Cub Scout Advancement

Bobcat Badge
The Bobcat Badge is the first thing a new Cub Scout will earn and teaches the basis of the Cub Scout program and must be earned before the Wolf, Bear or Webelos Badge. On the Trail to Bobcat, a Cub Scout will:

• Learn and say the Cub Scout Promise and complete the Honesty Character Connection
• Say the Law of the Pack and tell what it means
• Tell what Webelos means
• Show the Cub Scout sign and tell what it means
• Show the Cub Scout handshake and tell what it means
• Say the Cub Scout motto
• Give the Cub Scout salute and tell what it means
• With your adult partner, complete "A Bobcat Requirement" in front of the Contents pages of this handbook

Wolf Badge
When a boy is in the second grade, he starts work on the 12 achievements for the Wolf rank as soon as he earns his Bobcat badge. These achievements involve knowledge of the American flag, his religious duites, physical skills and other activities 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.

When the Cub Scout has completed the 12 achievements, he receives the Wolf badge in a ceremony during the pack meeting. The Scout may then work on any of the 22 other electives, until he completes the second grade. For the first 10 electives earned, a Wolf is awarded a Gold Arrow Point, to be worn below his Wolf badge on his uniform. For the next 10 electives completed, he receives a Silver Arorw Point. Additional Silver Arrow Points may be earned for each 10 projects.

All requirements and electives are found in the Wolf Cub Scout Handbook.

Bear Badge
When a boy is in the third grade, he begins work toward the Bear rank. If this is his first year in Cub Scouts, he will need to earn the Bobcat badge first. When he has completed 12 of the 24 achievements and has been awarded the badge, he may work on the 24 electives in the Bear Cub Scout Handbook to earn arrow points as he did for Wolf. These arrow points are worn below his Bear badge.

In addition, he may earn elective credits by completing requirements for the 12 achievements not used to earn the Bear badge. As with the Wolf rank, completion of the requirements is approved by the Cub Scout's parents.

All requirements and electives are found in the Bear Cub Scout Handbook.

Webelos Badge and Arrow of Light
While working toward the Webelos rank and Arrow of Light Award, the boy also may earn any or all of the 20 activity pins that range from Aquanaut and Sportsman to Geologist and Forester. 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.

As a fourth grader, a Cub Scout will work on his Webelos badge, and as a fifth grader will work on his Arrow of Light. If entering the program as a new Scout, he will earn the Bobcat badge before earning the Webelos badge. Earning the Webelos badge is a prerequisite to earning the Arrow of Light. During his fifth grade year, he will visit several different Boy Scout Troops and during that time will determine which Troop will best meet his needs and will cross over. This is called the Webelos To Scout Transiton.

All requirements for the Webelos badge, Arrow of Light award and activity pins are found in the Webelos Handbook.

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 and commissioner staff.

Parents of Cub Scouts should understand their role and responsibilities in their son's advancement. The 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 Program Helps, Webelos Leader Guide, Cub Scout Ceremonies for Dens and Packs 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.

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

Cub Scout/Webelos Scout Resident and Day Camp Advancement Guidelines
Cub or Webelos Scout Resident Camp, as well as day camps, should limit advancement for the sake of advancement. Tiger Cub and Cub Scout Advancement is intended to be family-oriented; the adult partner or a family member must approve completion of the requirements by signing the boy's book. As boys become Webelos Scouts, their den leaders and activity pin counselors sign off the requirements in the handbooks. Camp programs and activities should not detract from these family and den responsibilities related to advancement.