Cub Scout Ranks

Cub Scouts play games, do activities, and have fun – – while they learn and demonstrate new skills. As they do so, they are recognized for those accomplishments with badges, belt loops, patches, and awards.  In this way, ‘Advancement’ is a key pillar of Cub Scouting – – youth understand the ‘Requirements’ necessary at each stage, see their own agency and ability to fulfill those requirements, and then build confidence as they Earn awards and are recognized for their accomplishments. 

In Cub Scouts, we talk about the Advancement Trail – – the path from Lion to Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and ultimately the Arrow of Light – the highest rank in Cub Scouting, which itself is just the start of the Trail to Eagle Scout, which the older Scouts BSA program (11-18 year olds) explore. 

Cub Scout progresses towards a badge of rank based on their grade.  They can start on the Advancement Trail at any stage, and do not need to have earned the previous rank in order to earn the next. Each of the ranks in Cub Scouting has its own age-appropriate requirements, so Cub Scouts can’t go back to earn earlier ranks, but as they grow the rank requirements get more challenging, to match the new skills and abilities they have learned.

See below links to learn more about Advancement in Cub Scouts, and what your Cub will do in their individual Grade-level Den.