Cub Scout Ranks
On the advancement trail, Cub Scouts progress towards the 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 (for example, a Scout who joins as a second grader may not go back and earn the Tiger rank which is meant for first graders). As a Cub Scout advances through the ranks, the requirements get more challenging, to match the new skills and abilities they have learned.
Scoutbook is now used for all advancement tracking. Each Scout is automatically added to the Pack in Scoutbook once registered. Parents then create Scoutbook accounts (now linked to my.scouting.org accounts) and are connected to their kids so they can mark off things that have been completed at home and see what things their Scouts still need to work on.
For kindergartners, the Lion program is an introduction to the Cub Scout program and to Scouting in general. While Lions start to learn things like the Scout Oath and Scout Law, they do not earn the Bobcat rank. That is reserved for Cub Scouts who are at least in first grade. Once in first grade or older, the Bobcat is the first rank earned by a new Cub Scout. It orients a new Scout in the way that a Scout is expected to live by learning things like the Scout Oath and Law and what they mean. Though the Bobcat rank must be earned before a Scout may earn the rank of his or her grade, he or she may work on requirements for both at the same time.
Each rank other than Bobcat consists of completing required and elective adventures and working through the exercises in the How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide pamphlet in the rank handbook or available online. Additionally, those in first grade and older must earn their Cyber Chip. The following graphic shows the adventures required to earn each rank. Below that are details specific to each rank.
Lions - Kindergarten
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 as well as other awards.
Tigers - First Grade
After earning their Bobcat, 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.
In addition to things specific to the rank, there are also other awards Tigers can earn.
Wolves - Second Grade
After earning their Bobcat, 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.
In addition to things specific to the rank, there are also other awards Wolves can earn.
Bears - Third Grade
After earning their Bobcat, 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.
In addition to things specific to the rank, there are also other awards Bears can earn.
Webelos - Fourth Grade
After earning their Bobcat, 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.
In addition to things specific to the rank, there are also other awards Webelos can earn.
Arrow of Light - Fifth Grade
After earning their Bobcat, 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 at least six months since completing the fourth grade or for at least six months since becoming 10 years old.
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.
In addition to things specific to the rank, there are also other awards Arrow of Light Scouts can earn.