No matter what age or grade a child joins Cub Scouting, he or she must earn the Bobcat badge before advancing to the rank of Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos. A Scout 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.
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 Scouts and their parents.
The activities introduce the family to Cub Scouting, and provide an exciting way for the littlest Scouts to explore the world around them. The program will fuel their imaginations, 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 Scouts who are in first grade or are age 7. To earn the Tiger badge, a Scout must complete six required adventures with the den or family and one elective adventure of the den or family’s choosing. As the Scout completes each adventure, heor she will receive the adventure loop for that adventure, which can be worn on the uniform belt. When the Scout has completed the seven required adventures, he or she can receive the Tiger badge. The Tiger badge is given to the Scout’s adult partner at a pack meeting. Then, during a grand ceremony, the adult gives the badge to the Scout.
After earning the Tiger badge, a Tiger Scout can work on the remaining 12 Tiger electives until finishing first grade (or turning 8 years old). He or she can choose elective adventures that may show new hobbies and teach skills that will be useful during the Scout years. When he or she completes an elective adventure, he or she receives an additional adventure loop to wear.
The Wolf rank is for Scouts 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. The parent or guardian and den leader approves each requirement by signing the book, and the Scout receives an adventure loop for each adventure. When the Scout has met all requirements, the Wolf badge is presented to the parent or guardian at the next pack meeting. During an impressive ceremony, the parent or guardian then presents the badge to the Scout.
After earning the Wolf badge, a Wolf Scout can work on the remaining 12 Wolf electives until finishing second grade (or turning 9 years old). He or she can choose elective adventures that may show new hobbies and teach skills that will be useful during the Scout years. When he or she completes an elective adventure, he or she receives an additional adventure loop to wear on the belt.
The Bear rank is for Scouts 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. The parent or guardian and den leader approves each requirement by signing the book, and the Scout receives an adventure loop for each adventure. When the Scout has met all requirements, the Bear badge is presented to the parent or guardian at the next pack meeting. During an impressive ceremony, the parent or guardian then presents the badge to the Scout.
After earning the Bear badge, a Bear Scout can work on the remaining 12 Bear electives until finishing third grade (or turning 10 years old). He or she can choose elective adventures that may show new hobbies and teach skills that will be useful during the Scout years. When he or she completes an elective adventure, he or she receives an additional adventure loop to wear on the belt.
Webelos dens are for Scouts 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, he or she receives a pin to wear on the Webelos colors or on his or her hat. After completing seven adventures, including five required adventures and two elective adventures, a Scout can receive the Webelos badge.
After he or she has earned the Webelos badge, a Webelos Scout can work on the remaining 18 shared Webelos and Arrow of Light electives until finishing fifth grade (or turning 11 years old). He or she can choose elective adventures that may show new hobbies and teach skills that will be useful during the Scout years. When he or she completes an elective adventure, he or she receives an additional pin to wear on the colors or hat.
The highest rank in Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light. Earning this rank prepares a Webelos Scout to become a Scout. Scouts must complete four required adventures and three elective adventures to earn the Arrow of Light rank. For each adventure a Scout completes, he receives a pin to wear on the Webelos colors or on the hat.
The Arrow of Light badge is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Scout uniform when a Cub 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.