Each level of Cub Scouting has a series of requirements, called “adventures,” that Scouts must complete to receive the patch for that level. These awards are known as “ranks.” The requirements are found in the handbooks for each level and are designed to be worked on at home with parents or other Cub Scouts at den meetings.
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 a Scout advances through the ranks, the requirements get more challenging to match the new skills and abilities the Scout learns as they get older.
Cub Scout Ranks
Cub Scouts in the Pack are grouped by age and grade into ranks. The rank your child will start with depends on his/her current age and grade as follows:
- Entering kindergarten – LIONS
- Completed kindergarten – TIGERS
- Completed the first grade – WOLVES
- Completed the second grade – BEARS
- Completed the third grade – WEBELOS
- Completed the fourth grade – ARROW OF LIGHT
The Cub Scout Advancement program is an excellent way to spend quality time with your child. The responsibility for boys and girls earning awards in Cub Scouts lies with the families and not with the Pack. Some achievements are done in Den meetings, and some are done at home with the family. Ranks are grade specific. As a result, the awards your child earns helps raise his/her self-esteem and confidence.
Lion Rank (KINDERGARTEN)
The Lion Program provides exciting indoor and outdoor activities specifically designed for Kindergarten boys and girls and an adult partner. Adult partners are there to support and guide, and allow the new Cub Scout to discover the activities and adventures under adult supervision. A Lion learns by doing these things himself/herself. As they learn and grow, the relationship with their adult partner grows as well. At the conclusion of the Kindergarten year, the Lion Cub will graduate into the Tiger program and continue on their journey through Cub Scouting.
Bobcat Rank
No matter what age or grade a child joins Cub Scouting, he must earn his Bobcat badge before he/she can advance to the rank of Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos. A child 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 Rank (FIRST GRADE)
The Tiger rank is for children who are in first grade (or are age 7 years old). To earn the Tiger badge, a child must complete six required adventures with their den or family and one elective adventure of their den or family’s choosing. As the child completes each adventure, they will receive the adventure loop for that adventure, which they can wear on their belt. When the child has completed the seven required adventures, they can receive the Tiger badge. The Tiger badge is given to the child’s adult partner at a pack meeting. Then, during a grand ceremony, the adult gives the badge to the child.
After the child has earned the Tiger badge, a Tiger Scout can work on the remaining 12 Tiger electives until they finishes 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 Rank (SECOND GRADE)
The Wolf rank is for children who have finished first grade (or who are 8 years old). To earn the Wolf badge, a child 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 child receives an adventure loop for each adventure. When the child has met all requirements, the Wolf badge is presented to their parent or guardian at the next pack meeting. During an impressive ceremony, the parent or guardian then presents the badge to the child.
After they have earned the Wolf badge, a Wolf Scout can work on the remaining 12 Wolf electives until they finish second grade (or turns 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 complete an elective adventure, they receive an additional adventure loop to wear on their belt.
Bear Rank (THIRD GRADE)
The Bear rank is for children who have finished second grade (or who are 9 years old). To earn the Bear badge, a child 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 child receives an adventure loop for each adventure. When the child has met all requirements, the Bear badge is presented to their parent or guardian at the next pack meeting. During an impressive ceremony, the parent or guardian then presents the badge to the child.
After they have earned the Bear badge, a Bear Scout can work on the remaining 12 Bear electives until he finishes 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 his Boy Scout years. When they complete an elective adventure, they receive an additional adventure loop to wear on their belt.
Webelos Rank (FORTH GRADE)
Webelos dens are for children 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 child has done the requirements for an adventure, the Webelos den leader, rather than a parent, approves most of the adventures. For each adventure a child 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 can receive the Webelos badge.
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 (FIFTH GRADE)
The highest rank in Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light. Earning this rank prepares a Webelos Cub Scout to become a Scout. Cub Scouts must complete four required adventures and three elective adventures to earn the Arrow of Light rank. For each adventure a child 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 Scout uniform when a child graduates into a troop. During fifth grade, the Webelos Cub Scouts transition into the Scout Troop of their choice. This typically happens in mid to late January.