Recognition is important to young boys. The Cub Scouting advancement plan provides fun for the boys, gives them a sense of personal achievement as they earn badges, and strengthens family understanding as adult family members work with boys on advancement projects.

The first rank that every boy must earn when entering the Cub Scouting Program is the Bobcat rank. The Tiger program is for first-grade (or age 6) boys and their adult partners. There are five Tiger achievement areas. The Tiger, working with his adult partner, completes 15 requirements within these areas to earn the Tiger badge. These requirements consist of an exciting series of indoor and outdoor activities just right for a boy in the first grade. The Wolf program is for boys who have completed first grade (or are age 7). To earn the Wolf badge, a boy must pass 12 achievements involving simple physical and mental skills.  The Bear rank is for boys who have completed second grade (or are age 8). There are 24 Bear achievements in four categories. The Cub Scout must complete 12 of these to earn the Bear badge. These requirements are somewhat more difficult and challenging than those for Wolf rank. This program is for boys who have completed third grade (or are age 9). A boy may begin working on the Webelos badge as soon as he joins a Webelos den. This is the first step in his transition from the Webelos den to the Boy Scout troop. As he completes the requirements found in the Webelos Handbook, he will work on activity badges, attend meetings led by adults, and become familiar with the Boy Scout requirements—all leading to the Arrow of Light Award. The Arrow of Light Award is the highest rank in Cub Scouting. The Cub Scout will have to earn the Webelos badge and at least eight activity badges, including Citizen, Readyman, and Fitness. The total must include one from each of the five activity groups. Along this his path to the Arrow of Light a scout will learn and grow in many subjects that will prepare him for Boy Scouting. He will be ready to join a Boy Scout troop and will be able to take and wear the Arrow of Light with him as he bridges over.

 

The Academics and Sports program gives Cub Scouts extra recognition activities to earn. In Academics subjects and Sports, Cub Scouts learn new skills, become better scholars, learn sportsmanship, and have fun. You can get to know a sport or an academic subject that's new to you --maybe astronomy, chess, computers, science; golf, hiking, tennis, or skateboarding to name a few in the program.

Belt loops and pins are a great way to help fulfill the aims of Scouting—build character, develop citizenship, and encourage mental and physical fitness.  Through a variety of subjects, you can stretch your mind and abilities by exploring the wonders of science, learning about the world, and expanding skills in new areas.

This is a chance to try something new, do your best, and earn recognition all at the same time.

 

Academics and Sports Belt Loops You earn a belt loop to wear with your uniform when you complete three specific requirements for each Academics or Sports activity. You can take part in three ways: (1) by yourself or with your family, (2) in your den or pack, or (3) in school.

Besides the advancement awards and the Academics and Sports belt loops and pins, Cub Scouts may earn other individual awards. Set your sights on these:

Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award

Tiger Cubs, Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts may earn the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award. This award recognizes the Scout for taking part in outdoor recreation and conservation projects. In many cases, you can earn this award while doing other Scouting activities. Click here for more information about this award.

Religious Emblems

To encourage members to grow stronger in their faith, many religious groups have programs for young people to earn a religious emblem. The Boy Scouts of America approves of these programs and allows the religious emblems to be worn on the official uniform.

For a list of emblems programs, and a list of awards provided by each faith or religious group, see the Religious Emblems Programs page.

Cub Scout World Conservation Award

Webelos Scouts can earn the Cub Scout World Conservation Award by earning the Forester, Naturalist, and Outdoorsman activity badges and taking part in a den or pack conservation project.

Cub Scouting's Leave No Trace Awareness Award

Leave No Trace is a plan that helps people take better care of the environment and protect it for future generations. Cub Scouts and their leaders may earn the Leave No Trace Awareness Award. Click here for more information.

Emergency Preparedness Award

"Emergency preparedness" means being ready for all kinds of emergencies. It means you're ready and able to help in times of trouble to save lives and property and to help a community—or even a nation—get back to normal after a disaster happens. To encourage Scouts of all ages to be prepared for emergencies, the BSA has approved an Emergency Preparedness Award program for members of all ages. To learn more about the award requirements and to download an application form, visit the Emergency Preparedness Award page.

Medals

Cub Scouts who compete in Cub Scout derbies, field days, and other competitive events can win medals to wear on their uniform.