Tiger Den Leader Guide

Being a Tiger Den Leader is a rewarding experience. You get to help first graders explore the world around them and learn new things. These young Cub Scouts are full of energy and curiosity. They are just beginning their Scouting journey, and you have the opportunity to make it a great start.

The Tiger program is designed to be fun and engaging. The activities help Cub Scouts learn about nature, teamwork, safety, and responsibility. They also get to explore their interests through elective adventures. Each meeting is a chance for them to try something new and develop skills that will help them as they grow.

As a den leader, your role is to guide and encourage them. You don’t have to be an expert in everything. Your job is to help create a positive environment where the Scouts feel safe, included, and excited to participate. Parents play an important role too, as each Tiger has an adult partner who joins them on their journey.

This guide will help you plan meetings, understand the required and elective adventures, and keep your den engaged. You’ll find tips for working with first graders and making meetings fun. The goal is to make Scouting enjoyable for both the Scouts and the leaders. Let’s get started!

Plan Ahead or Chase Tigers!

Planning is key to a smooth-running Cub Scout den. Without a plan, you’ll spend your meetings chasing energetic first graders in every direction. A good plan keeps everyone on track and makes meetings more enjoyable for both the Cub Scouts and the den leader.

Start by looking at the adventures. The Scouts need to complete six required adventures and at least two electives to earn their Tiger badge. Plan your meetings so that all of the required adventures are covered throughout the year. Spread them out so you don’t have too many outdoor activities in bad weather or too many sit-down activities in a row.

As a den leader, you work closely with the adult partners. Each Scout has an adult partner who participates in meetings and activities. Rotate responsibilities so each family gets a chance to help lead a meeting. This keeps everyone involved and makes planning easier.

Den meetings should be structured but flexible. Have a gathering activity as Scouts arrive, followed by an opening, the main activity, and a closing. Young Cub Scouts don’t sit still for long, so plan activities that keep them engaged. A mix of hands-on projects, simple games, and short discussions works best.

Don’t forget to plan for pack events. Your den should participate in pack meetings, service projects, and outings. These events help Scouts feel part of the larger Cub Scout pack and give them more opportunities for fun and learning.

Attend pack leader meetings to stay informed and coordinate your den’s activities with the pack’s calendar. This helps you avoid scheduling conflicts and ensures your Scouts don’t miss out on big events like the Pinewood Derby or Blue and Gold Banquet.

Finally, be prepared, but don’t expect perfection. Sometimes activities don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. Keep a backup game or activity in mind in case you need to adjust. The most important thing is to keep the meetings fun and positive. When Scouts are having fun, they are learning and growing—and so are you!

Adventures: The Tiger Trail

The Tiger program is full of exciting adventures. These activities help first graders explore the world, learn new skills, and build confidence. As a den leader, your job is to guide them through these adventures and make sure they have fun along the way.

Every Cub Scout year starts with the Bobcat adventure. This is the first step in their Cub Scout journey. They learn the Scout Oath and Law, the Cub Scout sign, handshake, and salute. Once they complete Bobcat, they are ready to work on their Tiger adventures.

There are six required adventures that all Tigers must complete. These adventures teach teamwork, healthy habits, safety skills, and respect for others. They also include outdoor activities and a short hike. Each adventure has simple, hands-on activities that help young Scouts learn by doing.

These are the required adventures:

Bobcat

In addition to the required adventures, Tigers choose at least two elective adventures. These give Scouts a chance to explore different interests. They can learn about science, building, sports, and the outdoors. Electives let Scouts discover what they enjoy while earning more awards.

These are the electives you can choose from:

As a den leader, you don’t have to do everything alone. Each Tiger has an adult partner who participates with them. Involve families by rotating leadership for different meetings. This keeps parents engaged and helps everyone feel part of the den.

The most important thing is to keep it fun. Adventures should feel like exciting challenges, not schoolwork. Use games, hands-on activities, and outdoor experiences to bring them to life. When Tigers are having fun, they stay interested and want to come back for more.

Follow the Plan, but Keep It Fun

Den meetings go much smoother when you have a plan. As a den leader, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. There are den meeting plans for each required adventure. These plans give you step-by-step guidance on what to do at each meeting. You can follow them as they are or adjust them to fit your group. You can also create your own plans.

Check back later for meeting plans for the elective adventures. These will be added over time. Electives give your Tigers a chance to explore different interests, so it’s great to mix them in throughout the year.

Tigers in the Wild Den Meeting Plan

It’s also a good idea to plan field trips. These help bring the adventures to life. For example, after working on a safety adventure, visit a fire station to see real firefighters in action. After learning about nature, take a short hike to look for plants and animals. These outings make learning more exciting and give Scouts great memories.

Remember to keep meetings active and engaging. First graders have short attention spans, so mix in games, hands-on projects, and simple discussions. Use the meeting plans to stay organized, but don’t be afraid to be flexible. The goal is to make each meeting fun and meaningful for the Scouts and their families.

Keeping Up with Energetic Tigers

First graders are full of energy and curiosity. They love to move, explore, and try new things. As a den leader, your job is to keep them engaged and focused while making sure they have fun. The best way to do this is by using hands-on activities, simple games, and short discussions. Sitting still for long periods is hard for them, so keep things active.

Positive reinforcement works best at this age. Praise good behavior and participation. Instead of focusing on what they shouldn’t do, remind them of what they should be doing. Simple phrases like “Great job listening!” or “I love how you are helping your teammate!” encourage them to stay on track. A sticker chart or small rewards can also help.

Tigers must always have an adult partner with them, but sometimes the adults just sit off to the side instead of participating. If this happens, remind them that they are part of the program too. One way to get them involved is to assign small tasks, like helping with an activity or leading a game. You can also rotate leadership so each family takes a turn planning part of a meeting. This keeps everyone engaged and makes meetings run more smoothly.

If behavior becomes a challenge, redirect rather than punish. Give simple choices, like “Would you like to sit here or over there?” This helps them feel in control while still following the rules. If a Scout is struggling, ask their adult partner to step in and help. They know their child best and can often get them back on track quickly.

Most of all, keep meetings fun and positive. First graders are still near the beginning of their Scouting journey, and they will follow your lead. If you stay excited and engaged, they will too. When everyone is involved—Scouts, parents, and leaders—meetings are more enjoyable for everyone.

Tips to Keep Your Den Running Smoothly

Being a den leader is a fun and rewarding job, but it helps to have a few tricks up your sleeve. First graders have lots of energy and short attention spans. Keeping them engaged means using a mix of activities, games, and hands-on projects. Plan meetings with variety so there is always something new to look forward to.

Stick to a routine. Start with a gathering activity, then an opening, the main adventure, and a closing. Cub Scouts do best when they know what to expect. A simple routine helps them feel comfortable and keeps meetings moving. Keep transitions quick so Scouts don’t lose focus.

Use positive reinforcement. Praise good behavior instead of focusing on what’s going wrong. If a Scout is paying attention, say, “Thanks for listening!” If they are helping, say, “I love how you are working as a team!” Encouraging words help Tigers stay motivated and feel proud of their efforts.

Make parents part of the team. Tigers must always have an adult partner with them, but sometimes the adults sit back instead of participating. Give them small jobs, like helping with an activity or leading a game. Let them take turns running part of a meeting. When parents are involved, Scouts stay more engaged.

Be flexible. Sometimes an activity doesn’t go as planned. If something isn’t working, move on and try something else. Have a simple backup game or craft ready just in case. The goal is to keep meetings fun and active, not to get everything perfect.

Most of all, enjoy the experience. Tigers are excited to be part of Cub Scouts, and your enthusiasm makes a big difference. If you’re having fun, they will too. Keep things light, be patient, and remember that every meeting is a chance to make great memories.

More Resources

Tiger Bobcat Adventure

The Tiger rank is the first step in Cub Scouting for first graders. It helps them explore the world through fun, hands-on activities. Tigers complete six required adventures that teach teamwork, safety, healthy habits, and outdoor skills. They also learn the Scout Oath and Law as part of the Bobcat adventure. These activities help them grow in confidence and build friendships along the way.

In addition to the required adventures, Tigers choose at least two electives based on their interests. They can learn about nature, science, building, or even archery. As a den leader, your job is to guide them through these experiences, making meetings active and engaging. With the help of their adult partners, Tigers develop important life skills while having fun. The goal is to keep them excited about learning and ready for more Scouting adventures.

See more resources for the Tiger Bobcat Adventure here.

Welcome New Den Leaders

Scout Moms, Dads, and Leaders Facebook group

Ask Scouter Mom a question or share your ideas with others

Printable Tiger Cub Scout requirements

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

Frequently Asked Questions for Tiger Den Leaders

Do Tigers need to have an adult partner at every meeting?

Yes. they must always have an adult partner with them at meetings, outings, and pack events. The adult is there to help and participate, not just watch from the side. Encourage them to be involved in activities with their Scout.

What if a the adult partner doesn’t participate?

Gently remind them that Cub Scouting is a shared experience. Give them small tasks, like helping with an activity or leading a game. Let them know their involvement makes meetings more fun for their child.

How long should a den meeting last?

Keep meetings to 45–60 minutes. First graders have short attention spans, and longer meetings can be overwhelming. Have a simple structure with a gathering activity, opening, main activity, and closing to keep things moving.

What if a Tiger has trouble sitting still or listening?

This is normal at this age. Keep activities short and active. Use hands-on projects, simple games, and movement to keep them engaged. If a Scout is struggling, ask their adult partner to help redirect them.

Can Tigers earn their badge at home instead of attending meetings?

Tigers should complete their adventures with the den as much as possible. Some activities can be done at home if needed, but Scouting is about teamwork and shared experiences. Regular attendance helps them feel part of the group.

How do I handle behavior issues in the den?

Use positive reinforcement. Praise good behavior instead of focusing on the negative. If a Scout is having trouble, gently redirect them. If needed, ask their adult partner to step in and help. Keep things fun and engaging to prevent boredom.

How do I keep the Cub Scouts interested?

Use a mix of activities. First graders love games, crafts, songs, and hands-on projects. Keep things active and exciting. Field trips and outdoor activities also help keep their attention.

Do we have to follow the den meeting plans exactly?

No, they are a guide. You can adjust them to fit your group’s needs. Just make sure to cover all requirements for each adventure so Tigers can earn their badge.

How do I get parents more involved?

Rotate leadership so each family helps plan a meeting. Give parents small jobs during meetings so they stay engaged. Remind them that their participation makes the experience better for their child.

What if a Scout joins later in the year?

Help them catch up by working on missed adventures with their adult partner. Encourage them to attend meetings regularly so they feel included in the group.

What should I do if an activity isn’t working?

Be flexible. If something isn’t going well, move on to a different part of the meeting. Have a backup game or craft ready just in case. The goal is to keep things fun and positive.

Wrangling Tigers and Having Fun

Being a Tiger den leader is an exciting job. You get to guide first graders as they begin their Cub Scout journey. They will learn new skills, make friends, and have fun along the way. Your role is to help create great experiences that keep them excited about Scouting.

Planning ahead will make things easier. Use the den meeting plans to stay organized, but be flexible when things don’t go as expected. Keep meetings short, active, and fun. First graders learn best when they are moving and engaged.

Remember, you are not doing this alone. Each Tiger has an adult partner who should be involved. Encourage parents to help with activities and take turns leading meetings. When everyone works together, meetings run more smoothly, and the Scouts have a better experience.

Most of all, enjoy the time with your den. First graders are full of energy and curiosity. They will ask funny questions, get distracted, and sometimes be a little wild. That’s part of the adventure! Focus on making meetings fun, and the learning will happen naturally.

At the end of the year, your Tigers will have grown in confidence, skills, and teamwork. They will be ready for the next step in their Scouting journey. And you will have helped make it all possible. Keep up the great work, and enjoy every moment!