An explanation of Cub Scout Ranks

Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts have a plan of advancement for each boy that emphasizes learning by doing. Each boy works on requirements based on his school grade or age. Our ranks run with the school calendar year.  When your son enters first grade, he becomes a Tiger; when he enters second grade, he becomes a Wolf Cub; and so on...  In July and August, we plan various activities designed to keep the scouting spirit alive while thoughts turn to Summer fun.  Any summer activities count toward the scouts September rank.  Keep an eye on our "Schedule of Events"
	A Tiger Cub is a boy who has completed Kindergarten (or is 7 years old).  Tigers have Family, Den, and "Go See It" requirements (five per category).  A bead is awarded for each requirement as it is completed.  The beads are worn on a Totem.  Upon completion of the fifteen requirements, the Tiger Cub will be awarded the Tiger Badge, after which he can continue to work on electives, which are recognized by a yellow bead for every ten electives completed.
	During his Tiger Cub year, or when he becomes a Cub Scout, each scout's parents teach him his Bobcat Badge requirements: learning the Cub Scout Promise, Law of the Pack, handshake, salute, sign, and motto.
	If a Cub Scout has completed the first grade (or is 8 years old) he may begin working on his Wolf Badge achievements. There are twelve: Feats of Skill, Your Flag, Keep Your Body Healthy, Know Your Home and Community, Tools for Fixing and Building, Start a Collection, Your Living World, Cooking and Eating, Be Safe at Home and on the Street, Family Fun, Duty to God, and Making Choices. Upon completion of the achievements, he is awarded the Wolf badge, and may continue to work on Wolf electives in twenty-two different areas. When a boy completes ten projects he receives a Gold Arrow Point. For each additional ten projects he receives a Silver Arrow Point.
	When a Cub Scout has completed the second grade (or is 9 years old) he begins working on his Bear achievements. There are twenty-four achievements in four different groups: God, Country, Family, and Self. To achieve the Bear rank, the Cub Scout must earn his choice of twelve: one from the first group, three from the second group, and four from each of the third and fourth groups. After achieving the Bear badge, a boy may concentrate on twenty-four Bear elective areas until he becomes a Webelos Scout. Gold and Silver Arrow Points are also awarded for these projects.
	After completing the third grade, a Cub Scout graduates with ceremony into a Webelos den. This is a special den for boys in the fourth or fifth grade (or who are 10 years old). The Webelos Scout program is more challenging to the older boy - in fact, he's now called a Webelos Scout and wears a different uniform signifying his new status. Meetings are usually held in the early evening or on Saturday. His leader is a man or woman assisted by other den parents. The den chief is older and more experienced than those serving Cub Scouts. Also, the Webelos Scout's advancement is approved by his Webelos den leader rather than his parent. He begins work immediately on the Webelos badge. In addition, he can earn twenty Webelos activity badges: Aquanaut, Artist, Athlete, Citizen, Communicator, Craftsman, Engineer, Family Member, Fitness, Forester, Geologist, Handyman, Naturalist, Outdoorsman, Readyman, Scholar, Scientist, Showman, Sportsman, and Traveler. As a fifth grader (or at age 10) he may earn Cub Scouting's highest award - the Arrow of Light Award. After receiving this award, he is eligible to become a Boy Scout, or he may join a troop at age 11 (or when he completes the fifth grade).
	World Conservation Award See the section in your handbook!  Requirements vary by age.
	Conservation Good Turn Award Since 1910, conservation has been an integral part of the program of the Boy Scouts of America. The BSA has been a positive force in conservation and environmental efforts. Scouts have rendered distinguished public service by helping to conserve wildlife, energy, forests, soil, and water. Past generations of Scouts have been widely recognized for undertaking conservation Good Turn action projects in their local communities. The Conservation Good Turn is an opportunity for Cub Scout packs to join with conservation or environmental organizations (federal, state, local, or private) to carry out a conservation Good Turn in their home communities. Working together in the local community, the unit and the agency plan the details and establish the date, time and location for carrying out the project.   Cub Scouting conservation projects should involve the entire Cub Scout pack, each den, adult leaders, and family members. Hands-on projects help Cub Scouts and WEBELOS Scouts realize that everyone can do things to care for the environment. Cub Scouts and WEBELOS Scouts participating in the Conservation Good Turn can also meet some advancement requirements. Suggested projects include, but are not limited to: Plant grasses, trees, shrubs, and ground cover to stop soil erosion. As a den or pack, adopt a park. Remove litter and garbage from a favorite neighborhood recreation area or park. Organize or participate in a recycling program in your neighborhood, or visit a recycling center. Arrange a natural resources awareness program. Invite natural resource professionals such as wildlife biologists, soil conservationists, foresters, or conservation officers to speak to your pack. Participate in a beach or waterfront cleanup. Record the items collected and determine the possible harmful effects to wildlife. With youth participation, develop a plan to educate the public about the dangers posed to wildlife. From a local, state, or national organization that is concerned about environmental protection, obtain suggestions for den and pack projects to improve the environment. As a den or pack, visit a public utility to learn about the wise use of resources, and become involved in programs offered by utilities to help consumers conserve resources. Contact the camp ranger or BSA local council property superintendent for information about camp needs and plans. Establish a nature trail, plant vegetation, or carry out other needed projects as requested by the camp ranger. The patch can be worn as a temporary insignia or on the patch vest.