Tiger Cub Program
The Tiger Cub program is for first grade (or age 7) boys and their adult partners. There are five Tiger Cub achievement areas. The Tiger Cub, working with his adult partner, completes 15 requirements within these areas to earn the Tiger Cub Badge. These requirements consist of an exciting series of indoor and outdoor activities just right for a boy in the first grade.
Beginning August 1, 2004, Tiger Cubs will join their brother Cub Scouts by wearing the complete blue Cub Scout uniform with appropriate Tiger Cub insignia. The orange T-shirt will continue to be available for Tiger Cubs to wear as an activity shirt and will continue to be the official uniform for adult Tiger Cub partners. The change, announced at the Boy Scouts of America's 2004 National Annual Meeting, is part of the Scouting movement's continuing effort to promote Tiger Cubs as an integral part of the Cub Scout pack.
Alan Westberg, national director of Cub Scouting, says the new uniform will help build enthusiasm for the program among Tiger Cub Scout-age boys and their parents. "Many boys get their first taste of Scouting in Tiger Cubs. We believe that by offering a uniform that is more similar to those worn by older Cub Scouts, we will help our newest members feel even more a part of the Scouting program."
The uniform has been an integral part of Scouting since the earliest days of the movement. The uniform builds a sense of belonging and team within the unit, and positively influences recruitment and retention.
The change occurs in time for the 75th anniversary of Cub Scouting. Westberg says that while the change is coincidental, the new uniform option will be highlighted during the year-long celebration.
The Boy Scouts of America is the nation's foremost youth-serving organization. More than 4.7 million young people participated in Scouting programs last year-1.9 million of those are Cub Scouts. For more information see www.scouting.org.