Ranks and Advancement
Scouts work their way through Cub Scouts doing activities that are fun and challenging. The activities are carefully chosen to be age-appropriate and emphasize learning by doing and cover many aspects of life. In addition to the activities that contribute to advancement in rank, the Scouts can earn belt loops, pins, and letters in the optional Sports and Academic Program. The purpose of these awards is to encourage Scouts to try new activities and learn new skills, or to improve those skills they already have. As in most activities in Cub Scouting, this is not meant to be a highly competitive program; instead the Scouts are encouraged to "do their best".
Recognition is important to children. The Cub Scout advancement plan provides age-appropriate fun for the Scouts, gives them a sense of personal achievement as they earn badges, and strengthens family understanding as adult family members work with the Scouts on advancement projects. For all but the Webelos, a parent can serve as Akela, or leader, to approve completion of advancement requirements.
Advancement
Cub Scout activities are revolve around earning badges that are specific to each rank. "Advancement" refers to the progress a Cub Scout makes toward their badge of rank. All of the activities for each rank are in the Cub Scout handbooks. Scouts work their way through each of the activities to full completion and "cross over" to the next rank at the end of the school year.
Bobcat
The Bobcat Badge is the first rank that every Scout must earn when entering the Cub Scouting Program. Tigers Cubs in Pack 69 will work towards the Bobcat rank as they work through the Tiger Cub requirements. Note: Lions do not need to earn this until they reach the rank of Tiger, however, they can work towards it if their Den Leader wants.
The Lion Cub program is for the kindergarten child and an adult member of their family. It is meant to integrate traditional Scouting concepts of character development, leadership skills, personal fitness and citizenship into activities that are age-appropriate and fun for the Scouts and their parents. Each Lion Cub group is made up of six to eight boys or girls and is led by a Lion Guide. The Lion Guide, with the assistance of the Scoutβs parents, work together to complete the required activities. Lion Dens usually attend only two special Pack meetings to accommodate the earlier bedtimes of Lions.
Tiger Cubs is a program for the first-grade child and an adult member of their family. It is built around programs themes, called achievements, with suggested activities for the individual families under each achievement. Each Tiger Cub group is made up of first-grade boys or girls and their adult partners. The Scout and their partner work together to do family activities based on the monthβs theme while working on completing their Tiger Cub achievements and electives that can be found Tiger Cub Program Book. The goal of the meetings is to emphasize the core values of cub Scouting with fun activities. At least twice a month, the Tiger Cubs and adults come together for an activity built around the having fun while completing their achievements and electives. Because it is all about having fun, each Den activity may not include activities that go towards achievements and electives. Leadership of the Tiger Den gatherings is shared among the adult partners on a rotating basis with the guidance and support of the Tiger Cub group coach, so that each partner has an opportunity to develop leadership experience.
The Wolf program is for children who have completed first grade (or are age eight). To earn the Wolf badge, a Scout must pass twelve achievements involving simple physical and mental skills.
The Bear rank is for children who have completed second grade (or are age 9). There are 24 Bear achievements in four categories. The Scout must complete 12 of these to earn the Bear badge. These are somewhat more challenging than those for Wolf.
This program is for children who have completed third grade (or are age 10). A Scout may begin working on the Webelos badge as soon as they join a Webelos Den. As they complete the requirements found in the Webelos Scout Book, they will work on activity badges, attend meetings led by adults, and become familiar with the Boy Scout requirements β all leading to the Arrow of Light Award, the highest achievement in Cub Scouts. There also are award programs that encourage exploration of your religious faith, nature conservation, public service and new skills, subjects and sports.
Uniforms
The uniform is one of the methods of delivering structure and advancements through the Scouting program. In addition to creating a sense of belonging, the uniform gives a Scout the ability to display their personal achievements and ranks.
Please see each individual rank page for specific uniform requirements:
Adventures
Based on different activities such as hiking, nature, science, citizenship, first aid, sports, etc., "adventures" are earned as a Scout advances toward their badge of rank. Once an adventure is completed, a Scout receives recognition in the form of a an adventure loop or adventure pin.
Kindergarten through third grade (Lions, Tigers, Wolves, and Bears) earn metal adventure loops that slide onto their belts.
Fourth and fifth graders (Webelos) earn metal adventure pins that are either placed on the Webelos Colors or on their hat.
There are numerous awards that Scouts can earn aside from their badges. Click here to learn more.
