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 CubScouting has its own requirements. As you advance through the ranks, therequirements get more challenging, to match the new skills andabilities you learn as you get older. For more information onadvancement, visit CubScouts.org.
No matter what age or grade a boy joins Cub Scouting, he must earnhis Bobcat badge before he can advance to the rank of Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, or Arrow of Light. A boy must complete the Bobcat requirements, which include:
- Learn and say the Cub Scout motto, 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.
The Lion rank is for boys who are in kindergarten or are 5 years old by September 30 and not yet 7 years old.
The Lion program weaves traditional Scouting concepts of character development, leadership skills, personal
fitness and citizenship into activities that are age- appropriate and fun for the boys and their parents.
The activities introduce the family to Cub Scouting, and provide an exciting way for the little guys to explore
the world around them. The program will fuel their imagination, creativity and fun as they experience the
growth Scouting can provide. At the end of the Lion year, they "graduate" to Tiger and advance through
Cub Scouting.
The Tiger rank is for boys who are in first grade or are age 7. Toearn the Tiger badge, a boy must complete six required adventures withhis den or family and one elective adventure of his den or family’schoosing. As the boy completes each adventure, he will receive theadventure loop for that adventure, which he can wear on his belt. Whenthe boy has completed the seven required adventures, he can receive theTiger badge.
After he has earned the Tiger badge, a Tiger Scout can work on theremaining 12 Tiger electives until he finishes first grade (or turn 8years old). He can choose elective adventures that may show him newhobbies and teach him skills that will be useful during his Boy Scoutyears. When he completes an elective adventure, he receives anadditional adventure loop to wear on his belt.
The Wolf rank is for boys who have finished first grade (or who are 8years old). To earn the Wolf badge, a boy must complete six requiredadventures and one elective adventure. His parent or guardian and denleader approves each requirement by signing his book, and the boyreceives an adventure loop for each adventure. When the boy has met allrequirements, the Wolf badge is presented him atthe next pack meeting.
After he has earned the Wolf badge, a Wolf Scout can work on theremaining 12 Wolf electives until he finishes second grade (or turns 9years old). He can choose elective adventures that may show him newhobbies and teach him skills that will be useful during his Boy Scoutyears. When he completes an elective adventure, he receives anadditional adventure loop to wear on his belt.
The Bear rank is for boys who have finished second grade (or who are 9years old). To earn the Bear badge, a boy must complete six requiredadventures and one elective adventure. His parent or guardian and denleader approves each requirement by signing his book, and the boyreceives an adventure loop for each adventure. When the boy has met allrequirements, the Bear badge is presented to his parent or guardian atthe next pack meeting.
After he has earned the Bear badge, a Bear Scout can work on theremaining 12 Bear electives until he finishes third grade (or turn 10years old). He can choose elective adventures that may show him newhobbies and teach him skills that will be useful during his Boy Scoutyears. When he completes an elective adventure, he receives anadditional adventure loop to wear on his belt.
Webelos dens are for boys who have completed third grade (or reached age10). Webelos Scouts get to work on the five required Webelos adventuresand choose two of the 18 elective adventures that are shared by theWebelos and Arrow of Light ranks.
When a boy has done the requirements for an adventure, the Webelos denleader, rather than a parent, approves most of the adventures. For eachadventure a boy completes, he receives a pin to wear on the Webeloscolors or on his hat. After completing seven adventures, including fiverequired adventures and two elective adventures, a Scout can receive theWebelos badge.
Arrow of Light
Arrow of Light den is boys who have completed fourth grade (or reached age 10). Earning thisrank prepares the scout to become a Boy Scout. Scouts mustcomplete four required adventures and three elective adventures to earnthe Arrow of Light rank. For each adventure a boy completes, he receivesa 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 onthe Boy Scout uniform when a boy graduates into a troop.