Tiger Cub Retention

The Tiger Cub program is the first exposure most of our families have to the wide world of Scouting. In a well-run Tiger Cub program we should expect NO loss of families during the Scouting year and we should see 100% of our Tigers earn their Bobcat badges and begin working in the Wolf book by May 1 each spring.

A few things really help to keep our newest families involved and enjoying their Tiger Cub year. Consider these:

Shared Leadership is a MUST. It may seem "easier" for one person to plan all the meetings but that is NOT what a Tiger Cub Den Leader is supposed to do! Shared Leadership continues to be a central method of the Tiger Cub program and to work around it shortchanges the boys and hurts the program.

Good Plans and Good Communication. This is the key role of the TCDL: to make sure that each family has made adequate preparations for the TC Den Meeting(s) they will host and that the rest of the Tiger Cub den is made aware of the details of when, where, how much, etc. The number one reason that we lose Tiger Cub families is because they don't know when the next meeting is.

Pack Involvement. The Tiger Cub den needs to be just as "present" and involved in the monthly pack meetings as any other den. Have them help with the flag ceremonies or participate by doing a song or skit. Recognize them for their activities in the previous month. Make it clear that they are a vital part of the pack family.

There are other technigues that have proven to help retain Tiger Cubs and their families.  Please feel free to share your success stories through the contact page of our website.  We'll post the best ones here.