On the advancement trail, a Cub Scout progresses from rank to rank, learning new skills as he goes. Each of the ranks and awards in Cub Scouting has its own requirements. As you advance through the ranks, the requirements get more challenging, to match the new skills and abilities you learn as you get older. For more information on advancement, visit CubScouts.org 
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Bobcat
No matter what age or grade a child joins Cub Scouting, they must earn their Bobcat badge before advancing to the rank of Tiger, Wolf, Bear or Webelos. A Scout must complete the Bobcat requirements, which include:
- Learn and say the Cub Scout motto, the Scout Oath, and the Scout Law and tell what they mean;
- Show the Cub Scout sign, salute, and handshake and tell what they mean; and
- With your parent or guardian complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide.
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 he can wear on the belt. When the Scout has completed the seven required adventures, he or she can receive the Tiger badge. The Tiger badge is given to the Scout’s adult parent or guardian at a pack meeting. Then, during a grand ceremony, the adult gives the badge to the boy.
After earning the Tiger badge, a Tiger Scout can work on the remaining 12 Tiger electives until finishing the first grade (or turning 8 years old). The Tiger Scout can choose elective adventures and discover new hobbies or learn skills that will be useful during the Scouting adventure. When an elective adventure is completed, an additional adventure loop to be worn on the belt is awarded.
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. Once all requirements are met, the Wolf badge is presented to the parent or guardian at the next pack meeting. During an impressive ceremony, the parent or guardian then presents the badge to the Scout.
After earning the Wolf badge, a Wolf Scout can work on the remaining 12 Wolf electives until finished with the second grade (or turning 9 years old). The Scout can choose elective adventures and discover new hobbies or learn skills that will be useful during the Scouting adventure. When an elective adventure is completed, an additional adventure loop to be worn on the belt is awarded.
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. When the Scout has met all requirements, the Bear badge is presented to the parent or guardian at the next pack meeting. During an impressive ceremony, the parent or guardian then presents the badge to the Scout.
After earning the Bear badge, a Bear Scout can work on the remaining 12 Bear electives until finished with the third grade (or turning 10 years old). The Scout can choose elective adventures and discover new hobbies or learn skills that will be useful during the Scouting adventure. When an elective adventure is completed, an additional adventure loop to be worn on the belt is awarded.
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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.
After earning the Webelos badge, a Webelos Scout can work on the remaining 18 shared Webelos and Arrow of Light electives until finished with the fourth grade (or turning 11 years old). The Scout can choose elective adventures and discover new hobbies or learn skills that will be useful during the Scouting adventure. When completing an elective adventure, an additional adventure pin to be worn on the Webelos colors or on the hat is awarded.
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 hat is awarded.
The Arrow of Light badge is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform when a 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.