Scout Advancement

Advancement is the process by which a child progresses from badge to badge, learning new skills as they go. The Cub Scout advancement program is designed to encourage the natural interests of a child in a natural way. Each of the ranks and awards in Cub Scouting has its own requirements. As a child advances through the ranks, requirements are progressively more challenging, matching the increased skills and abilities of a child as they grow 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 their personal growth. These badges are a means to an end—not an end in themselves.

Bobcat

No matter what age or grade a child joins Cub Scouting, they must earn his Bobcat badge before he can advance to the rank of Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos. A child must complete the Bobcat requirements, which include demonstrating their understanding of Scouting's core values. They must be able to recite the Cub Scout Promise, Law of the Pack, and motto and demonstrate the Cub Scout sign, handshake, and salute. They 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 they has accomplished these tasks, they 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 child completes each part of the achievements, they he will be awarded either an orange (den activities), white (family activities), or black ("Go See It") bead. When the child has earned five beads of each color, they are eligible to receive their Tiger Cub badge. The Tiger Cub badge is presented to the adult partner at the last pack meeting. In an impressive ceremony, the adult partner in turn presents the badge to the child.

Wolf

The Wolf rank is for children who have completed first grade (or who are 8 years old). To earn the Wolf badge, a child must pass 12 achievements involving simple physical and mental skills. Their parent or guardian approves each achievement by signing their book, den leaders take care of this task in Scoutbook. When all requirements are satisfied, the Wolf badge is presented to them at the last pack meeting in an impressive advancement ceremony, during which the parent or guardian in turn presents the badge to the child.

After they have earned the Wolf badge, a child 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 their interest in new hobbies, as well as teaching them skills that will be useful during his Scouting America years. When he completes 10 elective projects, they earn a Gold Arrow Point to wear under the Wolf badge. For each additional 10 elective projects completed, they earn a Silver Arrow Point.

Bear

The Bear rank is for children who have completed second grade (or are 9 years old). There are 24 Bear achievements in four categories; children 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 child has earned his Bear badge, they may work on electives for credit toward Arrow Points to be worn under the Bear badge.

Webelos

Webelos dens are for children 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

Webelos Scouts work on requirements during their weekly den meetings. Once the child learns the skill, they practice it at den meetings and at home on their own. The child's family is encouraged to help them at home. Children 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 child to do their best and help to build his confidence and self-esteem.

When a child 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 Scout.

This recognition is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the 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.

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