Advancement is the process by which a boy progresses from badge to
badge, learning new skills as he goes. The Cub Scout advancement
program is designed to encourage the natural interests of a boy in a
natural way. Each of the ranks and awards in Cub Scouting has its own
requirements. As a boy advances through the ranks, requirements are
progressively more challenging, matching the increased skills and
abilities of a boy as he grows older.
Advancement is one of the methods used to achieve Scouting's
aims—character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.
Everything a Cub Scout does to advance is designed to achieve these
aims and aid in his personal growth. These badges are a means to an
end—not an end in themselves.
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 Cub, Wolf,
Bear, or Webelos. A boy must complete the Bobcat requirements, which
include demonstrating his understanding of Scouting's core values. He
must be able to recite the Cub Scout Promise, Law of the Pack, and
motto and demonstrate the Cub Scout sign, handshake, and salute. He
must also explain what each of these ideals means, in addition to
demonstrating his understanding of the core values of honesty and
trustworthiness, and explaining their importance.
Tiger Cub
To begin his path to the Tiger Cub rank, the Tiger Cub (age 7) must
learn the Cub Scout promise, the Cub Scout sign, and the Cub Scout
salute. When he has accomplished these tasks, he will be awarded his
Tiger Cub immediate recognition emblem. This is a tiger paw with four
strands for beads that he wears on the right pocket.
As a boy completes each part of the achievements, he will be awarded
either an orange (den activities), white (family activities), or black
("Go See It") bead. When the boy has earned five beads of each color,
he is eligible to receive his Tiger Cub badge. The Tiger Cub badge is
presented to the adult partner at the next pack meeting. In an
impressive ceremony, the adult partner in turn presents the badge to
the boy.
Wolf
The Wolf rank is for boys who have completed first grade (or who are
8 years old). To earn the Wolf badge, a boy must pass 12 achievements
involving simple physical and mental skills. His parent or guardian
approves each achievement by signing his book. When all requirements
are satisfied, the Wolf badge is presented to his parent or guardian at
the next pack meeting in an impressive advancement ceremony, during
which the parent or guardian in turn presents the badge to the boy.
After he has earned the Wolf badge, a boy is encouraged to work on
the 22 Wolf electives until he completes second grade (or turns 9 years
old). More than 100 elective projects are aimed at kindling his
interest in new hobbies, as well as teaching him skills that will be
useful during his Boy Scout years. When he completes 10 elective
projects, he earns a Gold Arrow Point to wear under the Wolf badge. For
each additional 10 elective projects completed, he earns a Silver Arrow
Point.
Bear
The Bear rank is for boys who have completed second grade (or are 9
years old). There are 24 Bear achievements in four categories; boys
must complete 12 of these to earn the Bear badge. These requirements
are more difficult and challenging than those for the Wolf badge. When
the boy has earned his Bear badge, he may work on electives for credit
toward Arrow Points to be worn under the Bear badge.
Webelos
Webelos dens are for boys who have completed third grade (or reached
age 10). The Webelos den program is different from the Cub Scout den
program: Instead of being based on a monthly theme, the Webelos den
program is based on one of 20 Webelos activities:
|
Physical Skills
- Aquanaut
- Athlete
- Fitness
- Sportsman
Mental Skills
- Artist
- Scholar
- Showman
- Traveler
|
Community
- Citizen
- Communicator
- Family Member
- Readyman
Technology
- Craftsman
- Engineer
- Handyman
- Scientist
|
Outdoor Activity
- Forester
- Geologist
- Naturalist
- Outdoorsman
|
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Webelos Scouts work on requirements during their weekly den
meetings. Once the boy learns the skill, he practices it at den
meetings and at home on his own. The boy's family is encouraged to help
him at home. Boys bring to den meetings completed or partially
completed projects done at home to show others, as well as to be
approved by the Webelos den leader. This sharing encourages a boy to do
his best and helps to build his confidence and self-esteem.
When a boy has completed the requirements for an activity badge, the
Webelos den leader or activity badge counselor, rather than a parent,
approves most of the activity badges.
In addition to earning individual activity pins, Webelos Scouts can
earn the compass points emblem, which is awarded after earning seven
activity badges. Metal compass points—east, west, and south—are
awarded for each four additional activity badges earned.
Arrow of Light
The pinnacle of Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light Award. The
requirements for this badge include developing outdoor skills, gaining
an understanding of the values of Scouting, and preparing to become a
Boy Scout.
This recognition 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 as a youth may also wear the appropriate
square knot on their adult uniform. Webelos Scouts who have earned the
Arrow of Light Award have also completed all requirements for the Boy
Scout badge.
