The Cub Scout program is for elementary aged children from Kindergarten through 5th grade. Scouts are organized in Dens based on their age and work on age-appropriate lessons during each rank. It is important to note that children may enter Cub Scouts at any rank! A 3rd grade child may enter the program to work on a Bear rank without previously being a Cub Scout.
Each level of Cub Scouts has a series of different requirements, called "adventures," that Scouts must complete to earn the rank for that level. The adventure and rank requirements are found in the respective Scout Handbook for each rank, and are designed to be worked on at home with parents or other Scouts at Den meetings.
A Cub Scout proceeds on the advancement trail from rank to rank and learns new skills as they progress. As Scouts advance through the ranks, the requirements become more challenging to match the new skills and abilities the Scout learns as they grow older.
In addition to the achievements required to earn a rank badge, there is a whole series of optional requirements called “electives.” Scouts choose the electives that are of most interest and work on them either at home or at den meetings.
The Bobcat badge is the first badge that is earned by all Tiger, Cub, and Webelos Scouts. This badge is required for all scouts because it involves learning the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack and other fundamental aspects of Cub Scouting. Completion of this badge gives the Scout the right to wear the Bobcat patch on his uniform (in the twelve o’clock position of the front left shirt pocket) and the right to proceed to their next rank (which will vary based upon age.) At the end of the Scout year (in June), Lions graduate into a Tiger den.
The Bobcat badge is the first badge that is earned by all Tiger, Cub, and Webelos Scouts. This badge is required for all scouts because it involves learning the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack and other fundamental aspects of Cub Scouting. Completion of this badge gives the Scout the right to wear the Bobcat patch on his uniform (in the twelve o’clock position of the front left shirt pocket) and the right to proceed to his next rank (which will vary based upon age.) At the end of the Scout year (in June), Lions graduate into a Tiger den.
In the Tigers program, an Adult Partner (a parent, grandparent, or other guardian) always accompanies each scout. The Tigers and an Adult Partner form a team. The first few Tiger meetings are organized and run by the Tiger Den Leader in order to introduce the Tigers and Adult Partners to Scouting. After that, each Tiger/Adult team selects a topic from the Tiger book and presents the topic to the Tiger Group (one topic per meeting). The Tiger earns progress beads towards their Tiger badge. Completion of this badge earns the right for the Scout to wear the Tiger patch on their uniform (in the six o’clock position of the front left shirt pocket, directly beneath the Bobcat patch). At the end of the Scout year (in June), Tigers graduate into a Wolf den.
In the Wolf program, completion of adventures found within the Wolf handbook leads to earning the Wolf badge and Adventure loops. The Wolf handbook includes many activities that are family oriented. Your child will need your assistance to earn this rank. Completion of this badge earns the right for the Scout to wear the Wolf patch on his uniform (see the section on placement of emblems and insignia near the end of the handbook). At the end of the Scout year (in May), Wolf scouts graduate into a Bear den.
In the Bear program, completion of Adventures in the Bear handbook leads to earning the Bear badge. The Bear handbook includes many activities that are family oriented. Your scout will need your assistance to earn this rank. Completion of this badge earns the right for the Scout to wear the Bear patch on his uniform (see the section on placement of emblems and insignia near the end of the handbook). At the end of the Scout year (in May), Bears graduate into a WEBELOS den.
The Webelos program is designed to begin transitioning scouts from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA. Webelos stands for "We'll Be Loyal Scouts." In the Webelos program, scouts earn Adventure pins in areas such as geology, scholarship, fitness, and outdoorsmanship that count towards the Webelos rank. The focus of the Webelos den is to work together as a team, much like a Scouts BSA patrol. This includes Webelos den camping.
Scouts in 5th grade (or Scouts in 4th grade who have earned the Weblos rank) work towards the Arrow of Light.
The Arrow of Light is both a rank and an award. It is the highest achievement in Cub Scouting, and the only Cub Scout Award that can still be worn once a scout enters Scouts BSA. Adult leaders who earned the Arrow of Light Award may show their achievement by wearing a special square knot on their uniform.