On the advancement trail, a Cub Scout progresses from rank to rank,
learning new skills as he goes. Each of the ranks and awards in Cub
Scouting has its own requirements. As you advance through the ranks, the
requirements get more challenging, to match the new skills and
abilities you learn as you get older. For more information on
advancement, visit
CubScouts.org .
Bobcat
No matter what age or grade a boy joins Cub Scouting, he must earn
his Bobcat badge before he can advance to the rank of Tiger, Wolf, Bear,
or Webelos. A boy must complete the Bobcat requirements, which include:
- Learn and say the Cub Scout motto, the Scout Oath, and the Scout Law and tell what they mean;
- Show the Cub Scout sign, salute, and handshake and tell what they mean; and
- With your parent or guardian complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide.
Tiger
The Tiger rank is for boys who are in first grade or are age 7. To
earn the Tiger badge, a boy must complete six required adventures with
his den or family and one elective adventure of his den or family’s
choosing. As the boy completes each adventure, he will receive the
adventure loop for that adventure, which he can wear on his belt. When
the boy has completed the seven required adventures, he can receive the
Tiger badge. The Tiger badge is given to the boy’s adult partner at a
pack meeting. Then, during a grand ceremony, the adult gives the badge
to the boy.
After he has earned the Tiger badge, a Tiger Scout can work on the
remaining 12 Tiger electives until he finishes first grade (or turn 8
years old). He can choose elective adventures that may show him new
hobbies and teach him skills that will be useful during his Boy Scout
years. When he completes an elective adventure, he receives an
additional adventure loop to wear on his belt.
Wolf
The Wolf rank is for boys who have finished first grade (or who are 8
years old). To earn the Wolf badge, a boy must complete six required
adventures and one elective adventure. His parent or guardian and den
leader approves each requirement by signing his book, and the boy
receives an adventure loop for each adventure. When the boy has met all
requirements, the Wolf badge is presented to his parent or guardian at
the next pack meeting. During an impressive ceremony, the parent or
guardian then presents the badge to the boy.
After he has earned the Wolf badge, a Wolf Scout can work on the
remaining 12 Wolf electives until he finishes second grade (or turns 9
years old). He can choose elective adventures that may show him new
hobbies and teach him skills that will be useful during his Boy Scout
years. When he completes an elective adventure, he receives an
additional adventure loop to wear on his belt.
Bear
The Bear rank is for boys who have finished second grade (or who are 9
years old). To earn the Bear badge, a boy must complete six required
adventures and one elective adventure. His parent or guardian and den
leader approves each requirement by signing his book, and the boy
receives an adventure loop for each adventure. When the boy has met all
requirements, the Bear badge is presented to his parent or guardian at
the next pack meeting. During an impressive ceremony, the parent or
guardian then presents the badge to the boy.
After he has earned the Bear badge, a Bear Scout can work on the
remaining 12 Bear electives until he finishes third grade (or turn 10
years old). He can choose elective adventures that may show him new
hobbies and teach him skills that will be useful during his Boy Scout
years. When he completes an elective adventure, he receives an
additional adventure loop to wear on his belt.
Webelos
Webelos dens are for boys who have completed third grade (or reached
age 10). Webelos Scouts get to work on the five required Webelos
adventures and choose two of the 18 elective adventures that are shared
by the Webelos and Arrow of Light ranks.
When a boy has done the requirements for an adventure, the Webelos den
leader, rather than a parent, approves most of the adventures. For each
adventure a boy completes, he receives a pin to wear on the Webelos
colors or on his hat. After completing seven adventures, including five
required adventures and two elective adventures, a Scout can receive the
Webelos badge.
After he has earned the Webelos badge, a Webelos Scout can work on
the remaining 18 shared Webelos and Arrow of Light electives until he
finishes fourth grade (or turns 11 years old). He can choose elective
adventures that may show him new hobbies and teach him skills that will
be useful during his Boy Scout years. When he completes an elective
adventure, he receives an additional adventure pin to wear on the
Webelos colors or on his hat.
Arrow of Light
The highest rank in Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light. Earning this
rank prepares a Webelos Scout to become a Boy Scout. Scouts must
complete four required adventures and three elective adventures to earn
the Arrow of Light rank. For each adventure a boy completes, he receives
a pin to wear on the Webelos colors or on his hat.
The Arrow of Light badge is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn
on the Boy Scout uniform when a boy graduates into a troop. Adult
leaders who earned the Arrow of Light rank when they were young may also
show their achievement by wearing a special square knot on their adult
uniform.
On the advancement trail, a Cub Scout progresses from rank to rank, learning new skills as he goes. Each of the ranks and awards in Cub Scouting has its own requirements. As you advance through the ranks, the requirements get more challenging, to match the new skills and abilities you learn as you get older.