Boy Scouts of America® Leatherstocking Council

Cub Scout Advancement

Achievement is a pillar of the Scouting program, and more than ever, young people need exciting opportunities to learn, along with immediate recognition; to keep them engaged and growing.

Guide to Advancement - for Leaders (100 page pdf)

Cub Scouting is home and neighborhood centered for the Cub Scout. Advancement involves parental approval of requirements.

When a boy has completed his requirements for a rank the Den Leader is to record the achievement using the Cub Scout Record Form for badges of rank and Belt Loops use the Den Regonition Report.

The Den Leader or Pack Advancement Chair is to fill out a Unit Advancement Report online and submit it to the Boy Scout Service Center when purchasing the next set badges of rank from the Scout Shop.

If a boy is in the second grade (or is 8), he can become a member of a Cub Scout den of perhaps five to eight boys, and his den is one of several that make up a pack. The den meets weekly, often at the home of the den leader.

If the boy is in the fourth grade (or is 10); he may become a member of a Webelos den. This den is led by an adult Webelos den leader. A pack may have more than one Webelos den, depending on the number of Webelos Scouts. The Webelos den meets weekly.

The pack meets monthly, usually at the building of its chartered organization. This meeting is conducted by the Cubmaster and the committee.

There are six Ranks in Cub Scouting:

Bobcat – ALL Cubs earn this rank soon after registering, regardless of age.

Tiger  – The rank for first graders (or 7 years old).

Wolf – The rank for second graders (or 8 years old).

Bear – The rank for third graders (or 9 years old).

Webelos – The first rank a boy earns in his Webelos den.

Arrow of Light – For fifth graders (or 10 years old).

Tiger Cub Requirements:Tiger Cubs are presented the Tiger Cub immediate recognition emblem when they learn the first three requirements for the Bobcat badge: the Cub Scout motto, Cub Scoutsalute, and Cub Scout sign. When a Tiger Cub has accomplished these tasks, he should be awarded his Tiger Cub immediate recognition emblem at the next pack meeting.The emblem is worn buttoned to the right pocket of the uniform shirt.

Bobcat Requirements: The new Cub Scout, regardless of his age, earns the Bobcat badge soon after registering. This rank involves learning the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack and some signs and symbols of Cub Scouting. His parents determine when the boy has mastered them.

Wolf Requirements: When a boy is in the second grade, he starts work on the twelve achievements for the Wolf rank as soon as he has earned his Bobcat rank. These achievements involve knowledge of the national flag, his religious duties, physical skills and other simple skills geared to his interests. A parent or adult family member should approve his work and sign his book, signifying completion of the requirements.

Cub Scout leaders approve only a few of the requirements, which are indicated in the book. All requirements and electives are found in the Wolf Cub Scout Book.

Bear Requirements: When the boy is in the third grade (or as soon as he completes the Bobcat requirements if he joins at this age), he begins work toward the Bear rank. When he has completed all the required belt loops and electives the boy earn the Bear rank.

Webelos Requirements: While working toward the Webelos rank and the Arrow of Light Rank. The Webelos den leader approves the boy’s work or assigns someone else to approve it. This is an important step in the boy’s transition to a Boy Scout troop. All requirements for the Webelos badge, Arrow of Light Rank and activity badges are found in the Webelos Scout Book. Arrow of Light: When he is 11 years old (or has earned the Arrow of Light or completed the fifth grade), the boy makes a transition from the pack to a Boy Scout troop in an impressive pack ceremony. The Webelos badge and Arrow of Light requirements include many, but not all, of the joining requirements for the Boy Scout badge. Having earned these, the boy should have less difficulty in meeting the requirements for joining a troop and receiving his Boy Scout badge. Earning of the Arrow of Light does not automatically earn the Boy Scout badge.

Cub Scout Advancement Goals: The administration of the Cub Scout advancement program is primarily the responsibility of the pack committee, with the support of the district advancement committee, the commissioner staff, and the Council Advancement Committee.

Parents of Cub Scouts should understand their role and responsibilities in their son’s advancement. For the boy to receive maximum benefit and growth from his advancement, the adult’s standard for completion of any requirement should be based on the Cub Scout motto, “Do Your Best”.

Advancement recognition should be given as soon as possible after a boy completes the requirements, and be done with proper ceremony. Presentation of badges should be a part of each monthly pack meeting. Suggestions for advancement ceremonies are contained in the Cub Scout and Webelos Scout Program Helps, Staging Den and Pack Ceremonies, and the Cub Scout Leader Book.

Packs and troops should be encouraged to work together to ensure a smooth transition from the Webelos den to the Boy Scout troop.

Good advancement records should be maintained by the pack to be sure that the boys are advancing and that the awards are presented promptly.

Cub Scout day camp, resident camping, Webelos overnight campouts, family camping and council or district Scouting shows provide additional opportunities for advancement.

The use of Den Chiefs (Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts or Venturers who assist with Cub Scout and Webelos Scout den meetings) can help stimulate advancement through example and experience, as well as encourage boys to continue in the Scouting program.