For all boys who join Cub Scouting, the first rank is Bobcat (regardless of age). The rest of the Cub Scout ranks are based on age and grade level. The Wolf rank is for boys who are in second grade (or are 8 years old). Bear is for those who are in third grade (or are 9 years old). The Webelos Badge is for Webelos Scouts who have completed the third grade or are 1O years old, and the Arrow of Light Award is for Webelos Scouts who are in the fifth grade.
As mentioned above, except for Bobcat, the first rank, all Cub Scouting ranks are based on age and grade level. A boy who enters Cub Scouting after completing second grade first earns the Bobcat, and then he begins work on the appropriate rank for his grade (or age). Thus, he may not "go back" and work on advancements for younger boys.
A. Bobcat
The very first rank that EVERY boy MUST earn when entering the Cub Scouting Program is the Bobcat. To earn the Bobcat rank the new Cub Scout must do the following:
<blockquote>
1. Learn and say the CUB SCOUT PROMISE
"I..... (name).... promise to do my best
To do my duty to God and my country,
To help other people, and
To obey the Law of the Pack."
2. Say the LAW OF THE PACK. Tell what it means.
"The Cub Scout follows Akela.
The Cub Scout helps the pack go.
The pack helps the Cub Scout Grow.
The Cub Scout gives goodwill."
3. Tell what WEBELOS means "WE'll BE Loyal Scouts"
4. Show the CUB SCOUT SIGN. Tell what it means.
5. Show the CUB SCOUT HANDSHAKE. Tell what it means.
6. Say the CUB SCOUT MOTTO. A motto is a rule. "Do Your Best"
7. Give the CUB SCOUT SALUTE. Tell what it means.
8. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the booklet, Protect Your Childrenfrom Child Abuse.
How to
The above items are the basic information that ALL Cub Scouts must learn, which is why EVERY boy who enters into Cub Scouting MUST earn the Bobcat Badge.
</blockquote>
B. Wolf
To earn the Wolf rank, a Cub must pass 12 achievements involving simple physical and mental skills. His parent must approve each achievement by signing his book. The Den Leader keeps a record of his progress on the Cub Scout Den Advancement Chart and gives him recognition at a Den meeting for passing each milestone.
Cub Leaders should understand the difference of achievements on one hand, and arrow points on the other hand. After a Cub has earned the Wolf Badge, he 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 hobby fields, as well as teaching him skills that will be useful during his Boy Scout years.
When a Cub completes ten elective projects, he earns a Gold Arrow Point to wear under the Wolf Badge. For each additional ten elective projects completed, the Cub earns a Silver Arrow Point.
It is important to note that the Cub may work on the "Arrow Point Trail" at any time. However, he cannot receive Arrow Points until after he has earned the Wolf Badge.
C. Bear
To earn the Bear Badge, a Cub Scout must complete 12 achievements out of a possible 24 that are offered in the book. The achievements are grouped in four major areas: God, Country, Family and Self. Within each group, a required number of achievements must be completed. Any achievements the Cub does not use to earn the Bear Badge may be used to earn Arrow Points. You will find that the Bear requirements are somewhat more difficult and challenging than the requirements for the Wolf Badge. As with the activities which lead to the Wolf Badge, the achievements for the Bear Badge are primarily done at home and are signed off by an adult family member after the boy has completed each one. The book is then shown to the Den Leader who records the boy's progress and also signs the boy's book.
D. Webelos
The Webelos rank is for boys who have completed third grade (or are 10 years old). A boy may begin working on the Webelos Badge as soon as he joins a Webelos Den. This is the first step in his all-important transition from the Webelos Den to the Boy Scout Troop. As he completes the requirements found in the Webelos Scout Book, he will work on activity badges, attend meetings lead by adults, and become familiar with the Boy Scout Requirements - all leading to the Arrow of Light Award.
As he is earning the Webelos Badge and the Arrow of Light Award, a Webelos Scout is required to earn eight of the 20 available activity badges. Certain activity badges are required for earning the Webelos Badge and the Arrow of Light Award, while others may be selected by the boy. The 20 activity badge areas are hobby and career fields ranging from science tosports. Most badge requirements are passed by the Webelos Den Leader or activity badge counselors.
Any activity badge may be earned by any boy during any month. But most Webelos Den Leaders have found that it is best to have all Den members working on the same badge at the same time, since more resources and qualified help are available in this way.