RANKS & ADVANCEMENT
Advancement is the process by which a boy progresses from rank to rank, learning new skills as he goes. The Cub Scout advancement program is designed to encourage a boy’s interests. Parents and Scout leaders work with the boys on requirements. Some requirements are done at den meetings, but many are done at home! Parents can sign off on his requirements when they all feel that he has done his best. As a result, the awards he earns raise his self-esteem and confidence.
Bobcat – 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 Cub, Wolf, Bear or Webelos. A boy must complete the Bobcat requirements, which include demonstrating his understanding of Scouting’s core values. He must be able to recite the Cub Scout Promise, Law of the Pack and Motto and explain the Cub Scout sign, handshake and salute.
Tiger Cub (1st Grade) – To begin his path to the Tiger Cub rank, the Tiger Cub must learn the Cub Scout promise, the Cub Scout sign and the Cub Scout salute. When he has accomplished these tasks, he will be awarded an immediate recognition emblem. As a boy completes each part of the achievements, he will be awarded an orange (den activities), white (family activities) or black (“Go See It”) bead. When the boy has earned five beads of each color, he is eligible to receive his Tiger Cub badge.
Wolf (2nd Grade) – The Wolf rank is for boys who have completed first grade (or who are 8-years-old). To earn the Wolf badge, a boy must pass 12 achievements involving simple physical and mental skills. His parent, guardian or den leader approves each achievement by signing his book. After he has earned the Wolf badge, a boy is encouraged to work on the 22 Wolf electives until he completes second grade (or turns 9-years-old). More than 100 elective projects are aimed at kindling his interest in new hobbies, as well as teaching him skills that will be useful during his Boy Scout years.
Bear (3rd Grade) – The Bear rank is for boys who have completed second grade (or are 9-years-old). There are 24 Bear achievements in four categories: boys must complete 12 of these to earn the Bear badge. These requirements are more difficult and challenging than those for the Wolf badge. When the boy has earned his Bear patch, he may work on electives for credit toward Arrow Points to be worn under the Bear patch.
Webelos (4th & 5th Grades) – Webelos dens are for boys who have completed third grade (or reached age 10). The Webelos den program is different from the Cub Scout den program. Instead of being based on a monthly theme, the Webelos den program is based on 20 Webelos activities the Scout works on over a two-year time frame.
Arrow of Light – The highest rank in Cub Scouting. A Webelos must earn the Webelos Badge and complete several additional requirements to attain the Arrow of Light.
More information can be found at: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Media/InsigniaGuide.aspx
Pack 69 