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In order to assist you in prioritizing activities and achievements for the coming year, the following is an attempt to summarize key elements for each level of Tiger Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Webelos.
A Note About Timing: The goal for the pack is to have all scouts having their Bobcat badge by the October pack meeting and their specific rank badge by the February Blue & Gold Banquet. Special award presentations will be made at these meetings recognizing scouts who have completed the award requirements.
Recommendation for All Levels: Participation in Day Camps and Resident Camps not only provide an extra opportunity for fun, they help the scouts complete achievements required for their rank as well as earn other awards such as belt loops, outdoor activity awards, and more.
Bobcat (All new scouts)
All new scouts must earn their Bobcat badge before they can earn any other awards. Make this a priority. Try to complete the requirements within your first month of scouting. Remember, the goal is to Do Your Best. Scouts will perfect their memorization and understanding of these items over their years in scouting.
Tiger (1st Grade)
Tiger requires the completion of five achievement areas, each with elements to complete (1) with their family, (2) with their den, and (3) as a "Go See It". Tiger den meetings for the fall and winter are generally organized around the den required elements and some of the "Go See It" activities. Being active with your den meetings will help to ensure your completion of this rank. If you will miss a den meeting, work with your den leader to determine how the item can be completed at another time. The Tiger achievements emphasize family and community. It is a requirement of the Boy Scouts of America that a parent or other adult partner participate with the scouts in all the meetings and activities.
Special recommendations for Tiger Scouts:
* Try to complete the leaf rubbing and den hike early in the year to avoid the extra challenges presented by Minnesota weather.
Wolf (2nd Grade)
Wolf scouts must complete 12 different achievements. While many of these can be done independently, we encourage scouts to work together with their den to make the most of each opportunity. Help your den plan meetings that will complete 1 or 2 of the achievements each time.
Special recommendations for Wolf Scouts:
* Start early on the achievements 3 & 4. Achievement 3 requires tracking of healthy habits for 2 weeks. Achievement 4 requirements tracking of household responsibilities for 1 month. Starting them early removes the stress of the last minute scramble to complete them.
Bear (3rd Grade)
Bear scouts must complete 12 different achievements from a list of 24 choices. Achievements completed must match the following criteria:
* 1 from "Do One For God"
* 3 from "Do Three For Country"
* 4 from "Do Four For Family"
* 4 from "Do Four For Self"
Special Recommendations for Bear Scouts:
* At the beginning of the year, determine which achievements you want to complete as a den. Identify those that you will complete independently.
* Summer is a great time to complete those items that can be done independently.
Webelos (4th & 5th Grades)
The first goal of the Webelos is to earn their Webelos badge. If possible, ry to complete this before the Blue & Gold Banquet in your 4th grade year. To earn your Webelos badge, you must:
* Earn the Fitness Activity Badge
* Earn the Citizen Activity Badge
* Be active in your den for at least 3 months
* Know about the Webelos badge, uniform, and outdoor code; Have parents review the parent guide
* Learn the Boy Scout salute, sign, handshake, Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan
* Plan and lead a den flag ceremony
* Complete other badge requirements regarding faith
Special Recommendations for Webelos:
* Start early and practice often in your learning the Boy Scout items
* Tracking active participation in the den will be key to earning your rank
* Participating in summer camps and the Fall Webelos Activity Badge weekend will help complete many of the
Webelos badge requirements
Compass Points
For each 4 additional activity badges that scout earns after receiving their Webelos badge, they will receive a compass point patch and then 3 arrows. Plan carefully so that you can earn many of your activity badges and the related compass points.
Arrow of Light
This is the highest rank that can be earned before joining Boy Scouts. This is the goal for the 5th grade year. The requirements include:
* Six months of active participation AFTER earning the Webelos badge AND AFTER finishing 4th grade/turning 10
years old.
* Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the Boy Scout oath, law, motto, slogan, sign, salute,
handshake, First Class badge, uniform.
* Earn the Readyman Activity Badge
* Earn the Outdoorsman Activity Badge
* Earn one more activity badge from the Mental Skills Group (Artist, Scholar, Showman, or Traveler)
* Earn one more activity badge from the Technology Group (Craftsman, Engineer, Handyman, or Scientist)
* Earn one more badge of your choice beyond those earned for your Webelos badge or other Arrow of Light
requirements
* Visit a Boy Scout troop meeting and Boy Scout outdoor activity with your den
* Participate in a Webelos overnight campout or day hike
* Have a conference with the Scoutmaster of a Boy Scout Troop that you woud like to join
* Complete the Honesty Character Connection for Arrow of Light
Special Recommendations for Arrow of Light
* Summer Camp or the Fall Webelos Overnighter are great ways to earn many of your activity badges and to
complete your overnight and/or day hike requirement
* Tracking active participation in your den after you complete your Webelos AND complete 4th grade will be key
to earning this special award
* Complete as many of the activity badges as possible BEFORE the fall of your 5th grade year. This will allow
you to focus on activities with the Boy Scouts during the fall and winter.
* The final deadline for earning the Arrow of Light is the crossover ceremony, which is usually held in February
of your 5th grade year. After that time, you will be in Boy Scouts!
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