The Advancement Trail

On the advancement trail, a Cub Scout progresses towards a badge of rank based on their grade. They need not have earned the previous rank in order to earn the next.  Each of the ranks in Cub Scouting has its own requirements that are age appropriate, so earning a rank below a Cub Scout’s current grade is not permitted. As a Cub Scout advances through the ranks, the requirements get more challenging, to match the new skills and abilities they have learned.

First graders, and anyone beyond that grade who is new to Cub Scouting, completes the Bobcat Badge prior to working on their grade-specific badge of rank. Kindergartners, who are Lions, do not work on the Bobcat Badge

Kindergarten – Lion Requirements

Kindergartners work toward the Lion rank. The Lion rank is earned by completing five adventures as described below. Although participation with an adult partner is required for all Lion awards, recognition items are for the Scouts only. 

1. Complete the five required adventures: 

• Lion’s Honor 
• Animal Kingdom 
• Fun on the Run! 
• King of the Jungle 
• Mountain Lion 

2. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet entitled How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide. 

Outside of the requirements, Lion Scouts can also complete any number of seven elective adventures of their den’s or family’s choosing.

First Grade – Tiger Requirements

First graders work toward the Tiger rank. The Tiger rank is earned by completing seven adventures as described below. Although participation with an adult partner is required for all Tiger awards, recognition items are for the Scouts only. 

1. Complete each of the six required adventures:

• Games Tigers Play
• My Tiger Jungle
• Team Tiger
• Tiger Bites
• Tiger Circles: Duty to God
• Tigers in the Wild 

2. In addition to the six required adventures, complete at least one elective adventure of your den’s or family’s choosing. 

3. With your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, complete the exercises in the pamphlet entitled How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide. 

4. Earn the Cyber Chip award for your age. (The Cyber Chip portion of this requirement may be waived by your parent or guardian if you do not have access to the internet.) OR Earn the Protect Yourself Rules Preview Adventure for Tiger.

Second Grade – Wolf Requirements

Second graders work toward the Wolf rank. The Wolf rank is earned by completing seven adventures as described below. 

1. Complete each of the six required adventures:

• Call of the Wild
• Council Fire (Duty to Country)
• Duty to God Footsteps
• Howling at the Moon
• Paws on the Path
• Running With the Pack

2. In addition to the six required adventures, complete at least one elective adventure of your den’s or family’s choosing. 

3. With your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, complete the exercises in the pamphlet entitled How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide. 

4. Earn the Cyber Chip award for your age. (The Cyber Chip portion of this requirement may be waived by your parent or guardian if you do not have access to the internet.) OR Earn the Protect Yourself Rules Preview Adventure for Wolf. 

Third Grade – Bear Requirements

Third graders work toward the Bear rank. The Bear rank is earned by completing seven adventures as described below. 

1. Complete each of the six required adventures:

• Baloo the Builder
• Bear Claws
• Bear Necessities
• Fellowship and Duty to God
• Fur, Feathers, and Ferns
• Paws for Action (Duty to Country)

2. In addition to the six required adventures, complete at least one elective adventure of your den’s or family’s choosing. 

3. With your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, complete the exercises in the pamphlet entitled How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide. 

4. Earn the Cyber Chip award for your age. (The Cyber Chip portion of this requirement may be waived by your parent or guardian if you do not have access to the internet.) OR Earn the Protect Yourself Rules Preview Adventure for Bear.

Fourth Grade – Webelos Requirements

Fourth graders work toward the Webelos rank. The Webelos rank is earned by completing six adventures as described below.  Scouts who are in Cub Scouts in fourth grade must complete the Webelos rank before working towards their Arrow of Light. 

 

1. Be an active member of your Webelos den for three months.

2. Complete each of the five required adventures:

• Cast Iron Chef
• Duty to God and You
• First Responder
• Stronger, Faster, Higher
• Webelos Walkabout

3. In addition to the five required adventures, complete at least one elective adventure of your den’s or family’s choosing. 

4. With your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, complete the exercises in the pamphlet entitled How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide. 

5. Earn the Cyber Chip award for your age. (The Cyber Chip portion of this requirement may be waived by your parent or guardian if you do not have access to the internet.) OR Earn the Protect Yourself Rules Preview Adventure for Webelos.

Fifth Grade – Arrow of Light Requirements

Fifth graders work toward the Arrow of Light rank.  If a fourth-grade Cub Scout has completed the Webelos rank, they may begin to work on the Arrow of Light. The Arrow of Light rank is earned by completing five adventures as described below. 

1. Be an active member of your Webelos den for at least six months since completing the fourth grade or for at least six months since becoming 10 years old.

2. Complete each of the four required adventures:

• Building a Better World
• Duty to God in Action
• Outdoor Adventurer
• Scouting Adventure

3. In addition to the four required adventures, complete at least one elective adventure of your den’s or family’s choosing. 

4. With your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, complete the exercises in the pamphlet entitled How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide. 

5. Earn the Cyber Chip award for your age. (The Cyber Chip portion of this requirement may be waived by your parent or guardian if you do not have access to the internet.) OR Earn the Protect Yourself Rules for Arrow of Light.