 THE TIGER CUB PROGRAM
AN INTRODUCTION GUIDE FOR TIGER CUBS AND THEIR ADULT PARTNERS
How It Works...
When Tiger Cubs Meet...
What Is Shared Leadership...
What About Uniforms...
Planning For Meetings...
Advancement...
Tiger Cub Badge...
Electives...
Helping Your Boy Along the Trial...
Your boy is growing up fast. Just look at how quickly he outgrows his clothes! Ten years from now, he'll be 16 or 17 years old. Wow!
As he is growing, you can give him something that can help him develop self-assurance as he builds respect for other people. And he and you will both have fun doing it.
This adventure with him begins with Tiger Cubs - a program of exciting indoor and outdoor activities just right for a boy who is in first grade and/or is 7 years old. You are there with him as his support and guide, but you don't do things for him. He will learn by doing things himself. And as he learns and grows, your relationship with him will grow, too.
At the end of the school year, he will graduate into a Wolf Cub Scout den. Later, he will be in a Bear den, and then he'll become a Webelos Scout. After Webelos it's on to the adventure of Boy Scouting; where you can earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest rank in Boy Scouting.
Your Boy, Scouting, and You
As a parent or caring adult, you want your boy to grow up to be a self-reliant and dependable, worthy and caring. Scouting has these same goals in mind for him.
The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America is to provide an educational program for boys and young adults to build desirable qualities of character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop persona fitness. Personal fitness includes physical, mental, and emotional fitness.
Since 1910 the BSA has been weaving lifetime values into fun and educational activities. These activities are designed to help families teach their sons how to make good decisions throughout theirs lives and give them confidence as they become the adult leaders to tomorrow. Tiger Cubs give you opportunities to share your ideals, values, and dreams with your boy.
As a Tiger Cub, your boy will be a part of a group of boys his own age called a den. With his den, he can build confidence and self-esteem and earn recognition. He will also gain a sense of personal achievement from the new skills he learns. The Tiger Cub motto - Search, Discovery, Share - will encourage him to reach out into this world.
These days, boys are often taught that winning is everything. But Tiger Cubs teaches them to do their best and to be helpful to others. This is expressed in the Cub Scout Promise, the Cub Scout motto, and the Law of the Pack, which is will learn in Tiger Cubs.
TIGER CUBS - HOW DOES IT WORK?
Your Tiger Cub will be a member of a den. Most dens have five to nine boy-adult partner teams, meet twice a month in a den meeting, and have one outing a month, called a Go See It. The den also takes part in the monthly pack meetings. During den meetings, Go See It outings, and pack meetings, boys learn new things and have fun.
Each den meeting and den activity is led by a den leader and an adult partner of one of the Tiger Cubs. An adult partner can be a parent, relative, or friend who is at least 18 years old and who cares about the boy. Each adult partner takes a turn working with the den leader to plan and lead a den meeting and/or activity. (You'll read more about this shared leadership later.)
Your Tiger Cub is also a member of a Cub Scout pack. Most packs are made up of several dens that gather monthly at a pack meeting. Pack meetings usually follow a suggested theme and are a time for boys to be recognized for their accomplishments during the month, to perform skits and songs they have learned in den meetings, and to have fun with the entire family.
Packs are led by a Cubmaster and pack committee. Like the den leaders, the Cubmaster and assistants are volunteer leaders and are usually family members of boys in the pack. The pack committee makes plans for pack meetings and activities and takes care of the "business" items that are necessary for a pack to operate smoothly.
Most pack committees consist of family members and members of the pack's chartered organization. The chartered organization is the community organization that is granted a charter by the Boy Scouts of America to use the Scouting program. This chartered organization might be a school, service club, religious group, or other group interested in youth. The chartered organization approves the leadership of the pack, provides a meeting place, and operates the pack within the guidelines and policies of that organization and the BSA.
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When Do Tiger Cubs Meet?
To experience the fun, excitement, and other benefits of Cub Scouting, you and your Tiger Cub will do the following things each month:
Go to two one-hour den meetings at the host adult partner's home or other location. Leaders will try to hold the meetings at a time that is convenient for all adult partners and is appropriate for boys of Tiger Cub age. Some dens meet at a school, a place of worship, or the location of their chartered organization. But meetings can be held almost anywhere-in a basement, recreation room, backyard, or park - as long as the meeting location is safe for boys and their families.
Take a field trip, or Go See It, with the entire den. The Go See It is a planned field trip to a place that is interesting to boys. It may be associated with the monthly theme
Attend the Cub Scout pack meeting.
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WHAT IS SHARED LEADERSHIP?
The success of a Tiger Cub den depends on active, enthusiastic families and a knowledgeable, well-trained den leader. The den leader plans and carries out a year - round program of activities for the Tiger Cub den and gives continuity to the program. Each month, however, the den leader also works with a different boy-adult partner team to plan the two monthly den meetings, the Go See It, and the den's part in the pack meeting. (Some teams may serve more than one month, depending on how big the den is.) This is called shared leadership.
Shared leadership is a key part of Tiger Cubs because the direct involvement of you and other adults is important for boys at this age. Shared leadership also gives each boy and adult partner a chance to lead, often resulting in an interesting variety of activities as each boy - adult partner team shares its knowledge and resources.
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TIGER CUB UNIFORMING
The uniform is an important part of the Scouting program. It identifies the boys and adults with Tiger Cubs and gives them a sense of belonging to the den, the pack, and the Boy Scouts of America. Most boys enjoy wearing their Tiger Cub uniform. They should wear it to all den meetings, pack meetings, and special pack activities.
The uniform for the Tiger Cub is the official Cub Scout Blue shirt, neckerchief, neckerchief slide, and belt. More information here.
The Tiger Cub den leader wears the official Cub Scout leader uniform, the Tiger Cub cap, and the Tiger Cub leader neckerchief.
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Planning the Tiger Cub Den Meeting
With shared leadership, each month a different boy-adult partner works with the Tiger Cub den leader to plan the two monthly den meetings and the Go See It. Together, they also organize the participation of the den at the monthly pack meeting. It is important that each boy-adult partner team has a turn at planning and conducting the den activities.
The Tiger Cub Den Meeting Program form, found in the Cub Scout Leader Book, helps leaders and boy - adult partner teams plan weekly Tiger Cub meetings.
The den meetings will be based on the theme of the month (see "Using the Monthly Theme in the Den Meeting" below) or on one of the den activity parts of an achievement. (You'll read more about the three parts of achievements below.)
The Tiger Cub den leader and the host adult partner can also use the resources of other families in the den for den activities. Let the boys give their ideas, too. See "Tiger Cub Den Resources" on page 17 for creative program ideas. Remember: A well-planned den meeting will hold the boys' interest, and they will be excited to return.
Using the Monthly Theme In the Den Meeting
Each year, Cub Scout Program Helps (No. 34304) suggests 12 monthly themes suitable for Tiger Cubs and Cub Scouts. This annual publication includes songs, skits, games, crafts, and ideas for Go See It activities that complement the theme. Boys' Life magazine also features ideas and articles each month on the recommended theme, and the monthly adult leader roundtable meetings provide program ideas and instruction for these same themes. (You'll read more about roundtable below.)
Packs aren't required to use the recommended theme each month, but they are chosen and planned to appeal to boys and to offer opportunities for them, and you, to achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting (see page 24 for more about the purposes of Cub Scouting). By following the themes, den leaders and the Cubmaster have a lot of support material available to them.
Tiger Cub den leaders and host adult partners introduce the theme at the first den meeting of the month. The activities for the second den meeting and the pack meeting also use the monthly theme. Therefore, the theme provides continuity among the two den meetings, the Go See It, and the pack meeting. The theme is different each month, which helps provide variety and hold the boys' interest.
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Possible Monthly Themes
- All Aboard: All about trains
- Blast Off: Rocket ships, space program
- Circus Fun: Three-ring circus with animals and acts
- Exciting Explorers: Famous adventurers and their accomplishments
- Hometown Heroes: Recognize people who make a difference in your community
- Land Before Time: Dinosaurs
- Magic: Secrets of the magicians' art, amazing feats
- Rodeo: A look at the Wild West
- Treasure Chest: Pirates
- Visiting Other Lands: Cultures from around the world
Parts of a Tiger Cub Den Meeting
The focus of every den meeting plan should be based on the Tiger Cub motto: Search, Discover, Share. The Tiger Cub den meeting plan in Cub Scout Program Helps divides the meeting into eight parts. Each part has a purpose, so the den meeting will be better for the boys if you follow this pattern. It will make planning and running the den meetings easier.
- Before the meeting. The purpose of this part of the meeting is to give the den leader and the host adult partner time to make preparations, gather supplies, set out the U.S. flag, and take care of any last-minute details before the boys and their adult partners arrive.
- The Gathering is an activity or game that keeps the boys interested and busy while everybody else arrives. Planning activities for when Tiger Cubs arrive will help avoid some of the behavior problems that can happen when boys don't have enough to do. The gathering time also gives the den leader time to take attendance, collect dues, and keep track of the achievements each boy has completed while the host adult partner is with the boys.
- The Opening is the official start of the den meeting. Whereas the gathering time is an informal time, the opening is an organized activity that signals the beginning of the meeting. Here are some ideas:
- Most den meetings begin with a flag ceremony. At this time, the boys can practice saying the Tiger Cub motto and the Cub Scout Promise.
- A brief prayer may be included, but always be sensitive to the diverse religious beliefs that may be represented in the den.
- The opening may also include boisterous action or a song.
- A roll call isn't necessary, but boys like to hear their names being said. if the meeting relates to a monthly theme, such as jungle animals, each boy could respond with the name of a jungle animal.
- The Share part of the den meeting gives each boy an opportunity to share something that he has done since the last meeting. This activity gives boys time to share family experience
- For the Discover time, the den leader may introduce the monthly theme and talk about what the den will be doing for the pack meeting. Then, the boys will play games, work on craft projects and puzzles, take part in outdoor activities, or work on advancement requirements. The den leader can initial requirements in each boy's handbook as the boy completes them. (You, the adult partner, also sign in the handbook; see more about advancement here.)
Den activities that boys and their adult partners can do together are the best. They are a team, so they should participate and have fun as a team.
Boys love to play games, so each meeting should include at least one game. It can be indoors or outdoors, quiet or active. The host Tiger Cub could lead the game. Once again, adult partners should be included.
Sometimes, boys will do a craft project during a den meeting. For instance, around the holidays, boys could do holiday-related crafts or make something that is needed for the pack meeting. Some projects can be completed during one or two den meetings, but others might require that you and your Tiger Cub work together at home The den leader and host adult partner can explain the project and help the boys do it. (You and other adult partners can be very helpful during craft time.)
- During the Search time of the meeting, the leaders will talk about plans for the Go See It. Boys love to get out and see new things. This activity could fulfill one of the achievement requirements or one of the elective requirements, and/or it could relate to the monthly theme.
- The Closing period draws the meeting to an end and is usually more serious and quiet. Den leaders might present a thought for the day, have the boys say the Tiger Cub motto or the Cub Scout Promise together, and/or give everyone last-minute reminders about upcoming events. Leaders can also use this time to reinforce the 12 core values of Cub Scouting (you'll read about the 12 core values on page 23 tin the Tiger Cub Handbook).
- After the Meeting, the den leader and host adult partner review the events of the meeting and finalize plans for the next meeting and the upcoming pack meeting. If this is the second den meeting of the month, the den leader may meet with the host adult partner for the next month to plan and/or preview that month's den activities.
The Tiger Cub Den Meeting Program form helps the den leader and host adult partner plan a den meeting. A few days before the den meeting, they fill in the details for each portion of the den meeting, including the plan and the supplies and equipment needed.
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ADVANCEMENT
In Scouting, advancement is the process by which a member meets certain requirements and earns recognition. Boys in Cub Scouting work on advancement with their families. The Tiger Cub advancement program is a blend of activities boys do in their home and activities they do in a den setting with their adult partner. This is unique to Tiger Cubs.
A Tiger Cub may earn the Tiger Cub rank. This rank is for those boys who are in first grade or are 7 years old. All the Cub Scout ranks (Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos) are tailored for a grade and the corresponding age level. (A Tiger Cub must earn the Tiger Cub badge first and then the Bobcat badge [rank] before all other ranks.)
To advance, Tiger Cubs work on achievements and electives, which are described in the Tiger Cub handbook. As a boy completes these, you, his adult partner, sign in this handbook where it says "Akela's OK." Akela means "good leader" and is an important part of Cub Scouting. Akela can be a den leader, a teacher, or other important adult. As your boy's adult partner, you are Akela.
As boys advance, they receive recognition items to mark their progress. These items will be given to them during a simple ceremony at a pack or den meeting. It is important for boys to be recognized for the good work they do. The Tiger Cub recognition items are the Tiger Cub belt totem and totem beads, the Tiger Cub badge, and Tiger Track beads. (Although participation with an adult partner is required for all Tiger Cub awards, adult partners don't earn these awards. Recognition items are for boys only.)
- EARNING THE TIGER CUB BELT TOTEM
To begin his path towards the Tiger Cub rank, a boy must do three things. They are:
- Learn the "Tiger Cub Motto" (The MOTTO is: "SEARCH, DISCOVER, SHARE ")
- Learn the "Cub Scout Sign"
- Learn the "Cub Scout Salute"
When he has done these, he is awarded the Tiger Cub belt totem at a pack meeting. This is a plastic recognition device that he wears on his belt. The front side of the totem is emblazoned with a tiger paw print, and the reverse includes a recessed space for your Tiger to mount his Tiger Cub badge (see above) when he earns it. The lower end of the totem includes space for four strands for totem beads. A boy earns totem beads by working on the five Tiger Cub achievements.
HOW TO USE TOTEM BEADS
There are five achievements in Tiger Cubs:
Making My Family Special
Where I Live
Keeping Myself Healthy and Safe
How I Tell It
Let's Go Outdoors
Each achievement has three parts: a family activity, a den activity, and a Go See It outing. A boy receives totem beads as he completes each part:
He earns a white bead for each required 'family activity' part he completes.
He earns an orange bead for each required 'den activity' part he completes.
He earns a black bead for each required 'Go See It' part he completes.
These beads go on the first three strands of the Tiger Cub belt totem. (The fourth strand is for Tiger Track beads which signify completed electives.)
A boy can earn only one bead for each of the 15 achievement parts, regardless of how many times he may repeat a part.
As each bead is awarded and added to a boy's belt totem, he should be recognized with a simple ceremony at a den meeting. When a boy has earned all 15 beads, he is eligible to receive his Tiger Cub badge, signifying that he has earned the Tiger Cub rank.
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The Tiger Cub badge is for boys who have completed all 15 parts of the five achievements, that is, five family activities, five den activities, and five Go See It outings. During an impressive ceremony, the Tiger Cub badge is presented to the adult partner at a pack meeting, who in turn presents the badge to the boy. The badge is affixed to the Tiger Cub belt totem in the recessed area.
While your boy is working on advancement, you can help. Besides signing his handbook as Akela once he has done his best, let your den leader know of any completed parts of achievements at your next den meeting. The den leader will keep a record of your boy's individual progress on the Tiger Cub Den Advancement Chart. In addition, your boy, with your help, will keep track of his own advancement on the Tiger Trail chart found on page 152 of his handbook. This encourages him and helps him see his progress toward the Tiger Cub rank.
The advancement requirements are written in such a way as to give you room to customize activities for your boy and your den. There are no performance requirements for Tiger Cubs. Boys should never be "tested" or placed in a position where they will not be successful. Simply participating in the activities and doing his best constitutes completion.
The den activities and 'Go See It' outings are intended to be completed with the den. If a Tiger Cub is unable to participate in an activity because of illness or a conflict, however, you may work with him to complete these requirements. For your boy to receive the full benefit of the program, it is important for you, his adult partner, to make every effort to attend meetings regularly.
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ELECTIVES AND TIGER TRACK BEADS
After your boy has earned the Tiger Cub badge, he can earn Tiger Track beads - by completing elective activities in this handbook. Tiger Cubs strives to provide an opportunity for your boy to learn and grow while having fun along with you. The wide variety of electives allows your Tiger Cub to choose additional activities and receive recognition for his participation. The electives help broaden a boy's horizons and fulfill the Tiger Cub motto of Search, Discover, Share. Electives provide advancement opportunities and recognition for your boy until he is eligible to begin working on the Wolf rank.
A boy shouldn't feel, however, that he must do all of the electives. Some may not appeal to him, and some he may want to do more than once. if a boy completes an elective activity twice, it may be counted as two electives. But at the same time, try to avoid much repetition, as variety will keep Tiger Cubs more interesting for your boy.
As with the achievements, you, the adult partner, approve your boy's completion of electives by signing the handbook in the space provided for "Akela's OK." Then let your den leader know about completed electives. The den leader will fill in the Tiger Cub Den Advancement Report, found in the Cub Scout Leader Book, to show Tiger Track beads earned and give the report to the pack committee at the monthly pack leaders' meeting. In addition, your boy, with your help, will keep track of his own elective advancement on the Tiger Track Trail found on page 161 of his handbook.
Here's how earning Tiger Track beads works: A boy earns one Tiger Track bead for every 10 electives he completes. The Tiger Track bead is presented to you, the adult partner, at a pack meeting, and you in turn present it to your boy. The Tiger Track beads are suspended from one the the lace strands on the Tiger Cub Totem.
A boy may work concurrently on both achievement and elective projects; however, he can't receive Tiger Track beads until he has earned the Tiger Cub badge.
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