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The Purpose of Cub Scouting

Since 1930, the BSA has helped younger boys through Cub Scouting. Cub Scouting (including Tiger Cubs) is a year-round family-oriented part of the BSA program designed for boys who are in first through fifth grades (or are 7,8,9, and 10 years of age). Parents, leaders, and organizers work together to achieve the 10 purposes of Cub Scouting.

  1. Character Development

  2. Spiritual Growth

  3. Good Citizenship

  4. Sportsmanship and Fitness

  5. Family Understanding

  6. Respectful Relationships

  7. Personal Achievement

  8. Friendly Service

  9. Fun and Adventure

  10. Preparation for Boy Scouts





THE PATH
 

Cub Scouts joining as First Grade boys enter the Tiger Cub Program. Tiger Cubs, complete Achievements to earn the Tiger Cub Badge, and complete Electives to receive Tiger Track Beads to wear from a belt emblem. A new Tiger Cub Handbook was issued in the summer of 2001.

 

NEXT ENTER, THE BOBCAT
 

Regardless of a boy's age, the Bobcat Badge the first step in a boy's progression after registering as a Cub Scout. Among other requirements, the Bobcat must learn the the Cub Scout Handshake, the the Cub Scout Salute, and how to give the the Cub Scout Sign.  

 

NEXT, HE'S A WOLF!
 

Next, the Wolf Badge is earned by boys who have completed first grade, or who are eight years old. As a Cub Scout completes his achievements towards the Wolf (and Bear) ranks, the Den Leader recognizes a boy's hard work with the Immediate Recognition patch and beads. This is used as an incentive towards continued achievement.
 

After a boy earns his Wolf badge, he works on Wolf Electives which consist of special projects and activities. Completing them allows him to earn Arrow Points to display on his uniform under his Wolf badge.
 

There is also a very special award that Cub Scouts can earn. By completing a specific set of conservation-related achievements and electives a Wolf Cub can earn International Scouting's World Conservation Award. Earning this award allows Scouts of all ages to heighten their awareness and appreciation of nature and the environemnt.  

 

AND THEN A BEAR...
 

The Bear Badge can be earned by boys who have completed second grade, or who are nine years old. As a Bear-aged boy progresses, he too can earn the Immediate Recognition patch and beads. One of the Bear achievements involves earning the "Whittling Chip" wallet card. Earning this card shows that a Bear has learned the fundamentals of knife safety. After earning the Bear badge, a special collection of age-appropriate Bear Electives are also available to allow Bear Cub's to earn Arrow Points too!
 

There is also a special set of requirements to allow a Bear Cub to earn the World Conservation Award.  

 

IN 4TH GRADE HE ENTERS WEBELOS
 

The Webelos Badge is for boys who have completed third grade, or who are ten years old. The Webelos rank is the first step in a boy's transition towards a Boy Scout troop. As he completes the achievements in the Webelos Scout Book, he will work on Activity Badges. These are age-appropriate projects for older Cub Scouts. Activity badges are sorted into five discipline-related groups. They are the Community Group, the Mental Skills Group, the Outdoor Group, the Physical Skills Group, and the Technology Group. Activity Badges can be displayed on the front of the Webelos cap or on the Webelos Colors. During this period, the Webelos Scout should also begin to attend meetings led by adults, and become more familiar with the Boy Scout requirements.
 

After earning the Webelos badge, the Webelos Scout may receive the Compass Points emblem and gold 'devices' to pin on it as an incentive to complete additional Activity Badges.
 

Completion of the Forester, Outdoorsman, and Naturalist Activities Badges, and completion of a special consevation project allows a Webelos Scout to join the Wolves and Bears in earning the World Conservation Award as well.  

 

THEN CUB SCOUTING'S APEX... THE ARROW OF LIGHT
 

After a boy has completed the fourth grade and earned the Webelos badge, the next step on the Webelos trail to becoming a Boy Scout is earning the Arrow of Light Award. This is the highest award a Cub Scout can earn, and is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Boy Scout Uniform. As a boy works on the Arrow of Light, he gets a chance to practice some Scout skills that he has already learned, earn more Activity Badges, and REALLY learn what a Boy Scout is. Because this award is so special, a special ceremony should always be performed by the Pack!  

 

BOY SCOUTS, HERE HE COMES!
 

Finally, a boy is ready to become a Boy Scout! This has been a long road filled with fun and learning. Working with your Pack's "Troop-Webelos Resource Person" you should prepare Webelos Scouts and their families for a good Boy Scout experience. Visit our Webelos-To-Scout pages for more information on this important transition.



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Last modified: 10/21/04