The Advancement Path
The responsibility for a Cub's advancement in Cub Scouting lies with their family and not with the pack. Most advancement requirements are done at den meetings, but many are also completed at home with family.
The Lions program is for kindergarten kids and their adult partners (usually parents, but may be other trusted adults). This program is an introduction to Cub Scouting and fun adventures. The Lion, working with their adult partner, completes requirements to earn the Lion badge. These requirements consist of an exciting series of indoor and outdoor activities just right for kindergarten-aged kids.
Bobcat (1st Grade and up)
All cubs, from 1st-5th grade, earn the Bobcat badge first, by learning the Scout Promise and Law, the Cub Scout handshake, salute, sign and motto, and by going over the Barriers to Abuse pamphlet with their parent. After receiving the Bobcat badge, the cubs work on requirements based on their grade level.
Tiger (1st Grade)
The Tiger Cub program is for first-grade (or age 7) kids and their adult partners. There are five core Tiger cub achievement areas plus some electives. The Tiger cub, working with their adult partner, completes the requirements within these areas to earn the Tiger Cub badge. These requirements consist of an exciting series of indoor and outdoor activities just right for a kid in the first grade.
Wolf (2nd Grade)
A Cub Scout who has completed first grade (or is age 8) works on six core achievement areas plus an elective will earn the Wolf badge. After they earn the Wolf badge, a cub may work on electives in different interest areas through the end of the school year. For every elective the scout earns, the cub earns a special belt loop recognition. A Cub Scout may complete as many electives as they have time for.
Bear (3rd Grade)
A Cub Scout who has completed the second grade (or is age 9) works to complete six core achievements plus one elective will earn the Bear badge. After he or she earns the Bear badge, a Cub may work on electives in different interest areas until they are old enough to begin work on the next rank. Cubs may also earn belt loops as Bears, as described in the wolf program.
Webelos (4th Grade)
Webelos, an acronym for “WE’ll BE LOyal Scouts,” is the rank for youth who have completed third grade (or is age 10). Webelos Scouts wear the tan uniform. The cub works on five core adventures plus two electives for the Webelos badge, then goes on to earn a number of activity badges leading up to the Arrow of Light award, in fifth grade. The Arrow of Light Award is the highest award in Cub Scouting!
Arrow of Light (5th Grade)
Camping and outdoor programs are an important part of the eighteen month Webelos program. In February of a Webelos Scout's fifth grade year, the scout transitions from Cub Scouting into the adventure of 'Scouts BSA' at an impressive ceremony.