- Life to Eagle Packet
- Calendar
- What is Advancement?
- Advancement Committee Policies & Documents
- Advancement Committee
- Mission Statement
- Building Blocks of Scouting
- Cub Scouts
- WEBELOS to Boy Scout Transition
- Similarities & Differences
- Boy Scouts
- Venturing
- Sea Scouts
- Varsity
- Merit Badge Program
- Internet Adv'nt Reporting
- Disabilities and Special Needs
- BSA Forms
- OCC Advancement Forms
Cub Scouts
The Cub Scouts are a division of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). It is a family program designed for boys who are in the first grade through fifth grade. Parents, leaders, and organizations work together to achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting. Families are a core part of Cub Scouts and are included in many activities. Currently, Cub Scouting is the largest of the BSA's divisions.
The Cub Scout Program has two basic features, Rank Advancement, and the Academics and Sports Program.
The Cub Scout program in the Den and Pack is the basis for Cub Scout advancement. The steps in Bobcat, Tiger Cub, Cub Scout (Wolf and Bear), and WEBELOS Scout advancement procedures are preparation, qualification, and recognition.
Cub Scouting has the following ranks: Bobcat, Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear, WEBELOS, and Arrow of Light.
The requirements to reach each rank are authorized by the National Executive Board and set forth in the Cub Scout Tiger Handbook, Cub Scout Wolf Book, Cub Scout Bear Book, and WEBELOS Scout Book.
Cub Scouting is home - and neighborhood-centered for the Cub Scout. Advancement involves parental approval of requirements.
If a boy is in the first grade (or is 7 or 8), he becomes a member of a Tiger Scout Den.
If a boy is in the second or third grade (or is 8 or 9), he becomes a member of a Cub Scout Den of perhaps five to eight boys, and his Den is one of several that make up a Pack. The Den meets weekly, usually at the home of the Den leader.
If the boy is in the fourth grade (or is 10), he may become a member of a WEBELOS Den. This Den is led by an adult WEBELOS Den leader. A pack may have more than one WEBELOS Den, depending on the number of WEBELOS Scouts. The WEBELOS Den meets weekly.
The Pack meets monthly, usually at the building of its chartered organization. This meeting is conducted by the Cubmaster and the committee.
There are six ranks in Cub Scouting:
• Bobcat. As of June 1, 2006 the Bobcat badge is earned before the Tiger Cub rank. If a boy joins Cub Scouting as a Wolf, Bear, or WEBELOS, he must also earn the Bobcat badge first before receiving any other award or rank.
• Tiger Cub. The rank for boys who have completed kindergarten (or 7-year-olds).
• Wolf. The rank for boys who have completed first grade (or 8-year-olds).
• Bear. The rank for boys who have completed second grade (or 9-year-olds).
• WEBELOS. The rank for boys who have completed third grade (or 10-year-olds).
• Arrow of Light. For fifth-graders (or 10-year-olds). Earned after the completion of the WEBELOS badge, usually during the second year of the WEBELOS program.
Cub Scout Advancement Goals
The administration of the Cub Scout advancement program is primarily the responsibility of the Pack Committee, with the support of the District Advancement Committee and Commissioner staff.
Parents of Cub Scouts should understand their role and responsibilities in their son's advancement. For the boy to receive maximum benefit and growth from his advancement, the adult's standard for completion of any requirement should be based on the Cub Scout motto, "Do Your Best."
Advancement recognition should be given as soon as possible after a boy completes the requirements, and be done with proper ceremony. Presentation of badges should be a part of each monthly pack meeting. Suggestions for advancement ceremonies are contained in the Cub Scout Program Helps, WEBELOS Leader Guide, Cub Scout Ceremonies for Dens and Packs, and the Cub Scout Leader Book.
Packs and Troops should be encouraged to work together to ensure a smooth transition from the WEBELOS den to the Boy Scout troop.
Good advancement records should be maintained by the pack to be sure that the boys are advancing and that the awards are presented promptly.
The use of Den Chiefs (Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, or Venturers who assist with Cub Scout and WEBELOS Scout Den meetings) can help stimulate advancement through example and experience, as well as encourage boys to continue in the Scouting program.
Cub Scout/WEBELOS Scout Resident and Day Camp Advancement Guidelines
Cub/WEBELOS Scout resident camp, as well as day camps, should limit advancement for the sake of advancement. Tiger Cub and Cub Scout advancement is intended to be family-oriented; the adult partner or a family member must approve completion of the requirements by signing the boy's book. As boys become WEBELOS Scouts, their Den leaders and activity badge counselors sign off the requirements in the handbooks. Camp programs and activities should not detract from these family and den responsibilities related to advancement.
Source of information: Boy Scouts of America, National Council, What is Cub Scouting