Tigers and Belt Loops, etc.
Laurie Pierce (Laurie640@AOL.COM)
Thu, 27 Feb 1997 14:04:43 -0500
I often wonder what the National had in mind when they wrote the
*new/improved Tiger Cub program. Sadly I feel they didn't plan it detailed
enough. The work Cub is very misleading.
The following are direct quotes out of BSA literature so noted:
Tiger Cubs BSA Family Activity Book
page 2 paragraph 7 "Tiger Cub dens are part of a Cub Scout pack, and
members of the pack hope your Tiger Cub will become a Cub Scout after his
time in Tiger Cubs. It should be noted that Tiger Cubs BSA is a nine-month
program."
also
page 24 Big idea 17 - Cub Scouting here we come....
Tiger Cub Guidebook for Packs, Districts, and Councils BSA
pg 5 "The Den" "....The Tiger Cub den meets with the pack for as many
activities as the pack feels are appropriate prior to the Tiger Cubs'
graduation into Cub Scouting...."
Again - I personally think it's silly that they have seperated the Tigers
from Cub Scouting (do G.S. do that with Daisies? - There were no Daisies when
I was in GS). When they say "Keep it Simple" I think they underestimate the
intelligence of the kids - and the experiances life gives them in these days
and times. I know I have read several packs have a marble tournament for a
Pack Meeting, and the pack earns their belt loops. To seperate the Tigers
from this is IMHO silly. However <BG> this is the way BSA has set Tigers up.
I hope they consider making some changes, and I know there are many of us
who agree - as well as those who don't agree. I do believe they missed the
boat a bit in planning things.
In our pack our Tigers are treated like Cub Scouts, we have participated in
EVerything - from fundraising to the Scouting For Food program (my Tiger son
loved it), we have also participated in a Pack event in which we all went to
a warehouse store and decorated paper bags for the store to fill and bring to
children in the hospital. If Tigers participate (or are expected to
participate) in programs such as this then I do think they should be
included. - But the rules say no Belt Loops.... :-(
BTW - I thought it was rather silly to have them hold a flag ceremony - it
took two boys to steady the flags!
Laurie Pierce
Tiger Coach
Den 12, Pack 27
Mattatuck District
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
