Recognition is important to young boys. The Cub Scouting advancement plan provides fun for the boys, gives them a sense of personal achievement as they earn badges, and strengthens family understanding as adult family members work with boys on advancement projects.

Cub Scouting extends typically over five years - from first through fifth grades - but a boy is welcome to join Cub Scouts at any time during those years. Below is a brief description of different levels of Cub Scouting:

Tiger Cub. The Tiger Cub program is for first-grade (or age 7) boys and their adult partners. There are five Tiger Cub achievement areas. The Tiger Cub, working with his adult partner, completes 15 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 boy in the first grade.

Wolf Cub. The Wolf program is for second-grade (or age 8) boys. To earn the Wolf badge, a boy must pass 12 achievements involving simple physical and mental skills.

Bear Cub. The Bear rank is for third-grade (or age 9) boys. There are 24 Bear achievements in four categories. The Cub Scout must complete 12 of these to earn the Bear badge. These requirements are somewhat more difficult and challenging than those for Wolf rank.

Webelos. This two-year program is for boys who have completed third grade (or are age 10) and continues through fifth grade. A boy may begin working on the Webelos badge as soon as he joins a Webelos den. This is the first step in his transition from the Webelos den to the Boy Scout troop. As he completes the requirements found in the Webelos Handbook, he will work on activity badges, attend meetings led by adults, and become familiar with the Boy Scout requirements—all leading to the Arrow of Light Award.