On the advancement trail, a Cub Scout progresses from rank to rank, learning new skills as they goes. Each of the ranks and awards in Cub Scouting has its own requirements. As a scout advances through the ranks, the requirements get more challenging to match the new skills and abilities they learn as they get older.
Lions
Our Cub Scouts can begin their journey in scouting as a Lion. Kindergartners work toward the Lion rank. The Lion rank is earned by completing five adventures as described below. Although participation with an adult partner is required for all Lion awards, recognition items are for the Scouts only. Lions will earn belt loops for each adventure and can earn the Lion badge at the completion of all adventures.
Bobcat
No matter what age or grade a child joins Cub Scouting, they must earn their Bobcat badge before he can advance to the rank of Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos. A scout must complete the Bobcat requirements, which include:
- Learn and say the Cub Scout motto, the Cub Scout Promise, and the Law of the Pack and tell what they mean;
- Show the Cub Scout sign, salute, and handshake and tell what they mean; and
- Show that you understand and believe that it is important to be honest and trustworthy.
Tiger Cub
To begin their path to the Tiger Cub rank, the Tiger Cub (first grade) must learn the Cub Scout promise, the Cub Scout sign, and the Cub Scout salute. When they have learned these, they get their Tiger Cub badge. The scout wears the emblem on their right pocket. As a scout finishes each part of the Tiger Cub adventures, they will earn a belt loop.
Wolf
The Wolf rank is for scouts that are in second grade. To earn the Wolf badge, a scout must complete required adventures. These required adventures are planned for completion by the den leader, though some must be done at home with a trust adult. When the scout has met all requirements, the Wolf badge is presented during a pack meeting or event. After they have earned the Wolf badge, a Wolf Cub Scout can work on the remaining elective adventures or other awards until they finish second grade.
Bear
The Bear rank is for scouts that are in third grade. A scout must complete the required rank adventures to be a Bear Cub Scout. These requirements are harder and more challenging than those for the Wolf badge. When a scout has earned his Bear badge, they may work on electives.
Webelos
Webelos dens are made up of scouts in the fourth and fifth grade. The Webelos den program is different from the Cub Scout den program. Everything in the Webelos Scout program is more challenging than what younger scouts in the pack do.
Webelos Scouts work on requirements during their den meetings. Once a scout learns a skill, they practice it at den meetings and at home on their own. When a scout has done the requirements for an activity badge, the Webelos den leader or activity badge counselor, rather than a parent, approves most of the activity badges. It takes a required number of adventures, and a minimum of three months, to earn the Webelos badge.
Arrow of Light
The highest rank in Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light Award. Earning this rank prepares a Webelos Scout to become a Scout BSA.
This award is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform when a scout graduates into a troop. Adult leaders who earned the Arrow of Light Award when they were young may also show their achievement by wearing a special square knot on their adult uniform.
