Being a Cub Scout means you are a member of a worldwide youth movement that stands for certain values and beliefs. Cub Scouting is more than something to do. It’s all about the boy you are and the person you will become.
Advancement is one of the methods used to promote the aims of character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Everything a Cub Scout does in the advancement program is intended to achieve these aims and aid in personal growth. The program has two tiers of advancement: the classic rank system and the newer Academics and Sports Program.
Resources
Find things that will help you as a Cub Scout.
Uniforms, Advancement, Awards, and Recognitions
Did you know that you can earn more than 65 awards as a Cub Scout? Whether it’s a rank advancement, Sports or Academics belt loop and pin, or one of the many other individual awards, there is plenty for you to set your sights on.
Bobcat badge
All boys will first work on their Bobcat badge to complete the Cub Scout joining requirements, which include knowing the Cub Scout motto and salute. Once the Bobcat badge requirements have been completed, the Cub Scout will continue with the age appropriate program.
Tiger Cub badge
Tiger Cubs complete achievements to earn the Tiger Cub badge, then complete electives to receive Tiger Track Beads.
Wolf Cub and Bear Cub badges
Wolf Cub Scouts (second grade) work toward the Wolf badge,[10] then toward Arrow Points. Bear Cub Scouts (third grade) work toward the Bear badge and then earn Arrow Points. The Wolf badge has twelve requirements that empower basic life skills, whereas the Bear requires completing several requirements within the areas of “God”, “Country”, “Family” and “Self”.
Arrow points
Wolf Cubs and Bear Cubs who have completed their respective badges may earn arrow points by completing electives. In addition, Bear requirements beyond those needed for the badge can be completed for arrow points.
Webelos Scouts
Webelos Scouts work toward earning activity badges. Initially, Webelos work toward the Webelos Badge. After earning the Webelos badge (usually as Webelos I), boys work toward the Compass Point Emblem and Metal Compass Points. Finally, Webelos work toward the Arrow of Light.
Webelos Scout badge
The Webelos Scout badge requires Scouts to earn three activity badges (see below), demonstrate religiosity, and know the basics about Boy Scouts, such as the Outdoor Code. One version of the Webelos badge is the same size and shape as the Bobcat, Wolf, and Bear badges, and can be placed on the uniform where the Tiger Cub badge goes. Webelos Scouts wearing the tan Boy Scout shirt wear an oval shaped Webelos badge, which is the same size as the Boy Scout rank badges.
Arrow of Light
The Arrow of Light award is the highest award available to Cub Scouts. It requires the Scout to have earned the Webelos Scout badge and eight activity badges. In addition to the skill and activity requirements of the preceding ranks, the Arrow of Light requires Scouts to learn the Scout Promise and Scout Law, and visit one meeting and one activity of a Boy Scout troop, in preparation for advancing to the Boy Scouts. Earning the Arrow of Light will help earn many of the requirements for the lower ranks of the Boy Scouts. The Arrow of Light award is the only Cub Scout award that can be worn on a Boy Scout uniform. Both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts wear the badge below the left pocket. Adults wear the square-knot version of the badge above the left pocket. Cub Scouts who earn the Arrow of Light are eligible to join a Boy Scout Troop prior to turning the normally-required age of eleven.