Advancement Trail

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Cub Scouting Through the Ranks

On the advancement trail, a Cub Scout progresses towards a badge of rank based on their grade. They need not have earned the previous rank in order to earn the next. Each of the ranks in Cub Scouting has its own requirements that are age appropriate, so earning a rank below a Cub Scout’s current grade is not permitted. As a Cub Scout advances through the ranks, the requirements get more challenging, to match the new skills and abilities they have learned.

Cub Scouts includes 7 ranks:

Lion - The Lion program began in 2018 and serves as an introduction of scouting for Kindergartners with minimal requirements to keep it fun and engaging for this age.
Bobcat - First graders, and anyone beyond that grade who is new to Cub Scouting, completes the Bobcat Badge prior to working on their grade-specific badge of rank. Kindergartners, who are Lions, do not work on the Bobcat Badge. Achieving the Bobcat Badge demonstrates that a scout can demonstrate the basics of Scouting, like understanding the Scout Oath, describing the Scout Motto, and showing the Scout Salute or Handshake.
Tiger - First graders work toward earning their Tiger badge. So while a Scout is in the “Tiger rank” he/she is achieving the necessary adventures and requirements to earn their Tiger badge. This is the same process for Wolf and Bear ranks.
Wolf - Scouts who have finished first grade.
Bear - Scouts who have finished second grade.
Webelos - Scouts that have finished third grade. The requirements Scouts work on as Webelos contribute to earning their Arrow of Light.
Arrow of Light - Scouts that have finished fourth grade. This is the highest rank in Cub Scouts. Earning the Arrow of Light rank prepares a Webelos Scout to become a Boy Scout. The Arrow of Light badge is also the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform.

Kindergarten - Lion Requirements

Kindergartners work toward the Lion rank. The Lion rank is earned by completing five adventures as described below. Although participation with an adult partner is required for all Lion awards, recognition items are for the Scouts only.

1. Complete the five required adventures:

Lion’s Honor
Animal Kingdom
Fun on the Run!
King of the Jungle
Mountain Lion

2. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet entitled How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide.

Outside of the requirements, Lion Scouts can also complete any number of seven elective adventures of their den’s or family’s choosing.

Bobcat Requirements

First graders, and anyone beyond that grade who is new to Cub Scouting, completes the Bobcat Badge prior to working on their grade-specific badge of rank. Kindergartners, who are Lions, do not work on the Bobcat Badge.

The Bobcat badge is the foundation to Scouting. By achieving this rank, Scouts will demonstrate and understanding of the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, and the Scout Motto. Scouts will also demonstrate the Scout Salute and the Scout Handshake and describe what they mean and why they are used.

First Grade - Tiger Requirements

First graders work toward the Tiger rank. The Tiger rank is earned by completing seven adventures as described below. Although participation with an adult partner is required for all Tiger awards, recognition items are for the Scouts only.

1. Complete each of the six required adventures:

Games Tigers Play
My Tiger Jungle
Team Tiger
Tiger Bites
Tiger Circles: Duty to God
Tigers in the Wild

2. In addition to the six required adventures, complete at least one elective adventure of your den’s or family’s choosing.

3. With your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, complete the exercises in the pamphlet entitled How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide.

4. Earn the Cyber Chip award for your age. (The Cyber Chip portion of this requirement may be waived by your parent or guardian if you do not have access to the internet.)

Second Grade - Wolf Requirements

Second graders work toward the Wolf rank. The Wolf rank is earned by completing seven adventures as described below.

1. Complete each of the six required adventures:

Call of the Wild
Council Fire (Duty to Country)
Duty to God Footsteps
Howling at the Moon
Paws on the Path
Running With the Pack

2. In addition to the six required adventures, complete at least one elective adventure of your den’s or family’s choosing.

3. With your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, complete the exercises in the pamphlet entitled How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide.

4. Earn the Cyber Chip award for your age. (The Cyber Chip portion of this requirement may be waived by your parent or guardian if you do not have access to the internet.)

Third Grade - Bear Requirements

Third graders work toward the Bear rank. The Bear rank is earned by completing seven adventures as described below.

1. Complete each of the six required adventures:

Baloo the Builder
Bear Claws
Bear Necessities
Fellowship and Duty to God
Fur, Feathers, and Ferns
Paws for Action (Duty to Country)

2. In addition to the six required adventures, complete at least one elective adventure of your den’s or family’s choosing.

3. With your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, complete the exercises in the pamphlet entitled How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide.

4. Earn the Cyber Chip award for your age. (The Cyber Chip portion of this requirement may be waived by your parent or guardian if you do not have access to the internet.)

Fourth Grade - Webelos Requirements

Fourth graders work toward the Webelos rank. The Webelos rank is earned by completing six adventures as described below. Scouts who are in Cub Scouts in fourth grade must complete the Webelos rank before working towards their Arrow of Light.

1. Be an active member of your Webelos den for three months.

2. Complete each of the five required adventures:

Cast Iron Chef
Duty to God and You
First Responder
Stronger, Faster, Higher
Webelos Walkabout

3. In addition to the five required adventures, complete at least one elective adventure of your den’s or family’s choosing.

4. With your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, complete the exercises in the pamphlet entitled How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide.

5. Earn the Cyber Chip award for your age. (The Cyber Chip portion of this requirement may be waived by your parent or guardian if you do not have access to the internet.)

Firfth Grade - Arrow of Light Requirements

Fifth graders work toward the Arrow of Light rank. If a fourth-grade Cub Scout has completed the Webelos rank, they may begin to work on the Arrow of Light. The Arrow of Light rank is earned by completing five adventures as described below.

1. Be an active member of your Webelos den for three months.

2. Complete each of the four required adventures:

Building a Better World
Duty to God in Action
Outdoor Adventurer
Scouting Adventure

3. In addition to the four required adventures, complete at least one elective adventure of your den’s or family’s choosing.

4. With your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, complete the exercises in the pamphlet entitled How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide.

5. Earn the Cyber Chip award for your age. (The Cyber Chip portion of this requirement may be waived by your parent or guardian if you do not have access to the internet.)

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