These Tiger Cub Ceremonies were collected from a wide variety of official program materials as well as Pow-Wow and personal collections. Because of the relative youth of the Tiger Cub program within Cub Scouting, well written Tiger ceremonies are few and far between. This page contains several. Some are variants of good 'ol stand-by's, and some are original works.
Wherever possible, the original author is named. However, Cub Scout ceremonies are a fluid thing and tend to evolve extensively over time. We respect the copyrights of other authors and as such invite your comments as to the original sources of those ceremonies without authors noted. |
Tiger Family Induction Ceremony Welcome to our Pack! |
Akela, of the Great Mountain An induction into the Pack. |
The Trail to Cub Scouting Moving on into Cub Scouting. |
Four Candles and a Neckerchief Variant on a Cub classic. |
Quick Three Candle Ceremony Short and sweet. |
Graduation Bridge into Cubs Hey, bridge those Tigers! |
Farewell by Tiger Coordinator Gone, but never forgotten. |
Three Candle Ceremony This is a good one. |
Jungle Book Ceremony From Rudyard with love! |
Testing of Tiger Cubs A "Tiger Branding" variant |
Links to Tiger Ceremonies Eight GREAT Tiger Ceremonies |
Tiger Ceremony Finder Search the Net for more! |
"Welcome New Tiger and Family!" from the MDSC 1998 Pow-Wow CD
PERSONNEL:
EQUIPMENT:
ARRANGEMENT:
Cubmaster: Will everyone please stand?
(Call new boys and their parents forward.)
Will the pack recite the Cub Scout Promise:
Cub Scout Promise
Join me in reciting the Law of the Pack:
Law of the Pack
Will the audience please be seated?
The logs in the center represent the fellowship of the boys and families in Cub Scouting. Your piece of wood represents you.
Please step forward and add your wood to the fire.
As your wood makes the fire burn stronger and brighter, so you make the pack stronger and better.
As your piece of wood becomes an integral part of the fire, so you are now an integral part of the pack.
Without you, the pack would gradually grow dimmer and die. You are the fuel that keeps the pack going.
You are now formally accepted as a member of Pack 809. Please turn and face your parent.
Parents, we will now induct you as a part of the Cub Scout Family.
Please turn and make the following pledge to your son.
The Parent's Pledge:
Repeat after me:
As your parent,
I will work with you
Will everyone please join me in giving three cheers to the newest members of our Pack?
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"Akela, of the Great Mountain" Authors: Pack 43 of Larkspur, CA
PERSONNEL:
Akela (Cubmaster in Native American costume), Assistant Cubmaster, Tiger candidates and their parents.
EQUIPMENT:
ARRANGEMENT:
The ceremony begins with the beating of the ceremonial drum by the Asst. Cubmaster. Akela approaches the campfire from the center aisle, so that all present can see his regalia.
Akela: Why do you sound the ceremonial drum?
Asst. Cubmaster: Because we have boys who seek the fun of Cub Scouting.
Akela: Have these boys been properly prepared?
Asst. Cubmaster: Yes, Akela, they have. Our new Tiger Cubs know the Tiger Cub motto. Each boy has prepared himself to move into Cub Scouting by his thoughts, deeds, and participation in the Pack.
Akela: Many moons before the paleface came to America, the Indian lived and hunted in these great redwood forests. Food was plentiful. The fields were rich with berries, the water with fish, and the woods were full of game. The tribes lived in villages near the great 'earth-mother', who we call "Mount Diablo"
I am Akela, the Great Chief of the Webelos tribe and the head of the council of braves. My totem is the Arrow of Light, which is the final goal of all cub scouts and the highest honor they can earn. This board shows the Arrow of Light and points the way of the trail. The arch represents progress along the cub scout trail to boy scouts. The candle which I now light represents the Spirit of Akela and the light of Cub Scouts.
We learn our ways from the wisest of the forest animals. From the Wolf we learn the language of the ground, we learn to follow the tracks of other animals, and we learn the ways of the food of the forest. From the Bear, we learn the secrets of the trees and birds, the language of the air and the sky.
We have many new members of the Pack here tonight who will be following the trail of the Tiger. The Tiger Cub is inquisitive and adventurous, but remains within the lair with its parents for some time before venturing out to hunt its own game. His parents, the Tiger and Tigress, have the responsibility of looking after the cub, teaching it to hunt and play, and how to protect itself from the other predators of the jungle.
(Akela to Asst. Cubmaster)Which boys have joined our Tiger Cub Den?
Asst. Cubmaster: Akela, I am pleased to report that we have _____ new Tiger Cubs this year, and _____ are with us here tonight. (reads the list), please step forward, along with your parents.
Akela: You boys are embarking on a great new journey with your parents. Your motto tells us what you will be doing. Do you remember the Tiger Cub motto? Repeat it after me: 'Search, Discover, Share'.
'Search' means you will search for new activities, new adventures, and new ways of being together. 'Discover' means you will enjoy the thrill of discovering new things together. 'Share' means you will share all of the things you have done together with your parents and the other members of your Tiger Cub group. Through this process you grow together, become better friends and prepare yourselves for Cub Scouts.
Now that you have learned the Tiger Cub motto, you are prepared to wear the Tiger Cub Neckerchief and Belt Totem. (Asst. Cubmaster hands the items to parents, who put them on their boys as Akela is talking). This was developed in ancient times to symbolize your accomplishments. 'Big Ideas' are 17 things we like to do as Tiger Cubs. Each time you have a Tiger Cub activity, in addition to earning a paw print on your Tiger Cub shirt, you will add an orange bead to Belt Totem.
Additionally, you will receive paw prints for each major accomplishment during the course of the year. The first paw print is for learning the Tiger Cub Motto. You will earn another paw print for learning the Tiger Cub Promise between now and the Blue and Gold Banquet. And you will earn your last paw print when you complete the 17th Big Idea: "Cub Scouting Here We Come". By the end of the year, if you are active in the Tiger Cub Den you will have a very well decorated Tiger shirt with 17 paw prints and a Belt Totem full of beads.
Welcome to our Pack family!
(Participants may now be seated.)
Akela: This concludes the Tiger Induction ceremony. I now return to the forests of Diablo to prepare for spring. In June, I will return to help each boy who remains to graduate to the next step in Cub Scouts. Good night!
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"The Trail to Cub Scouting" Author: Pete, who wishes to remain anonymous
PERSONNEL:
EQUIPMENT:
Cubmaster: Tonight we honor our Tiger Cubs. Will the Tiger Cubs and their Adult Partners please come forward.
Tiger Leader: For the past few months you and your family have explored all sorts of new and exciting things and places as Tiger Cubs. You have taken part in the Tiger Cub Motto and used it in your home, school and neighborhood.
This white candle (already lighted) represents the spirit of scouting, the ideals that you have begun to live this year.
(Light first Orange Candle) - You and your adult partner have searched out in your community new activities which have shown you how people work together and have fun together.
(Light Black Candle) - You and your adult partner have discovered that by doing things together with friends and family you feel a sense of being part of a great family, community and country.
(Light Second Orange Candle) - The things you have searched out and discovered have been shared with your family, friends and fellow Tiger Cubs, which let them learn about you and the things you saw and did.
Now it is time to move along the scouting trail. You will notice that you have already started on the trail. This part of the trail will be easy for you to pass. But there is much in front of you.
It is a trail that you will follow as you learn along with Akela. You will learn the Cub Scout Sign, Handshake, Salute, Motto, Promise, and Law. You will master the skills of a Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos. And you will see the meaning of Cub Scouting with the Arrow of Light.
The trail is not an easy one. It will be easy to stumble. It will get more difficult as you go further on the trail. Do not expect to be able to be perfect on the trail tonight - it will take four years for you to gain the ability to follow the trail easily.
As you follow this trail in Cub Scouting you will experience new things much as you did as a Tiger Cub.
(Light first Blue Candle) - You will learn that about purity in living by following the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack
(Light Gold Candle) - You will learn about the unknown, the fear and the doubts, and how the Cub Scout Motto will take these away.
(Light second Blue Candle) - You will learn knowledge, joy and confidence and how being a Cub Scout helps you to grow as a person.
You are now ready to continue on the trail of Cub Scouting. It is not a trail that you can or will follow alone. Your family will be at your side at all times throughout your scouting experience. Support will also come from all members of this Pack. You will notice that there are members of the Pack along the trail you will follow tonight. There are Wolf Cubs, Bear Cubs, Webelos Scouts, the Cubmaster and other adult leaders. These people are there to help you at every step of the way on the trail. They are there to welcome you to the Pack.
As you progress on the trail your family will help you grow into the uniform of Cub Scouting, which you will wear along the rest of the trail. Continue on along the trail, and ask those other Cub Scouts along the trail for help as you may need it - they will help you.
I ask that as your name is called that you and your family start on the trail. Please stop when the trail gets difficult. (This should be about the paw of salute or motto - Let the adult partners who will walk with the scouts know this ahead of time so they can stop their scout at this point and take their Tiger shirt off so they can continue on the trail in their blue Cub Scout shirt)
You will be given help to prepare you to continue along the trail.
(as each Scout completes the trail.... )
Cubmaster: (Scouts First Name), I would like to welcome you to the Pack. I am proud that you have completed your Tiger Cub experience and present you with this certificate and this patch that you can wear on your Cub Scout uniform to show this accomplishment. I welcome you to the Pack with the neckerchief of the Wolf Cub. Wear it as you continue on your scouting trail.
(Adult partner will help the Cubmaster place the neckerchief around the scouts neck)
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"Four Candles and a Neckerchief" donated by unknown Scouter to "Staging Den and Pack Ceremonies" (BSA 33212)
This short ceremony is designed to graduate a boy and adult from Tiger Cubs into Cub Scouting.
PERSONNEL:
EQUIPMENT:
ARRANGEMENT:
The Cubmaster recites t is ceremony to the boys and their adult partners with assistance from the group organizer and the den leader.
Cubmaster: (Calls boys and adults forward.) For the past few months you and your family have explored all sorts of new and exciting things and places. You have taken each part of the Tiger Cub motto, Search, Discover, Share, and used it in your home, school, and neighborhood. (Lights first candle on left.)
You and your adult partner have searched in your home and community for new activities that have shown you how people work together and have fun together. (Lights middle candle.)
You and your adult partner have discovered that by doing things together with friends and family you feel you are part of a great family, community, and country. (Lights third candle.)
You've shared your searches and discoveries with your family, friends, and fellow Tiger Cubs, and that let them learn about you and the things you saw and did
Now it is time to move along the Scouting trail to the next part of the program. (Lights last candle.)
In Cub Scouting your family is as important as it is throughout your entire Scouting experience. Support in earning each badge comes from your family as well as from your den leader. Your parents will help you each step of the way.
[Boy's name] and [adules name], on behalf of Pack [number], I'd like to welcome you. [Group coachs (organizer's) name] will bring your den leader, [den leader's name], forward to present your Cub Scout neckerchief and welcome you into the den. (The den leader presents the neckerchief to the adult who puts it around the boy's neck.)
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"Quick Three Candle Ceremony" MDSC Pow-Wow materials - origin unknown
Cubmaster: I now ask that all Tiger Cubs and their adult partner please come forward and stand before the Pack.
For the past few months you and your family have explored all sorts of new and exciting things and places. You have taken each part of the Tiger Cub motto, Search, Discover, Share, and used it in your home, school, and neighborhood. (Light first candle)
You and your adult partner have searched in your home and community for new activities that have shown you how people work together and have fun together. (Light second candle)
You and your adult partner have discovered that by doing things together with friends and family you feel you are part of a great family, community, and country. (Light third candle)
You've shared your searched and discoveries with your family, friends, and fellow Tiger Cubs, and that let them learn about you and the things you saw and did.
Now it is time to move along the Scouting trail to the next part of the program. (Light last candle)
In Cub Scouting your family is as important as it is throughout your entire Scouting experience. Support in earning each badge comes from your family as well as from your den leader. Your parents will help you each step of the way.
On behalf of Pack [number], I'd like to welcome you.
Pack [number]; please join me in welcoming these new Scouts to our Pack. (All clap)
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"Bridge into Cub Scouts" MDSC Pow-Wow materials - origin unknown
Tiger Cub Coordinator: (Call Tigers forward by name and their parent)
As a group you have taken part in Big Ideas together and now the time has come for you to go forth and seek new adventures through Cub Scouting.
Would all Tigers and parents repeat the Tiger Cub Promise after me:
I promise to love God, my family and my country
Akela! I present to you these Tiger Cubs and their parent; who have participated in the Big Ideas Program and are ready to broaden their minds through the Cub Scouting Program.
Cubmaster: Tiger Cubs, we are happy to welcome you and your parents across the bridge into Cub Scouting and Pack [number]. (Boys and parents cross bridge with parent following his son)
I'm sure you have had a lot of fun as Tiger Cubs and as recognition for your work, I present you with your Tiger Graduation certificate and badge. I would also like to present the Tiger parent pin, which you may now present to your parent.
As a Cub Scout, I promise you will have even more fun than as a Tiger. As your first act as Cub Scouts, I'm going to ask you to repeat after me the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack. (Show them the Cub Scout Sign and read each line, waiting for them to repeat the line before continuing.)
Cub Scout Promise
Law of the Pack
Turning to our new Cub Scout Parents, your son will need you to continue to assist him along the Cub Scout Trail. If you are willing to accept these responsibilities, signify by saying "I will."
Please place your left hand on your sons shoulder, and give the Cub Scout sign with your right hand and repeat after me:
Parent Promise
On behalf of Pack [number], I'd like to welcome our newest Cub Scouts and their parents. (All Clap)
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"Three Candle Ceremony" Pack 6, Palo Alto variant - origin unknown
EQUIPMENT:
ARRANGEMENT:
Cubmaster: It is time for our Tiger Cubs to graduate. Would our Tigers and their adult partners come forward and stand behind the table; parents behind your sons.
For the past few months you and your family have explored all sorts of new and exciting things and places. You have taken each part of the Tiger Cub motto-- Search, Discover, and Share -- and used it in your home, school and neighborhood.
Candle 1:
Cubmaster: Each of you and your adult partner has searched in your home and community for new activities that have shown you how people work together and have fun together.
Candle 2:
Candle 3:
Now it is time to move along the Scouting trail to the next part of the program. In Cub Scouting your family is as important as it is throughout your entire Scouting experience. Together you will join the Cub Scouting family. Together you will grow and learn new things while earning each badge.
Before you step over this bridge into Cub Scouting you must make a promise to the Pack. The most important part of this promise is to "Do Your Best". You will be expected to do your best in everything you do, including Cub Scouts, at home and in school. Will you make the Cub Scout Promise with me? (Demonstrate the sign and lead them in a repeat after me fashion through the Promise.)
Parents, as you step over this bridge into Cub Scouting with your son, you will be accepting the parental responsibilities of Cub Scouting. If you are willing to accept these responsibilities, signify by saying "I will."
Please place your left hand on your son's shoulder, and give the Cub Scout sign with your right hand and repeat after me:
I ______ promise to do my best to help my son to be a good Cub Scout, to encourage him to fulfill the Cub Scout promise and obey the Law of the Pack. I promise to assist him in his Cub Scout achievements and electives, to cooperate with the den leader, Cubmaster, and Pack Committee members, and to participate actively in Cub Scouting.
Our Tigers will now cross the bridge with their parent into Cub Scouting. (Boy should go first. Proceed when each family has crossed through.)
As you can see, you now have a son who is ready to join the pack.
I now present you each with your tiger patch.
I would also now like to present the Tiger parent pin, which you may now present to your parent.
In September, you will be part of a Wolf den. At the September Pack meeting, the Pack will be presenting you with your Wolf Scarf which looks like this.
On behalf of Pack [number], I'd like to welcome you. (All Clap)
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"Jungle Book Ceremony" by Edward A. Haluska - adapted by Pack 215
PERSONNEL:
EQUIPMENT:
ARRANGEMENT:
Akela: The moon is full, just as it was long ago on that night in the jungle when Mowgli first joined the wolf pack. It has been many years since Mowgli returned from living with the wolves. After he returned, he taught us many of the lessons he learned while in the jungle. The most important was that the strength of the wolf is the pack, and the strength of the pack is the wolf. That is why we are here tonight in this council ring. Tonight we have many young boys who have earned their tiger badges. So let us begin. Parents, bring forward these tiger cubs.
(Once Tigers and parents are in place, call rest of scouts to circle on the floor.)
Akela: Each of you Tigers has learned the Tiger Cub promise. Are you boys ready to make that promise again in front of your parents and the rest of the pack?
(Akela shakes head in yes motion. Boys should also shake their heads yes.)
(Shere Khan now interrupts from an unseen place offstage.)
Shere Khan: These boys are tiger cubs! The pack has no business with them!
Akela: Shere Khan! The Evil One! Mowgli knew you in the jungle as an evil tiger. And you tried to catch him whenever you could.
Shere Khan: These boys are tiger cubs! I will be the one to teach them!
Akela: Silence, Shere Khan, you evil one! Even among the tigers you are scorned because of your evil ways. Only the most disgraceful of tigers hunt for man cubs as you do.
But we know the one thing that you fear the most, the red flower. And the reason you fear the red flower of fire so much is that all your evil cannot stand against the light of one small red flower.
I will prove to you that each of these tiger cubs has already chosen to walk the path of truth and light. I will prove to you that each of these boys knows that your dark path is evil.
Akela: Tigers, I have here your tiger badge that you have earned! Do you want to accept this badge and go on to become a Cub Scout with this pack? Or do you want to leave us now and go learn the wicked ways of Shere Khan, the evil tiger?
Tigers: Stay with the Pack!
Akela: Then make the Tiger Cub sign and repeat the Tiger Cub Promise with me.
I promise to love God, my family, and to learn about the world
Akela: You have chosen well young tigers. So that Shere Khan can see the wisdom and truth that already has begun to grow in your young heart, I want you to light one of these red flowers.
(After each boy has lit a candle, give him his tiger badge.)
Akela: Shere Khan would teach you boys to have empty minds and to have no concern about others. So that he will know that you already know better than that, I want each of you boys to again make the Tiger Cub sign an repeat the Tiger Motto with me.
"Search, discover, and share"
Shere Khan: These boys are tiger cubs! I will be the one to teach them!
Akela: Silence and be gone evil one! These boys know better than to follow you. Pack [number]! These tiger cubs have chosen well. Over the years we hope that the red flowers they have planted tonight will thrive and grow into blazing arrows of light. So to encourage these young tiger cubs and to send Shere Khan on his way, let's give a good loud tiger growl.
(Akela leads pack in tiger growl.)
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"Testing of Tiger Cubs" variant of "Branding" ceremony from MacScouter
EQUIPMENT:
ARRANGEMENT:
PERSONNEL:
Tribal Chief: (Chief is sitting at fire, when all is quiet he stands.) "Tonight, we have gathered to honor our young braves. Let us call forth....
Shere Kahn: (Interrupts loudly.) I Shere Kahn wish to test these braves before honor is given them! I call forth the man cubs called Tigers!
(Tiger Cubs and adults go to Shere Kahn and stand before him.)
Shere Kahn: What is the motto of the Tiger Cubs? (Tigers repeat the motto)
Tribal Chief: Are you satisfied Shere Kahn?
Shere Kahn: I am satisfied.
Tribal Chief: Tigers, this is the emblem of your first rank in Scouting, wear it proudly. (Hand each tiger his patch)
So all may know that you have done well, here is the writing to prove your efforts. (Hand each boy his certificate)
Adult Tiger, this is the symbol of your deeds in preparing these Tigers for their next adventure in Cubing. (Hand each adult his pin)
Go now, you must walk the water of evil. Be weary if its quickness and smooth appearance, for it can fool you.
Ceremonial Brave: (Webelos is at the end of the water. He greets them. He takes them to a spot where he has the makings of the arrows then says) The arrowhead breaks the wind. The stick, if straight, will guide the arrow's path. The feathers give balance and distance. Take these and make your arrow of life. Learn of its true nature and be a good Scout.
(He then takes the Tigers to the council fire, the adults are asked to take their seats and the boys are asked to sit on either side of the Tribal Chief.)
Tribal Chief: Tonight, we honor these Cub Scouts, for they have completed the challenge of the Tigers.
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Tiger Graduation Ideas from Pack 114 - There are two ceremonies here, both written by Barb Stephens of Pack 114, Mid-America Council. First, the "Cub-O-Matic Machine." Barb says: "We built an "electric" Cub-O-Matic machine into which Tiger Cubs entered, were "cooked", and then exited as a Cub (yellow neckerchief on). " The second ceremony is "Let's Make A Deal!" Barb says: "Do you remember the "Let's Make a Deal!" TV program from years ago? MC Monty Hall would approach audience members who were dressed up in outrageous costumes and ask them if they would be willing to trade part of their costume for the special prize behind the curtain/the box/in his pocket? Well, many of your parents will, and even though your Tiger Cubs won't be familiar with it, if you jazz up the selections, they'll want to trade!"
"Togomatic" Cub Machine - This is a "rec.scouting" posting from David M. Legler dated 1995/03/30. It is similar to the Barb Stevens "Cub-O-Matic" above.
Tiger Cub Advancement - Two GREAT ceremonies from the MacScouter web-site. First, the "Jungle Book Ceremony for Awarding the Tiger Badge" by Edward A. Haluska, and the second is "Branding of the Tiger Cubs." Variants of both of these ceremonies are illustrated above.
Tiger Cub Graduation Ceremonies - From the Blue Water Council's Pow Wow On-Line (an excellent resource!) is this nice colletion of three Tiger Graduation Ceremonies. Also included is some good advice on other activities to consider for the Pack Meeting where the graduation takes place. This entire site is a must-see.
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SCOUTS-L on Tiger Graduations - Search the SCOUTS-L archives for topics involving Tiger Ceremonies. SCOUTS-L is the roundtable that never ends, and now contains over 7 years of Scouting discussion wisdom.
Search the Web for Tiger Graduation info - Search the AltaVista index for Web-sites you can visit, that contain information on 'Tiger Cub Ceremonies' ideas.
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