The Cub Scout ranks are described below. We present the Bobcat badge at the first Pack event after the scout completes the requirements. All other badges are presented at the annual Pack Blue and Gold Ceremony in May.

Bobcat

This is the first “rank” that a scout must earn regardless of age (except lions). This “rank” introduces scouts to the program and teaches the fundamentals. To earn this each scout must be able to say the Scout Oath & Law. They must also demonstrate and explain the meaning of the  Cub Scout Sign, Handshake, Salute, and  Motto.

Tiger

The Tiger rank is for Scouts who are in first grade or are age 7. To earn the Tiger badge, a Scout must complete six required adventures with the den or family and one elective adventure of the den or family’s choosing. As the Scout completes each adventure, he or she will receive the adventure loop for that adventure, which they can wear on the belt.

Wolf

The Wolf rank is for Scouts who have finished first grade (or who are 8 years old). To earn the Wolf badge, a Scout must complete six required adventures and one elective adventure. The Scout’s parent or guardian and den leader approves each requirement by signing the Scout’s book, and the Scout receives an adventure loop for each adventure.

Bear

The Bear rank is for Scouts who have finished second grade (or who are 9 years old). To earn the Bear badge, a Scout must complete six required adventures and one elective adventure. The Scout’s parent or guardian and den leader approves each requirement by signing the Scout’s book, and the Scout receives an adventure loop for each adventure.

Webelos

Webelos dens are for Scouts who have completed third grade (or reached age 10). Webelos Scouts get to work on the five required Webelos adventures and choose two of the 18 elective adventures that are shared by the Webelos and Arrow of Light ranks.
When a Scout has done the requirements for an adventure, the Webelos den leader, rather than a parent, approves most of the adventures. For each adventure a Scout completes, a pin to be worn on the Webelos colors or on hat is awarded. After completing seven adventures, including five required adventures and two elective adventures, a Scout can receive the Webelos badge.

Arrow of Light

The highest rank in Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light. Earning this rank prepares a Webelos Scout to become a Boy Scout. Scouts must complete four required adventures and three elective adventures to earn the Arrow of Light rank. For each adventure a Scout completes, a pin to be worn on the Webelos colors is awarded.

The Arrow of Light badge is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Scouts BSA uniform when a cub scout graduates into a troop. Adult leaders who earned the Arrow of Light rank when they were young may also show their achievement by wearing a special square knot on their adult uniform.