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Advancement
is the process by which a boy progresses from badge to badge, learning new
skills as he goes. The Cub Scout advancement program is designed to
encourage the natural interests of a boy in a natural way. Each of the ranks
and awards in Cub Scouting has its own requirements. As a boy advances
through the ranks, requirements are progressively more challenging, matching
the increased skills and abilities of a boy as he grows older.
Advancement is one of
the methods used to achieve Scouting's aims—character development,
citizenship training, and personal fitness. Everything a Cub Scout does to
advance is designed to achieve these aims and aid in his personal growth.
These badges are a means to an end—not an end in themselves.
Bobcat
No matter what age
or grade a boy joins Cub Scouting, he must earn his Bobcat badge before
he can advance to the rank of Wolf, Bear, or Webelos. A boy must
complete the Bobcat requirements, which include demonstrating his
understanding of Scouting's core values. He must be able to recite the
Cub Scout Promise, Law of the Pack, and motto and demonstrate the Cub
Scout sign, handshake, and salute. He must also explain what each of
these ideals means, in addition to demonstrating his understanding of
the core values of honesty and trustworthiness, and explaining their
importance.
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Tiger Cub
To begin his path
to the Tiger Cub rank, the Tiger Cub (age 7) must learn the Tiger
Cub motto, the Cub Scout sign, and the Cub Scout salute. When he has
accomplished these tasks, he will be awarded his Tiger Cub immediate
recognition emblem. This is a tiger paw with four strands for beads
that he wears on the right pocket.
As a boy completes each part
of the achievements, he will be awarded either an orange (den
activities), white (family activities), or black ("Go See It") bead.
When the boy has earned five beads of each color, he is eligible to
receive his Tiger Cub badge. The Tiger Cub badge is presented to the
adult partner at the next pack meeting. In an impressive ceremony,
the adult partner in turn presents the badge to the boy.
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Wolf
The Wolf rank is
for boys who have completed first grade (or who are 8 years old). To
earn the Wolf badge, a boy must pass 12 achievements involving simple
physical and mental skills. His parent or guardian approves each
achievement by signing his book. When all requirements are satisfied,
the Wolf badge is presented to his parent or guardian at the next pack
meeting in an impressive advancement ceremony, during which the parent
or guardian in turn presents the badge to the boy.
After he has earned the
Wolf badge, a boy 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 hobbies, as well as
teaching him skills that will be useful during his Boy Scout years. When
he completes 10 elective projects, he earns a Gold Arrow Point to wear
under the Wolf badge. For each additional 10 elective projects
completed, he earns a Silver Arrow Point. |
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Bear
The Bear rank is
for boys who have completed second grade (or are 9 years old). There are
24 Bear achievements in four categories; boys must complete 12 of these
to earn the Bear badge. These requirements are more difficult and
challenging than those for the Wolf badge. When the boy has earned his
Bear badge, he may work on electives for credit toward Arrow Points to
be worn under the Bear badge.
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Webelos
Webelos dens are
for boys who have completed third grade (or reached age 10). The Webelos
den program is different from the Cub Scout den program: Instead of
being based on a monthly theme, the Webelos den program is based on one
of 20 Webelos activities:
- Physical Skills
- Mental Skills
- Community
- Technology
- Outdoor Activity
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Webelos Scouts work
on requirements during their weekly den meetings. Once the boy learns
the skill, he practices it at den meetings and at home on his own. The
boy's family is encouraged to help him at home. Boys bring to den
meetings completed or partially completed projects done at home to show
others, as well as to be approved by the Webelos den leader. This
sharing encourages a boy to do his best and helps to build his
confidence and self-esteem.
When a boy has completed
the requirements for an activity badge, the Webelos den leader or
activity badge counselor, rather than a parent, approves most of the
activity badges.
In addition to
earning individual activity pins, Webelos Scouts can earn the compass
points emblem, which is awarded after earning seven activity badges.
Metal compass points—east, west, north, and south—are awarded for each
four additional activity badges earned.
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Arrow of
Light
The pinnacle of Cub
Scouting is the Arrow of Light Award. The requirements for this badge
include developing outdoor skills, gaining an understanding of the
values of Scouting, and preparing to become a Boy Scout. This
recognition is the only Cub Scout 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 as a youth may also wear the appropriate
square knot on their adult uniform. Webelos Scouts who have earned the
Arrow of Light Award have also completed all requirements for the Boy
Scout badge.
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Cub Scout
Advancement