Tigers in the Wild Den Meeting Plan

Planning an engaging den meeting for Tigers is an exciting way to introduce young Scouts to the outdoors. The Tigers in the Wild adventure is all about exploring nature, learning new skills, and building confidence. It’s a chance for Tigers to discover the world around them while having fun with their friends and family.

This meeting plan includes a mix of hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, and meaningful lessons. The Tigers will practice being prepared, learn about respecting nature, and spend time observing and connecting with the natural world. It’s designed to keep them moving, thinking, and having fun.

Everything in the den meeting plan is simple and age-appropriate, so Tigers can stay focused and excited. From learning about animals to exploring trees and walking outside, this meeting gives Scouts a variety of experiences. It’s also a great opportunity for adult partners to join in and support their Scouts on this adventure.

By the end of the Tigers in the Wild den meeting, Tigers will feel proud of what they’ve learned and ready for more outdoor adventures. This plan is the perfect way to help young Scouts appreciate nature, gain useful skills, and grow in their Scouting journey.

Total Time: 80 Minutes

1. Gathering Activity (5 minutes)
   • Decorate small paper bags for the Six Essentials.
2. Essentials for Adventure: Learning About the Cub Scout Six Essentials (15 minutes)
   • Introduction (3 minutes): Introduce and explain each of the Six Essentials.
   • Hands-On Exploration (8 minutes): Let Tigers hold and discuss the items.
   • Practice Activity (4 minutes): Pack the Six Essentials into their bags.
3. The Outdoor Code: Respecting Nature Together (10 minutes)
   • Introduction (3 minutes): Read and explain the Outdoor Code.
   • Role-Playing Activity (6 minutes): Act out ways to follow the code.
   • Wrap-Up (1 minute): Reinforce the importance of the code.
4. Let’s Take a Nature Walk (20 minutes)
   • Preparation (3 minutes): Quick review of the Six Essentials and set expectations for the walk.
   • Guided Walk (15 minutes): Observe natural and manmade features, discuss findings, and tie in the Outdoor Code.
   • Wrap-Up (2 minutes): Reflect on discoveries and how they practiced the code.
5. Animal Friends Around Us (10 minutes)
   • Discussion (3 minutes): Talk about animals in the area and distinguish between wild and domesticated animals.
   • Sorting Game (4 minutes): Name animals and have Tigers decide if they are wild or domesticated.
   • Drawing Activity (3 minutes): Each Tiger draws their favorite animal and shares why they chose it.
6. Meet a Tree (10 minutes)
   • Introduction (2 minutes): Gather around a tree and introduce the activity.
   • Observation and Discussion (4 minutes): Explore how the tree helps nature and animals.
   • Hands-On Exploration (3 minutes): Feel the bark, look at the leaves, and observe signs of animal activity.
   • Wrap-Up (1 minute): Reflect on what they learned about the tree.
7. Snack Time in the Great Outdoors (5 minutes)
   • Enjoy a themed snack (e.g., trail mix, fruit).
   • Discuss Leave No Trace principles and reflect on favorite activities.
8. Looking Back on Our Adventure: Closing Ceremony (5 minutes)
   • Reflect on the meeting and what the Tigers learned.
   • Tie lessons to a point of the Scout Law (e.g., reverence).
   • Encourage Scouts to share their favorite part of the day.

This timeline ensures all activities fit within an hour while keeping Tigers engaged and covering the requirements for the Tigers in the Wild adventure.

For the Den Leader to Prepare

• For the Gathering Activity
  • Small paper bags (one per Scout).
  • Crayons, markers, and stickers for decorating bags.
• For the Cub Scout Six Essentials Activity
  • A complete set of the Cub Scout Six Essentials:
    • First aid kit.
    • Filled water bottle.
    • Flashlight (with working batteries).
    • Trail food (examples: granola bars, small bag of trail mix).
    • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, or sunglasses).
    • Whistle.
  • Extras in case Scouts don’t have their own.
• For the Learning About the Outdoor Code Activity
  • A printed copy of the Outdoor Code for the group to see.
  • Simple props for role-playing scenarios (optional, like a piece of trash for cleanup practice).
• For the Nature Walk
  • A checklist or simple guide for identifying natural and manmade objects (optional).
  • A bag for any trash picked up during the walk.
• For the Animals Activity
  • Pictures or cards with local animal examples (optional).
  • Paper and crayons for drawing animals (one sheet per Scout).
• For the Snack Break
  • Trail mix, granola bars, or pre-packed fruit snacks.
  • Napkins or paper towels.
  • Trash and recycling bags.

Things to Ask Parents to Provide or Help With

• Each Tiger should bring their own Cub Scout Six Essentials if they have them.
• Parents can contribute snacks or drinks for the group.
• Parent partners can help supervise and engage with the Tigers during the activities.

Leader’s To-Do List Before the Meeting

• Confirm the meeting location and ensure it’s suitable for a short outdoor walk.
• Gather all materials needed for each activity.
• Print or prepare visuals (like the Outdoor Code or animal pictures) if needed.
• Communicate with parents beforehand to remind them about items their Scouts should bring and how they can help.
• Review the plan and prepare to lead discussions and activities in simple, kid-friendly language.

By being prepared with these materials and a little help from parents, the meeting will run smoothly and be fun for everyone!

Planning a fun and engaging den meeting for first graders can be an exciting challenge. The Tigers in the Wild adventure is all about helping young Scouts explore nature and learn some outdoor basics. This adventure gives Tigers the chance to be outside, observe the world around them, and discover new things with their den and families.

To get started, we’ll have a simple gathering activity as Scouts arrive. Each Tiger can decorate a small paper bag to hold their Cub Scout Six Essentials. We’ll provide crayons, markers, and stickers so they can make their bags their own. This activity is easy to set up and gives the Tigers something fun to do while everyone gets settled.

This meeting plan will guide you through an hour of activities that cover all of the requirements for this adventure. It includes hands-on learning, a little walking, and a lot of fun. Tigers will practice outdoor skills, explore their surroundings, and learn about nature and animals. There’s even time to enjoy a snack and reflect on what they’ve learned.

The best part about this plan is how it keeps things simple and enjoyable for young Scouts. Tigers will stay active and engaged, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and share their thoughts. This meeting is a great way to build excitement for outdoor adventures and give Scouts confidence in exploring the world around them.

Let’s get started!

Essentials for Adventure: What Every Tiger Needs

Learning about the Cub Scout Six Essentials is a key part of being prepared for outdoor adventures. These items are simple things that can make a big difference when you’re outside. They help Scouts stay safe and comfortable while exploring nature. For Tigers, this is an exciting way to begin learning basic outdoor skills.

In this meeting, Tigers will discover what the Six Essentials are and why they’re important. They’ll also get hands-on practice to see how each item is used. This is a great opportunity for them to build confidence in their ability to prepare for outdoor fun.

By the end of the activity, Tigers will be proud of their new knowledge and excited to use their essentials during outdoor adventures.

1. Introduction (3 minutes)
   • Gather the Tigers in a circle.
   • Hold up one item at a time and name it.
   • Briefly explain why each item is important. For example:
     • “This is a first aid kit. It helps if someone gets hurt.”
     • “A water bottle keeps you hydrated while hiking.”
2. Hands-On Exploration (8 minutes)
   • Let each Scout hold and look at the items one by one.
   • Ask simple, interactive questions to keep them engaged:
     • “What do you think we use this for?”
     • “Why is it important to have water when hiking?”
   • Encourage Tigers to share if they’ve ever used one of these items before.
3. Practice Activity (4 minutes)
   • Give each Tiger a chance to “pack” the Six Essentials into a backpack or their decorated bag from the gathering activity.
   • As they pack, ask them to repeat the name and purpose of each item. This helps reinforce learning.

• Keep explanations short and simple. First graders learn best with hands-on experiences and examples.
• Use enthusiasm to show that these items are fun and important.
• Be prepared for questions. If they ask something, connect it back to the purpose of the essentials.
• Praise the Scouts for learning how to be prepared. Say something like:
  • “Now you know how to get ready for an outdoor adventure. Great job!”
• Encourage them to use what they learned next time they go outside with their families.

By the end of this activity, Tigers will feel confident and excited about being prepared with their Six Essentials!

The Outdoor Code: Respecting Nature Together

The Outdoor Code is an important part of being a Scout. It helps us remember how to take care of the world around us. It’s like a promise we make to nature. When we follow the Outdoor Code, we are showing that we care about the earth, the animals, and other people.

At the meeting, we will take some time to talk about what the Outdoor Code means. We will go over each part of it so the Tigers understand how to use it when they are outside. The code is all about keeping the outdoors clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.

To make it fun, we’ll do a role-playing activity. Each Scout will get to act out a way to follow the Outdoor Code. For example, one Scout might pretend to pick up trash, while another shows how to stay on a trail. This will help the Tigers remember the code and think about how to use it.

This can be reinforced during the nature walk (next). By the end, they’ll know how to respect nature and make good choices when they’re outside.

1. Introduction (3 minutes)
   • Gather the Tigers in a circle where they can see the Outdoor Code.
   • Say: “The Outdoor Code helps us remember how to take care of nature. It’s like a promise we make to the earth.”
   • Read the code aloud slowly. After each line, pause and explain it briefly in simple terms. For example:
     • “Be clean in my outdoor manners”: “This means we don’t leave trash behind.”
     • “Be careful with fire”: “This means we don’t play with fire and always ask an adult for help.”
     • “Be considerate in the outdoors”: “This means we share nature with others and don’t bother animals or plants.”
     • “Be conservation-minded”: “This means we protect nature so it will be here in the future.”
2. Role-Playing Activity (6 minutes)
   • Tell the Tigers: “Now we’re going to act out how we follow the Outdoor Code!”
   • Call on a Scout to act out one part of the code. Use prompts like:
     • “Show me how to be clean in your outdoor manners.” (Pretend to pick up trash.)
     • “Show me how to be careful with fire.” (Pretend to stay back from a fire and ask an adult for help.)
     • “Show me how to be considerate in the outdoors.” (Pretend to watch a bird quietly or step around plants.)
     • “Show me how to be conservation-minded.” (Pretend to recycle or save water.)
   • Encourage Scouts to cheer or clap after each role-play.

• Ask: “Why do you think the Outdoor Code is important?”
• Say: “Great job, everyone! Now we know how to take care of nature when we’re outside. We’ll practice this during our walk.”
• Keep explanations simple and interactive.
• Let the Tigers use their imaginations during the role-play.
• Use positive reinforcement to encourage participation.

By the end of this activity, Tigers will understand the Outdoor Code and feel confident using it in real life.

Let’s Take a Nature Walk

The best way to learn about the outdoors is to go out and explore. For this part of the meeting, we’ll take a 20-minute walk. Tigers will get to see, hear, and feel the world around them. It’s a great chance to use the Six Essentials they just learned about.

During the walk, we’ll look for things that are natural, like trees, rocks, and animals. We’ll also notice things that are manmade, like buildings, fences, or trash. We’ll talk about the difference between the two and why it’s important to take care of the natural world.

This is also a time for Tigers to ask questions and share what they see. If they notice something interesting, we’ll stop and talk about it. We might find a squirrel climbing a tree or a cool-shaped rock. These moments make the walk fun and exciting for young Scouts.

The walk will take about 20 minutes. We’ll keep a slow and steady pace so everyone can explore without feeling rushed. By the end, Tigers will have a better understanding of their surroundings and how to respect nature. It’s a simple and enjoyable way to connect with the outdoors.

1. Start with a Quick Review (2 minutes):
   Before heading out, remind the Tigers to bring their Six Essentials. Say:
   • “We’re going to use what we learned about the Six Essentials on our walk today!”
   • Ask, “What do you think we’ll see outside? What should we look for?”
2. Set Expectations (1 minute):
   • Explain the rules for the walk:
     • Stay with the group.
     • Walk, don’t run.
     • Keep your eyes and ears open for interesting things.
   • Say: “Let’s see if we can find natural things and manmade things. When you see something, let us know!”
3. Start the Walk (15 minutes):
   • Begin walking at a slow pace so the Tigers have time to observe their surroundings.
   • Encourage Scouts to call out what they see:
     • “That’s a tree! Is it natural or manmade?”
     • “Look, there’s a bench! That’s manmade.”
   • Pause occasionally to discuss interesting discoveries:
     • If they see a squirrel, ask, “What do you think it’s doing? How does it use the trees?”
     • If they find trash, discuss why it’s important to clean up after ourselves.
4. Tie in the Outdoor Code:
   • As you walk, remind Scouts of the Outdoor Code. For example:
     • “We’re being clean in our outdoor manners by not leaving trash behind.”
     • “We’re being considerate by staying on the trail and not stepping on plants.”
5. Wrap Up (2 minutes):
   • At the end of the walk, gather everyone and ask:
     • “What was your favorite thing you saw on our walk?”
     • “What’s one way we helped nature today?”

• Keep the pace slow so the Tigers can explore without feeling rushed.
• Be ready to stop and answer questions or talk about what the Tigers find.
• Encourage enthusiasm and curiosity to make the walk fun and engaging for the Scouts.

By the end of the walk, the Tigers will have experienced nature firsthand and practiced what they’ve learned about respecting the outdoors. It’s a simple way to build their confidence and connection to the natural world.

Animal Friends Around Us

Learning about animals is always exciting for Tigers. For this part of the meeting, we’ll talk about the animals that live in our area. Some of these animals might live in the wild, like birds or squirrels. Others might live with people, like dogs and cats. It’s fun to think about how animals live and what makes them special.

First, we’ll talk about the animals we see every day. I’ll ask the Tigers to share what animals they’ve seen in their neighborhoods, at the park, or even in their own backyards. Then we’ll talk about which animals are wild and which ones are domesticated. Wild animals live on their own in nature. Domesticated animals live with people and depend on them for food and care.

Next, we’ll play a sorting game. I’ll name an animal, and the Tigers will decide if it’s wild or domesticated. We’ll use simple examples, like deer or rabbits for wild animals and cows or goldfish for domesticated ones. This helps the Scouts understand the difference in a fun way.

After the game, each Tiger will draw a picture of their favorite animal. It can be any animal they like, whether it’s wild or domesticated. They’ll share their drawings with the group and explain why they picked that animal. By the end, Tigers will know more about animals and have a fun picture to take home!

1. Start with a Discussion (3 minutes):
   • Gather the Tigers in a circle and say:
     • “Let’s talk about the animals we see around us every day. Can you think of some animals you’ve seen in your neighborhood, at the park, or in your backyard?”
   • As they share, write down their answers or repeat them aloud to keep everyone engaged.
   • Ask: “Do you think these animals live on their own, or do they live with people?”
   • Explain the difference between wild and domesticated animals in simple terms:
     • “Wild animals live in nature and find their own food and shelter. Domesticated animals live with people, like pets or farm animals, and people take care of them.”
2. Sorting Game (4 minutes):
   • Say: “Now we’re going to play a game. I’ll name an animal, and you tell me if it’s wild or domesticated.”
   • Start with easy examples like:
     • “Dog?” (Domesticated)
     • “Squirrel?” (Wild)
     • “Cat?” (Domesticated)
     • “Deer?” (Wild)
   • Encourage Tigers to shout out their answers or raise their hands.
3. Animal Drawing Activity (3 minutes):
   • Hand out paper and crayons to each Scout.
   • Say: “Now it’s time to draw your favorite animal. It can be any animal you like, wild or domesticated!”
   • Give them a few minutes to draw and then ask each Scout to share their picture with the group.
   • Ask: “Why did you pick that animal?”

• Keep the discussion lively and interactive by encouraging Tigers to share their ideas and observations.
• Use enthusiasm during the sorting game to make it fun and engaging.
• Keep the drawing time short and focused but allow Scouts to take their picture home to finish later if needed.

By the end of this activity, the Tigers will have learned about animals in their area and had fun thinking about their favorite ones. They’ll also feel proud of their creativity with their animal drawings.

Meet a Tree

Trees are amazing, and we’re going to take some time to really notice one up close. Together, we’ll find a tree near where we’re meeting. Once we pick one, we’ll stop and take a good look at it. This is a chance for Tigers to explore and learn more about something they see every day.

We’ll talk about how the tree is helpful. I’ll ask questions like, “What do you think this tree does for us?” We’ll talk about how trees give us oxygen to breathe, provide shade to cool us down, and even give food or homes to animals. Tigers might notice birds in the branches or squirrels nearby.

Next, we’ll take a moment to touch the tree and observe its parts. The Scouts can feel the bark, look at the leaves, and see if there are any seeds or nuts on the ground. I’ll ask, “What do you notice about this tree?” Tigers might talk about how tall it is, how rough the bark feels, or how big the leaves are.

This activity is simple but gives the Tigers a new way to look at nature. By the end, they’ll have a better idea of how trees help the world around us. It’s a quiet, thoughtful activity that helps them feel connected to nature.

1. Introduce the Activity (2 minutes):
   • Gather the Tigers and say:
     • “Today, we’re going to meet a tree! Trees are amazing because they help us in so many ways. Let’s take a closer look at one together.”
   • Lead the group to the tree you’ve chosen.
2. Observation and Discussion (4 minutes):
   • Stand with the Tigers around the tree. Ask them:
     • “What do you notice about this tree? What does it look like?”
     • “How do you think this tree helps us or the animals that live nearby?”
   • Use their answers to guide the conversation, highlighting key points:
     • Trees give us oxygen to breathe.
     • Trees provide shade to keep us cool.
     • Trees are homes and food sources for animals like birds and squirrels.
3. Hands-On Exploration (3 minutes):
   • Encourage Tigers to gently touch the tree. Ask them:
     • “How does the bark feel? Is it rough or smooth?”
     • “Can you see any leaves, seeds, or nuts? What do they look like?”
   • Invite them to look for signs of animals, like nests, bird sounds, or squirrel activity.
4. Reflect and Wrap Up (1 minute):
   • Ask the Tigers:
     • “What is your favorite thing about this tree?”
     • “Why do you think trees are important?”
   • Conclude by saying:
     • “Trees are a big part of nature, and they help us in so many ways. We can take care of trees by not damaging them and by planting new ones when we can.”

• Keep the conversation simple and allow the Tigers to share their observations freely.
• Be ready to point out interesting features of the tree if the Scouts need a little guidance.
• Encourage them to stay curious and respectful toward the tree and its surroundings.

By the end of this activity, the Tigers will feel more connected to nature and understand why trees are such an important part of the world around them.

After all our activities, it’s time for a snack! This is a great way to take a break and recharge. We’ll enjoy a snack that matches our outdoor theme, like trail mix, fruit, or granola bars. It’s something simple and easy to eat while still fitting the adventure spirit.

While the Tigers are eating, we’ll talk about Leave No Trace principles. I’ll remind them that when we eat outside, it’s important to take care of the environment. We’ll make sure every wrapper or leftover goes into the trash or recycling. I’ll ask, “Why do you think it’s important to clean up after ourselves?” This helps them connect what they’re doing to taking care of nature.

This is also a good time to reflect on what we’ve done so far. I’ll ask the Tigers to share something they’ve enjoyed during the meeting. Maybe they liked learning about animals, exploring with their Six Essentials, or discovering something new about trees. Sharing is a nice way to keep the group connected.

It’s a simple, relaxing moment that also teaches a good lesson about respecting the outdoors. By the end, everyone will be ready for the next part of the adventure!

At the end of the meeting, we’ll take a few minutes to reflect on everything we’ve done. I’ll ask the Tigers, “What was your favorite part of today’s meeting?” Each Scout will have a chance to share something they enjoyed. It might be the nature walk, learning about animals, or discovering how trees help us.

Then we’ll talk about what we learned. I’ll remind them how the Six Essentials help us be prepared when we’re outside. I’ll ask, “Why is it important to take care of nature?” This will help connect the activities to the bigger idea of respecting the outdoors.

Next, we’ll tie it all together with a point of the Scout Law. I’ll say, “Today, we practiced being reverent by respecting the earth. Being reverent means appreciating nature and taking care of it.” We’ll talk about how following the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace are ways to live by the Scout Law.

It’s a quiet, thoughtful way to end the meeting. By the time we’re done, the Tigers will feel proud of what they’ve learned and ready to explore nature even more. It’s a great way to wrap up the adventure!

Tigers in the Wild

The Tigers in the Wild adventure helps Tiger Cub Scouts explore the outdoors and learn important skills. Tigers and their adult partners spend time outside discovering nature. They practice being prepared by learning about the Cub Scout Six Essentials. These items help them stay safe and ready for outdoor fun.

Tigers also learn the Outdoor Code, which teaches them to care for and respect nature. They explore trees, animals, and the environment, building a connection to the outdoors. This adventure helps Tigers gain confidence, develop a love for nature, and practice Scouting values while having fun outside.

See more resources for Tigers in the Wild.

How long will this Tigers in the Wild Den Meeting Plan take?

The meeting is planned to take about 80 minutes.

Do the Scouts need to bring anything for the Tigers in the Wild Den Meeting Plan?

Tigers should bring their Cub Scout Six Essentials if they have them.

Can parents stay and help with the Tigers in the Wild Den Meeting?

Yes, adult partners should participate. Parents can assist with activities, supervise during the nature walk, and join in the fun.

What happens if the weather is bad for the Tigers in the Wild Den Meeting?

If it’s raining or too cold, activities can be moved indoors. The nature walk can be delayed and replaced with a discussion about natural and manmade objects or other hands-on indoor activities.

What snack should we provide for the Tigers in the Wild Den Meeting?

A simple snack like trail mix, granola bars, or fruit is great. Make sure the snack is easy to clean up and follows Leave No Trace principles.

Do I need to prepare anything before the Tigers in the Wild Den Meeting?

Yes, the den leader should gather materials for the activities, such as the Six Essentials, crayons, paper, and snacks. They should also choose a safe location for the nature walk and tree observation.

Will this Tigers in the Wild Den Meeting cover all the requirements for the adventure?

Yes, this meeting plan is designed to complete all the Tigers in the Wild adventure requirements.

Can siblings join in the Tigers in the Wild Den Meeting?

Siblings can join in with the den leader’s permission, but the focus will stay on helping the Tigers meet their adventure requirements.

What should we wear for the Tigers in the Wild Den Meeting?

Tigers should wear comfortable clothes and appropriate shoes for outdoor activities. A Cub Scout uniform is not required for this meeting.

This Tigers in the Wild den meeting plan is a great way to introduce Tigers to the wonders of nature and outdoor adventures. The activities are simple, engaging, and help Scouts learn important skills like being prepared, respecting nature, and exploring the world around them. By the end of the meeting, Tigers will feel proud of what they’ve accomplished and excited to go on more adventures.

The best part of this Tigers in the Wild den meeting plan is how it combines learning and fun. Tigers get hands-on experiences with their Six Essentials, practice the Outdoor Code, and connect with nature through a walk, a tree observation, and a discussion about animals. Each activity is designed to spark curiosity and help Scouts build confidence while having a great time.

As leaders and parents, this meeting is also a chance to bond with the Scouts and support them as they grow. You’ll see their excitement as they discover new things and share their thoughts about the world around them.

With this Tigers in the Wild den meeting plan, you’re not just leading a den meeting—you’re helping young Scouts build a foundation for outdoor adventures and a lifelong appreciation for nature. So grab your Six Essentials, head outside, and get ready to make memories with your Tigers!