Tiger Graduation Ideas

Cub-O-Matic Machine

We built an "electric" Cub-O-Matic machine into which Tiger Cubs entered, were "cooked," and then exited as a Cub (yellow neckerchief on).

To make this machine, obtain a large cardboard (appliance) box. It can be open at the top and bottom, but may need to be reinforced with small boards to help it keep its shape. Paint it half orange and half blue.

Fashion a door on the front of the box by making cuts that will be the top and the handle-edge of the door. Then make the "hinged" side by folding the door back so it can swing open (i.e. the hinges are really just part of the box front). We didn't make the door the whole width of the front side. Add a simple handle on the outside that attaches to a popsicle stick on the inside that will "catch" when turned - to keep the door closed.

On the back of the box, about shoulder high, cut a one-foot square door, making the hinge in the same way as the front door (side hinged is probably easier to work with than top or bottom hinged) - don't cut a hole out. This is the "trap" door that's used to put the scarf on the Tiger cub.

For effect, we added a "done-ness" dial on front which didn't turn: it had Tiger and the other Cub ranks on it. A black arrow-shaped "pointer" was attached to a dowel that extended through the done-ness dial to the back of the box. There was also a light bulb on front, whose cord had a toggle switch placed in back of the box.

For the ceremony, the Cubmaster explains that the Tigers are ready to graduate to the next rank, and to facilitate this process, he's using this handy-dandy, state-of-the-art Cub-O-Matic machine. He must choose the desired setting (i.e. Bobcat), insert a Tiger cub, and let him "cook" until done. To alleviate any fears or apprehensions, the Cubmaster shows that he can enter the Cub-O-Matic, get "cooked" and come out unscathed. (Our Cubmaster entered the box in regular uniform and came out with a clown's wig & nose on. Upon exit, he pretended to not notice the changes!)

Only one boy can enter at a time. The audience can't see the person(s) in back of the box who attaches the yellow scarf & slide on the Scout, turns the done-ness pointer, then when "done" turns on the light.

Our boys were wary at first, but the Cubmaster's act helped ease their anxiety. After the pack meeting, all the Cubs wanted a turn in the Cub-O-Matic!

Let's Make A Deal!

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!

Create a curtained area(s) and put some junk behind it. Get a large box(es), set it on a stand or table, and put something silly in it. Additionally, cover a shoe box in some glitzy paper, and set it on a TV tray.

The number of selections you have depends on the number of boys you have, whether you let boys select (share) the same item or not, and your creativity. I planned to create 3 "bogus" prize selections and use a shoe box selection to hold some scarves. In addition, the Cubmaster will have some "backup" envelopes in his pockets that contain scarves.

For the ceremony, the Cubmaster will explain that the Tigers are at the point in their Scouting career where they are now ready to become Cubs. He adds that they have grown and matured and are on their way to learning (or HAVE learned) the basic tenets of Cub Scouting (Bobcat requirements). But, he now wants to test their courage and decision-making skills. He asks all the Tigers to come forward.

His assistant(s) puts up the "Let's Make a Deal" sign and "rolls" the various trade-off selections into place. The Cubmaster explains that behind each selection is a very special prize. Each boy can select ONE choice, in exhcange for something the Scout is willing to trade (his old Tiger Big Idea booklet, or some other prop the Den Coordinator has pre-arranged).

If you have more boys than selections, be sure to ask all the boys what they want to trade for BEFORE showing the "prizes."

Then show the boys their prizes! The Cubmaster can "heartily endorse" the gag prizes to the boys (i.e. these boxes will really come in handy for building a tunnel or holding a collection - things that are really possible requirements for the Wolf badge).

If the boys didn't "win" the Wolf scarf, give them another chance to trade for an envelope the Cubmaster just happens to have in his pocket. Some boys may want to keep the gag prize, which is OK too.

And, hopefully, all the boys will go away having had some fun!