Den Leader Guide: Tigers (1st Grade)

Overview

Tigers is the Cub Scouting program for first graders. Like Lions, every Tiger Cub Scout must have a parent or other caring adult (Adult Partner) present at all meetings and activities. The den uses a shared leadership model, rotating the host team responsibility among families each month. Tiger meetings are typically held twice a month.

Key Facts


School grade	1st Grade
Meeting frequency	Typically twice a month
Adult partner required?	Yes — required at all meetings and activities
Leadership model	Shared — each family takes a turn as host team
Den number (2024–25)	Den 1
Current leader	[vacant]

The Shared Leadership Model

Same model as Lions — each month, a different family serves as the host team, planning and running that month’s adventure activities. Rotate through all families.

Meeting Structure

Gathering — Host adult partner leads activity as Scouts arrive; den leader and assistant collect dues, take attendance, check requirements
Opening — Song, yell, pledge, or uniform inspection
Talk Time — Discuss den activities, plans, and announcements
Activities — Cub Scouts complete activities for the current adventure (host family leads)
Closing — Den leader gives reminders and closing thought; brief inspirational closing ceremony; host adult partner helps restore the room
After the Meeting — Den leader and assistant discuss next meeting’s plans

Tiger Uniform

Navy blue Cub Scout uniform shirt
Navy blue pants, shorts, or skort
Blue web belt
Orange neckerchief, slide, and cap

Training and Resources

Required: YPT + Den Leader Position-Specific Training (CS19) at my.Scouting.org
Scoutbook: After approval, log in as Den Leader for Tiger meeting plans
Handbook: Cub Scout Tiger Handbook & Adult Partner Guide
Source guide: docs/Training/Positions/Den Leader/New Lion or Tiger Den Leader Guide.md

Tips for New Tiger Den Leaders

Tigers usually work on the Bobcat badge at their first meeting — review Bobcat requirements before your first meeting
With adult partners at every meeting, you have lots of help — assign jobs to parents and rotate
Tigers (1st graders) are beginning to develop independence but still need adult guidance and structure
Two meetings a month gives more flexibility for the full adventure curriculum