On the advancement trail, a Cub Scout progresses from rank to rank, learning new skills as they go. Each of the ranks and awards 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.
- Lion (Kindergartners)
- Tiger (1st Graders)
- Wolf (2nd Graders)
- Bear (3rd Graders)
- Webelos (4th Graders)
- Arrow of Light (5th Graders)
Anyone can start Cub Scouts, so if you join Pack 455 as a third grader, you do not have to complete the Lion or Tiger requirements and start with your Wolf requirements. This is true with any of the ranks.
Lion
As a Lion, your kindergartner will make friends, laugh loud, gain confidence, discover
nature, and most of all…have fun! They’ll experience the Scouting concepts of character development, leadership, citizenship, and personal fitness through engaging and exciting adventures!! Kindergartners will have a blast exploring the world around them in ways that fuel their imagination and creativity. Together, they’ll take their first steps down the path to success.
Tiger
The Tiger rank is for kids who are in first grade or are age 7. To earn the Tiger badge, a kid must complete six required adventures with their den or family and one elective adventure of their den or family’s choosing. As the kid completes each adventure, they will receive the adventure loop for that adventure, which they can wear on their belt. When the kid has completed the seven required adventures, they can receive the Tiger badge. The Tiger badge is given to the kid’s adult partner at a pack meeting. Then, during a grand ceremony, the adult gives the badge to the kid.
Wolf
The Wolf rank is for kids who have finished first grade (or who are 8 years old). To earn the Wolf badge, a kid must complete six required adventures and one elective adventure. Their parent or guardian and den leader approves each requirement by signing their book, and the kid receives an adventure loop for each adventure. When the kid has met all requirements, the Wolf badge is presented to their parent or guardian at the next pack meeting. During an impressive ceremony, the parent or guardian then presents the badge to the kid .
Bear
The Bear rank is for kids who have finished second grade (or who are 9 years old). To earn the Bear badge, a kid must complete six required adventures and one elective adventure. Their parent or guardian and den leader approves each requirement by signing their book, and the kid receives an adventure loop for each adventure. When the kid has met all requirements, the Bear badge is presented to their parent or guardian at the next pack meeting. During an impressive ceremony, the parent or guardian then presents the badge to the kid.
Webelos
Webelos dens are for kids who have completed third grade (or reached age 10). 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.
When a kid has done the requirements for an adventure, the Webelos den leader, rather than a parent, approves most of the adventures. For each adventure a kid completes, they receive a pin to wear on the Webelos colors (rather than a belt loop). After completing seven adventures, including five required adventures and two elective adventures, a Scout can receive the Webelos badge.
After they have earned 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 turns 11 years old). They can choose elective adventures that may show him new hobbies and teach him skills that will be useful during their Scout years. When they complete an elective adventure, they receive an additional adventure pin to wear on the Webelos colors.
Arrow of Light
The highest rank in Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light. Earning this rank prepares a Webelos Scout to become a BSA Scout. Scouts must complete four required adventures and three elective adventures to earn the Arrow of Light rank. For each adventure a kid completes, they receive a pin to wear on the Webelos colors.
The Arrow of Light badge is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the BSA Scout uniform when a kid graduates into a troop. Adult leaders who earned the Arrow of Light rank when they were young may also show their achievement by wearing a special square knot on their adult uniform.