On the advancement trail, a Cub Scout progresses from rank to rank, learning new skills as he goes. Each of the ranks in Cub Scouting has its own requirements. As you advance through the ranks, the requirements get more challenging, to match the new skills and abilities you learn as you get older.

Bobcat

No matter what age or grade a boy joins Cub Scouting, he must first earn his Bobcat badge. A boy must complete the Bobcat requirements, which include:

1. Learn and say the Scout Oath, with help if needed.
2. Learn and say the Scout Law, with help if needed.
3. Show the Cub Scout sign. Tell what it means.
4. Show the Cub Scout handshake. Tell what it means.
5. Say the Cub Scout motto. Tell what it means.
6. Show the Cub Scout salute. Tell what it means.
7. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide—Bobcat Requirements.

Tiger

As a boy finishes each of the seven Tiger Adventures (6 defined and 1 elective), he earns an immediate Adventure Belt Loop. When the boy has completed these seven Tiger Adventures, he can receive his Tiger Rank Badge (a patch for his uniform). The Tiger badge is given to the boy's adult partner at a pack meeting, who in turn gives the badge to the boy.

Wolf

The Wolf rank is for boys who have finished first grade (or who are 8 years old). As a boy finishes each of the seven Wolf Adventures (6 defined and 1 elective), he earns an immediate Adventure Belt Loop. When the boy has completed these seven Wolf Adventures, he can receive his Wolf Rank Badge (a patch for his uniform). The Wolf badge is given to the boy's adult partner at a pack meeting, who in turn gives the badge to the boy.

A Wolf Scout can also work on the Wolf electives until he finishes second grade (or turns 9 years old). He can choose from numerous elective projects that may show him new hobbies and teach him skills that will be useful during his Boy Scout and adult years.

Bear

The Bear rank is for boys who have finished second grade (or who are 9 years old). As a boy finishes each of the seven Bear Adventures (6 defined and 1 elective), he earns an immediate Adventure Belt Loop. These requirements are harder and more challenging than those for the Wolf badge. When the boy has completed these seven Bear Adventures, he can receive his Bear Rank Badge (a patch for his uniform). The Bear badge is given to the boy's adult partner at a pack meeting, who in turn gives the badge to the boy.

A Bear Scout can also work on the Wolf electives until he finishes third grade (or turns 10 years old). He can choose from numerous elective projects that may show him new hobbies and teach him skills that will be useful during his Boy Scout and adult years.

Webelos

The Webelos rank is for boys who have finished third grade (or who are 10 years old). As a boy finishes each of the seven Webelos Adventures (now 5 defined and 2 elective), he now earns an immediate Adventure Pin. Everything in the Webelos Scout program is more challenging than what younger boys in the pack do. When the boy has completed these seven Webelos Adventures, he can receive his Webelos Rank Badge (a patch for his uniform). The Webelos badge is given to the boy's adult partner at a pack meeting, who in turn gives the badge to the boy.

A Webelos Scout can also work on the Webelos electives until he finishes fourth grade (or turns 11 years old). He can choose from numerous elective projects that may show him new hobbies and teach him skills that will be useful during his Boy Scout and adult years.

Webelos Scouts work on requirements during their weekly den meetings. Once a boy learns a skill, he practices it at den meetings and at home on his own. His family helps him at home. Webelos Scouts bring the projects they do at home to the den meetings to show others, and to have the Webelos den leader approve their projects.

Arrow of Light

The Arrow of Light rank is for boys who have finished fourth grade (or who are 11 years old). As a boy finishes each of the seven Arrow of Light Adventures (now 4 defined and 3 elective), he continues to earn an immediate Adventure Pin. Everything in the Arrow of Light Scout program prepares a Scout to become a Boy Scout. When the boy has completed these seven Webelos Adventures, he can receive his Arrow of Light Rank Badge (a patch for his uniform). The Arrow of Light badge is given to the boy's adult partner at a pack meeting, who in turn gives the badge to the boy.

An Arrow of Light Scout can also work on the Arrow of Light electives until he crosses over to Boy Scouts or finishes firth grade (or turns 11 years old). He can choose from numerous elective projects that may show him new hobbies and teach him skills that will be useful during his Boy Scout and adult years.

Arrow of Light Scouts continue to work on requirements during their weekly den meetings. Once a boy learns a skill, he practices it at den meetings and at home on his own. His family helps him at home. Arrow of Light Scouts bring the projects they do at home to the den meetings to show others, and to have the Webelos den leader approve their projects.

This award is the only Cub Scout rank badge that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform when a boy graduates into a troop. Adult leaders who earned the Arrow of Light Award when they were young may also show their achievement by wearing a special square knot on their adult uniform.