Cub Scout activities are centered on earning badges specific to each school grade level. This badge represents a rank. Advancement refers to the progress a Cub Scout makes toward their badge of rank. All of the activities for each rank are in the Cub Scout handbooks.
Think of the "Advancement Trail" as a map for your scout’s growth! Here is the simple breakdown of how scouts move forward:
Age-Appropriate Fun: Scouts work toward the rank specifically designed for their grade level. Because the activities are tailored to their age, they don't need to "catch up" on previous years—they jump right in with their peers!
The "6 + 2" Formula: To earn a new Rank Badge, your scout will complete six required adventures (core skills like character and citizenship) and at least two elective adventures (fun extras like hobbies or sports).
Workbooks & Progress: Each adventure has a few simple requirements found in its handbook. Once they check those off, they’ve mastered that skill!
The Bottom Line: Your scout will always be working on the rank that matches their grade. It’s designed to be achievable, rewarding, and—most importantly—a lot of fun for the whole family.
Each program year, there is a set of adventure units required to earn rank as well as additional elective adventures. Ranks levels each have own name and correspond to an elementary school grade - Scouting America provides instructions and activities for each rank and adventure.
Instead of a formal uniform shirt, Lions start out with a special Lion Scout T-shirt and workbook, and generally meet less often than other dens. The curriculum is very age-appropriate and a great introduction to Scouting
A Scout who is 7 years old or is in the first grade is a Tiger
A Scout who is 8 years old or is in the second grade is a Wolf.
A Cub Scout who is 9 years old or is in the third grade is a Bear.
A Scout who is 10 years old or is in the fourth grade is a Webelos Scout. The term “Webelos” means “We be loyal Scouts”. Webelos and AOLs each have their own required adventures, but the electives are shared and may be completed during either rank year.
Once a Scout has completed the Webelos rank requirements or a new boy joins Cub Scouting in the fifth grade, he may advance to AOL. This program year is designed to be completed earlier than the others, so the AOL Scouts’ families may visit Troops if they plan to continue on from Cub Scouts to Scouting America.