Cub Scout Advancement
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 you advance through the ranks, the requirements get more challenging, to match the new skills and abilities you learn as you get older. For more information on advancement, visit CubScouts.org.
Bobcat
No matter what age or grade a youth joins Cub Scouting, they must earn the Bobcat badge before they can advance 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.
Tiger
The Tiger rank is for youth who are in first grade or are age 7. To earn the Tiger badge, a scout must complete six required adventures with their den or family and one elective adventure of their den or family’s choosing. As the scout completes each adventure, they will receive the adventure loop for that adventure, which they can wear on their belt. When the scout has completed the seven required adventures, they 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 they have 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 Scouts BSA years. When they complete an elective adventure, they receive an additional adventure loop to wear on their belt.
Wolf
The Wolf rank is for youth 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. Their parent or guardian and den leader approves each requirement by signing their book, and the scout receives an adventure loop for each adventure. When the scout 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 scout.
After they have earned the Wolf badge, a Wolf Scout can work on the remaining 12 Wolf electives until they finish the second grade (or they turn 9 years old). They can choose elective adventures that may show them new hobbies and teach them skills that will be useful during their Scouts BSA years. When they complete an elective adventure, they receive an additional adventure loop to wear on their belt.
Bear
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. Their parent or guardian and den leader approves each requirement by signing their book, and the scout receives an adventure loop for each adventure they complete. When the scout 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 scout.
After they have earned the Bear badge, a Bear Scout can work on the remaining 12 Bear electives until they finish the 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 their Scouts BSA years. When they complete an elective adventure, they receive an additional adventure loop to wear on their belt.
Webelos
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, they receive a pin to wear on the Webelos colors or on their hat. After completing seven adventures, including the 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 turn 11 years old). They can choose elective adventures that may show them new hobbies and teach them skills that will be useful during their Scouts BSA years. When they complete an elective adventure, they receive an additional adventure pin to wear on the Webelos colors or on their hat.
Arrow of Light
The highest rank in Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light. Earning this rank prepares a Webelos Scout to become a Scouts BSA Scout. Scouts must complete the four required adventures and three elective adventures to earn the Arrow of Light rank. For each adventure a scout 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 Scouts BSA uniform when a 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.
