Induction Ceremony

TIGER CUB INDUCTION - AKELA OF THE GREAT MOUNTAIN

PERSONNEL: Akela (Cubmaster in Native American costume), Assistant Cubmaster, Tiger candidates and their parents.

EQUIPMENT: Tiger Cub neckerchiefs, Tiger Belt Totems (Instant Recognition Kit), Arrow of Light candle log (or board)

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?

ASSISTANT CUBMASTER: Because we have boys who seek the fun of Cub Scouting.

AKELA: Have these boys been properly prepared?

ASSISTANT 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.

(Continued on Next Page)