On the advancement trail, a Cub Scout progresses from rank to rank, learning new skills as they go. 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 .
Lion
When a boy or girl in Kindergarten joins Cub Scouting, they join as a Lion and must earn the core Lion requirements before they can advance to the rank of Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos. A scout must also 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.
Bobcat
When a boy or girl in grades first through fifth joins Cub Scouting, they must earn their Bobcat badge before they can advance to the rank of Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos. A boy or girl 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 and girls who are in first grade or are age 7. To earn the Tiger badge, a boy or girl must complete six required adventures with their den or family and one elective adventure of their den or family’s choosing. As the scout completes each adventure, they will receive the adventure loop for that adventure, which they can wear on their belt. When the scout has completed the seven required adventures, they can receive the Tiger badge during a grand ceremony at the next pack meeting.
After they have earned the Tiger badge, a Tiger Scout can work on the remaining 12 Tiger electives until they finish first grade (or turn 8 years old). They can choose elective adventures that may show them new hobbies and teach them skills that will be useful during their Boy Scout years. When they complete an elective adventure, they receive an additional adventure loop to wear on their belt.
Wolf
The Wolf rank is for boys and girls who have finished first grade (or who are 8 years old). To earn the Wolf badge, a scout must complete six required adventures and one elective adventure. Their parent or guardian and den leader approves each requirement by signing their book, and the scout receives an adventure loop for each adventure. When the scout has met all requirements, the Wolf badge is presented during an impressive ceremony at the next pack meeting.
After they have earned the Wolf badge, a Wolf Scout can work on the remaining 12 Wolf electives until they finish second grade (or turn 9 years old). They can choose elective adventures that may show them new hobbies and teach them skills that will be useful during their Boy Scout years. When they completes an elective adventure, they receive an additional adventure loop to wear on their belt.
Bear
The Bear rank is for boys and girls who have finished second grade (or who are 9 years old). To earn the Bear badge, a scout must complete six required adventures and one elective adventure. Their parent or guardian and den leader approves each requirement by signing their book, and the scout receives an adventure loop for each adventure. When the scout has met all requirements, the Bear badge is presented during an impressive ceremony at the next pack meeting.
After they have earned the Bear badge, a Bear Scout can work on the remaining 12 Bear electives until they finish third grade (or turn 10 years old). They can choose elective adventures that may show them new hobbies and teach them skills that will be useful during their Boy Scout years. When they complete an elective adventure, they receives an additional adventure loop to wear on their belt.
Webelos
Webelos dens are for boys or girls 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 scout has done the requirements for an adventure, the Webelos den leader, rather than a parent, approves most of the adventures. For each adventure a scout completes, they receive a pin to wear on the Webelos colors or on their hat. After completing seven adventures, including five required adventures and two elective adventures, a Scout receives the Webelos badge during an impressive ceremony at the next pack meeting.
After they have earned the Webelos badge, a Webelos Scout can work on the remaining 18 shared Webelos and Arrow of Light electives until they finish fourth grade (or turns 11 years old). They can choose elective adventures that may show them new hobbies and teach them skills that will be useful during their Boy Scout years. When they complete an elective adventure, they receive an additional adventure loop to wear on their belt.
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 scout completes, they receive a pin to wear on the Webelos colors or on their hat.
The Arrow of Light badge 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 rank when they were young may also show their achievement by wearing a special square knot on their adult uniform.