Cub Scout Advancement: Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light

The Cub Scout Advancement Trail

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.

Cub Scouts Do Fun Things While Learning

Cubs learn about their world in fun and exciting ways! They get to wear a cool uniform, visit interesting places, and see new things. They play all kinds of sports and build stuff like racecars and bird houses.

  • Play sports such as baseball, soccer, and swimming - develop physical fitness, teamwork, fair play, cooperation, and good sportsmanship
  • Use hands-on learning experiences about art, science, music, and computers which inspire imagination and sharpen a child's interest in learning
  • Projects in woodworking, leather-working, and sculpture teach planning and patience while giving confidence
  • Outdoor adventures such as camping, hiking, and fishing convey an appreciation for nature's majesty and teach the importance of preserving our environment.

Cub Scout Ranks

Skip to:

Lion Cub - Kindergarten

The Lion Cub program 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 throughout the experience. At the conclusion of their kindergarten year, the Lion Cub will transition to Tiger Cubs where they'll earn the Bobcat badge and continue through Cub Scouting.

Bobcat

No matter what age or grade a youth joins Cub Scouting, they must earn their Bobcat badge before he can advance to any other rank. A youth 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
  • With a parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet "How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide"

Tiger - 1st Grade

The Tiger rank is for youth who are in first grade or age seven. To earn the Tiger badge, a youth must complete six required adventures with the den or family and one elective adventure of the den or family's choosing.

After earning the Tiger badge, a Tiger Scout can work on the remaining 12 Tiger electives until they finish first grade (or turns 8 years old).

Wolf - 2nd Grade

The Wolf rank is for Cub Scouts who have finished first grade or are eight years old. To earn the Wolf badge, a Cub Scout must complete six required adventures and one elective adventure, similar to earning a Tiger rank.

After earning the Wolf badge, a Wolf Scout can work on the remaining 12 Wolf electives until they finish second grade or turn 9 years old.

Bear - 3rd Grade

The Bear rank is for youth who have finished second grade or are nine years old. To earn the Bear badge, a youth must complete six required adventures and one elective adventure, similar to earning Tiger and Wolf rank.

After earning the Bear badge, a Bear Scout can work on the remaining 12 Bear electives until they finish third grade or turns 10 years old.

Webelos - 4th and 5th Grade

Webelos dens are for youth who have completed third grade or are ten years old. Webelos Scouts get to work on the five required Webelos adventures and choose two of the 18 elective adventures that are shared by the Webelos and Arrow of Light ranks. After completing seven adventures, including five required adventures and two elective adventures, a youth has earned the Webelos badge.

After earning the Webelos badge, a Webelos Scout can work on the remaining 18 shared Webelos and Arrow of Light electives until they finish fourth grade or turn 11 years old. 

Arrow of Light

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.

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.

Print
Cub Scout Advancement: Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light