Cub Scout Ranks
On the Cub Scout advancement trail, a child progresses from rank to rank, learning new skills as they go. As they go, the requirements get more challenging to match their new skills and abilities. Cub Scout advancement includes a wide range of group and individual activities kids enjoy. More importantly, the activities are carefully selected to encourage moral, physical, and intellectual development.
Outside of the requirements, scouts can also complete any number of elective adventures of their den’s or family’s choosing for their current rank.
As the boy completes each adventure for Lion, Tiger, Wolf and Bear, he will receive the adventure loop for that adventure, which he can wear on his belt. For each adventure a Webelos scout completes, he receives a pin to wear on the Webelos colors or on his hat.
Lion Rank - Kindergarten
The Lion rank has exciting indoor and outdoor activities specifically designed for kindergarten age youth and their adult partner. Adult partners (guardians) are there to support and guide, allowing our youngest cubs to discover risks and rewards under the security of adult supervision. Lions learn by doing. As they learn and grow, the relationship with their adult partner (guardian) grows as well. At the conclusion of their kindergarten year, the Lion Cub will transition to Tiger Cubs where they'll earn the Bobcat badge and continue on to even more exciting and educational adventures through Cub Scouting.
Bobcat Rank - First to Fifth Grade
No matter what age or grade a boy joins Cub Scouting, he must earn his Bobcat badge before he can advance to the rank of Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos. A boy 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
Tiger Rank - First Grade
The Tiger rank is for scouts who are in first grade. After earning the Bobcat badge, the scout may earn the Tiger Cub badge by completing 5 adventures and one elective adventure involving simple physical and mental skills. The program emphasizes shared leadership, learning about the community, and family understanding.
Wolf Rank - Second Grade
The Wolf rank is for scouts who are in second grade. After earning the Bobcat badge, the scout may earn the Wolf Cub badge by completing 5 adventures and one elective adventure involving simple physical and mental skills. The program emphasizes teamwork, continued learning about our community and duty to our country.
Bear Rank - Third Grade
The Bear rank is for scouts who are in third grade. After earning the Bobcat badge, the scout may earn the Bear Cub badge by completing 5 adventures and one elective adventure involving simple physical and mental skills. The program emphasizes outdoor preparedness, duty to our country, and continued learning about local resources and wildlife.
Webelos Rank - Fourth Grade
Our fourth grade scouts will begin to prepare to join a Boy Scout troop while learning outdoor skills and participating in 4 adventures and 1 elective adventure. A well-run group of Webelos is a gradual change from being an 'adult-run' den to being a 'scout-run' patrol ready to fit right into an adventurous scouting troop.
Arrow of Light Rank - Fifth Grade
The highest rank in Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light, preparing a Webelos Scout to become a member of Scouts BSA. Scouts must complete 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.
After an Arrow of Light Scout has earned the The Arrow of Light badge they're ready to join a Scouts BSA Troop! The Arrow of Light is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Scouts BSA uniform. Adult leaders who earned the Arrow of Light rank may also show their achievement by wearing a special square knot on their uniform.