ADVANCEMENT

Each and every rank (bobcat, tiger, wolf, bear, and webelos) which can be achieved in Cub Scouting is attained by the accomplishments of the individual scout as he completes den activity requirements. These rank requirements consists of age appropriate activities which are fun and exciting for the boys to complete - the most intriguing thing about these activities is that the boys are often having so much fun they seldom realize the underlying purpose - and that's to build self-sufficient, confident, able men with strong character.

Themes are present in nearly all of the requirements from the very beginning in Tiger Cubs all the way through to Eagle rank. For example when boys participate in the father-son cake bake, they are learning not only how to make and bake a cake, but they are learning much more important things which they most likely aren't even aware of. The same can be said for other events like the Pinewood Derby, Space Derby, Raingutter Regatta, not to mention the dozens upon dozens of handbook requirements and electives.

The administration of the Advancement programs is the primary responsibility of the pack committee; with the Advancement Chair playing a key organizational/coordinating role. It is important that the parents of the Cub Scouts understand their roles and responsibilities in their son's advancement.

After the scout completes a requirement advancement recognition should be given as soon as possible and should always be done with a proper ceremony. Presentation and/or awarding of badges should be part of each monthly pack meeting.

While in the first grade, boys entering the pack will become part of a Tiger Cub den. Tiger Cubs will complete age appropriate requirements while they work to earn their Bobcat Badge. The Tigers will then complete electives as outlined in the Tiger Cub handbook, which will earn them tiger track beads to wear on their Instant Recognition badge - once all of the electives have been completed the Tiger Cub will be awarded his Tiger Cub Badge.

In the second grade, scouts will work to complete requirements to that they can earn the Wolf Badge. They will then be able to work on achievements so that they can earn beads to wear on their Progress Toward Ranks badge. For every three achievements completed by the scout as a Wolf, he will receive a gold bead. The Wolf Cub can also complete electives and be awarded gold and silver arrow points.

In the third grade, scouts will work toward completing requirements to earn their Bear Badge. They will then be able to work on achievements so that they can earn beads to wear on their Progress Toward Ranks badge. For every three achievements completed by the scout as a Bear, he will receive a red bead. The Bear Cub can also complete electives and be awarded gold and silver arrow points.

The next rank will be the Webelos rank - it is a two year program which fourth and fifth grade boys will participate in. During both years scouts will work toward earning Webelos Activity Badges in twenty different areas which are arranged into five categories. The fourth grade scouts will work toward earning the Webelos badge. While in the fifth grade scouts will work toward earning the most coveted award of the Cub Scout program, the Arrow of the Light award. In addition to the two rank badges scouts can work toward others such as the Compass Point Emblem and Metal Compass Points.

Rank requirements for Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and others achievements are posted on this site and can be found on our individual den pages.