USSSP's Baloo's Bugle

Leader begins this game by reading any ten letters of the alphabet to the players, who write down the letters, one under the other. In a set period of time, players must

come up with words that begin with each of those letters. First one done is the winner.

Materials needed: white turkey feather, beads, black dye, concho, yarn or leather, small fluff feathers. Mix the dye according to package directions, then dip the top ¼ of the feather into the dye and let dry. Wrap yarn or leather around the quill end of the feather. Glue, leaving a few inches hanging. Thread on concho, beads, and small feathers as desired.

According to legend, the bearer of the talking feather was regarded with a special status. Holding the feather up toward the sky gave the bearer spiritual guidance when speaking. When the bearer spoke, all others were silent because great words of wisdom were to be spoken.

Share: Chain Word, Players sit in a circle with first player holding a beanbag. First player says a word, such as “mouse”, and tosses the beanbag to a player on the other side of the circle. This player must say a word commonly used with the first word, for example “trap”. He then tosses the beanbag to another player who must say a word that goes with “trap”, like “door”, and so on. If a player can’t think of a word, he is out of the game. Last person left in the circle is the winner.

Tell the Tigers that someone will be coming to their den meeting for a Cub Scout uniform inspection. Have this person come with his uniform in disarray, for example: cap on backward, neckerchief twisted in back, belt buckle worn on one side instead of in front, shirt unbuttoned half way, rank emblem on wrong pocket. Ask the Tigers if they can pick out what is wrong with how his is wearing his uniform. Remind the boys that they should always show respect for the uniform by wearing it the correct way. Note: see Cub Scout/Webelos Uniform Inspection Sheet #LP 34282A for detailed information on Cub Scout uniform.

Cubmaster: Only July 10, 1969, an American did something which people throughout history have wanted to do. On that date, Neil Armstrong stood on the surface of the moon. His first words were, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Armstrong was able to be the first man on the moon because of a series of small steps taken not only by him, but also by countless other people. Today, we are privileged to witness some boys take one of those ‘small steps” that make great men and events possible. Today, we are honored to witness (total number of Tigers graduating) graduate from the Tiger Cubs into Cub Scouting. Will the following boys and their parents please join me? (Cubmaster calls out the boy’s names and has them come line up in front facing the Pack.) Parents, you and your boys have taken many of those small steps that Neil Armstrong spoke of in order to be here today. I present you with the Tiger Cub patch with great pride, Congratulations!

Materials needed: scrap wood, 9 ½ x 12”x12”, wood file, glue, stain and varnish, candle, sandpaper, nice paper such as parchment. File scallops around all four top edges of the piece of wood (see A). Sand smooth. Outdoors, light the candle and hold scalloped edges over the flame until they become darkened (see B). Stain wood if desired. Enlarge one of the items below onto and 8 ½”x 11” piece of quality paper (parchment works well). Glue the paper to the wood, making sure the paper is as smooth and straight as possible. Let the glue dry completely, then varnish.

Create a series of 3”x5” cards with a simple question on the back and answer on the front of each. If you wish to use the game often, cover the cards with clear contact paper so they can be hung repeatedly with masking tape. To play, hang the cards with the answer side showing and, when the correct question is given for any answer, turn the card over. You can devise any system of teams or turns that are effective with your group. This is a fun way to reinforce any information that you would like the boys to learn. Some suggestions:

Branding Of The Tiger Cubs

Source: The Ceremony Table: A Collection of Cub Scout Ceremonies, by Dave Manchester

EQUIPMENT: Fake council fire, 1/4" dowel rod cut in two (one per boy plus one), 1 Bobcat stamp, Blue cloth or paper for fake water, Certificate, pin, patch, Tiger make-up or mask, 1 Arrow head per boy, 3 feathers per boy - red, yellow, and blue, fake stepping stones for steps in water.

ARRANGEMENTS: Lights off. Council fire on , Semicircle sitting with Tiger Cubs on the floor and parents seated behind them. Council fire in center. At the open end, place fake water on floor and steps on top. Be sure to place steps so some difficulty is encountered while crossing water so it's a real challenge. Put stamp and rod taped together and in fire. Arrow heads, remaining rods, and feathers at waters edge. Certificate, pin, and Tiger patch at Shere Kahn position.

CHARACTERS: Cubmaster or Tribal Chief, Tiger or Shere Kahn, Den Chief or Ceremonial Brave.

TRIBAL CHIEF: (Chief is setting 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!

What is the motto of the Tiger Cubs. Have you obeyed the Promise of the Tiger Cub? Tigers, this is the emblem of your first rank in Scouting, wear it proudly. (Patch) Adult Tiger, this is the symbol of your deeds in preparing these Tigers for their next adventure in Cubing. (Pin) So all may know that you have done well, here is the writing to prove your efforts. (certificate) Go now, I wish no more to see you. You must walk the water of evil. Be weary if its quickness and smooth appearance, for it can fool you.

CEREMONIAL BRAVE: (Brave is at the end of the water. he greets them. He takes them to a spot where he has the makings of the arrows and says,) The arrowhead breaks the wind. The stick, if straight, will guide the arrows path. The feathers gives 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. So all may know that they are not of the tribe we will place our mark upon their foreheads. This symbol is the Bobcat, your first rank in this tribe. (Chief stamps each Tiger, as each boy is "branded" the Cub pack hisses, the Chief calls them Bobcats of Den(#), and introduces them to their Den Leader.

Equipment: Fake council fire, 1/4" dowel rod cut in two (one per boy plus one), 1 Bobcat stamp, Blue cloth or paper for fake water, Certificate, pin, patch, Tiger make-p or mask, 1 Arrow head per boy, 3 feathers per boy - red, yellow, and blue, fake stepping stones for steps in water.

Arrangements: Lights off. Council fire on , Semicircle sitting with Tiger Cubs on the floor and parents seated behind them. Council fire in center. At the open end, place fake water on floor and steps on top. Be sure to place steps so some difficulty is encountered while crossing water so it's a real challenge. Put stamp and rod taped together and in fire. Arrow heads, remaining rods, and feathers at waters edge. Certificate, pin, and Tiger patch at Shere Kahn position.

Characters: Cubmaster or Tribal Chief, Tiger or Shere Kahn, Den Chief or Ceremonial Brave.

Tribal Chief: (Chief is setting 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!

Ceremonial Brave: (Brave is at the end of the water. he greets them. He takes them to a spot where he has the makings of the arrows and says,) The arrowhead breaks the wind. The stick, if straight, will guide the arrows path. The feathers gives 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. So all may know that they are not of the tribe we will place our mark upon their foreheads. This symbol is the Bobcat, your first rank in this tribe. (Chief stamps each Tiger, as each boy is "branded" the Cub pack hisses, the Chief calls them Bobcats of Den(#), and introduces them to their Den Leader.