizing everything.

Easy Option: Print a Braille alphabet chart and an American Sign Language alphabet chart. Have each Tiger use the charts to spell their name in both systems.

Learn more about the Braille alphabet

Learn more about American sign language

More resources:

• Get To Know Me and Sign Language: Invite someone who is deaf or an interpreter for the deaf to visit the den.  
• Reading with Your Hands: Using puffy round stickers spell your name in braille. 
• The Art of Sign Language: Cub Scouts will learn about American Sign Language and how to sign their name. 

The Tiger Stories in Shapes Adventure offers Tiger Cub Scouts a unique blend of art, creativity, and communication. Through various engaging activities, Tigers explore how shapes form the basis of both art and communication, broadening their understanding and appreciation of visual languages.

The adventure starts with Tigers exploring art in their local communities, which helps them connect with their surroundings and learn about cultural expressions through art. This exposure to local art not only fosters an appreciation for aesthetics but also encourages discussions about what they observe, allowing them to practice articulating their thoughts and feelings.

Following this, Tigers dive into creating their own art using shapes. This hands-on activity for the Tiger Stories in Shapes Adventure reinforces their understanding of geometric concepts and allows them to express their creativity in tangible form. By manipulating shapes to create artwork, they learn about balance, symmetry, and design, which are fundamental aspects of both art and mathematics.

Additionally, Tigers learn to spell their names using Braille and sign language, adding an inclusive and educational layer to the adventure. This not only introduces them to new ways of communicating but also fosters empathy and awareness of different abilities.

The Tiger Stories in Shapes Adventure is a multifaceted experience that enriches Tigers’ minds and expands their creative and communicative skills. It’s an adventure that shapes young minds through art, math, and inclusive communication.