Re: Tiger cub program
Doug Flewelling (dougf@GROUSE.UMESVE.MAINE.EDU)
Mon, 27 Feb 1995 14:31:41 -0500
I'm joining this dicussion late, but I have to weigh-in on the side of
keeping the Tigers separate from the Cub Scouts separate from the
Webeloses. Each of these programs has fun rewards and age-appropriate
activities. This is not to say that the activities in the next group up are
beyond the younger boys, but the activities give the younger boys a visible
sign of maturing.
For instance, the Cub Camp program in Katahdin Area Council offers a
Webelos Hike for fourth graders and a Webelos Overnight for fifth graders.
Each of those activities serve as a major draw to get boys back year after
year. We hold a Matchbox(tm) derby each year during the Pinewood Derby for
Tigers. They get to participate, but still have that first car to look
forward to.
The real challenge in Tigers is finding the balance between including
Tigers in the Pack activities and supporting their separate activities. I
don't know if we have it right, but we include the Tigers in our 'Winter
Solstice' (Christmas) Party, Pinewood Derby and Blue and Gold. After
graduation in May they can go to Cub Camp but few are ready to do that.
As Kathie says you have to run Tigers according to the program to meet its
goals. Tigers is a perfect time for 1st graders AND their parents to be
introduced to planning, running and being part of a meeting without the
weekly commitment. By the end of the 1st grade Tiger and Partner are ready
to do Cub Scout things.
YIS
Doug Flewelling, 2nd Time Tiger Partner
Pack 301, Bangor, ME
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
