About Scouting
The values Cub Scouting is built on.
Character Development
Since its origin, the Scouting program has been an educational experience concerned with values. In 1910, the first activities for Scouts were designed to build character, physical fitness, practical skills, and service. These elements were part of the original Cub Scout program and continue to be part of Cub Scouting today.
Character can be defined as the collection of core values possessed by an individual that leads to moral commitment and action. Core values are the basis of good character development. In helping girls and boys develop character, Cub Scouting promotes the following 12 core values.
Cub Scouting's 12 Core Values
Citizenship · Compassion · Cooperation · Courage · Faith · Health and Fitness
Honesty · Perseverance · Positive Attitude · Resourcefulness · Respect · Responsibility
“Character is values in action.”
Scout Oath
On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
Cub Scout Motto
Do Your Best
Advancement Trail
How Cub Scouts earn recognition, rank by rank.
Where Advancement Actually Gets Tracked
Den Leaders record advancement in Scoutbook, the official Council system. If you have a question about your Scout's advancement, or something needs updating, reach out to your Den Leader directly.
Lion – Kindergarten
The Lion Cub program is for Kindergarten (or age 6) children and their adult partners.
Tiger – 1st Grade
The Tiger Cub program is for first-grade (or age 7) children and their adult partners. The Tiger Cub, working with an adult partner, completes the 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 girl or boy in the first grade.
Wolf – 2nd Grade
The Wolf program is for girls and boys who have completed first grade (or are age 8). To earn the Wolf badge, a Scout must pass their achievement areas involving simple physical and mental skills.
Bear – 3rd Grade
The Bear rank is for girls and boys who have completed second grade (or are age 9). These requirements are somewhat more difficult and challenging than those for Wolf rank.
Webelos – 4th Grade
This program is for girls and boys who have completed third grade (or are age 10). They may begin working on the Webelos badge after joining a Webelos den. This is the first step in the transition from the Webelos den to a Scout troop. As requirements found in the Webelos Handbook are completed, the Scout will work on activity badges, attend meetings led by adults, and become familiar with the Scout requirements—all leading to the Arrow of Light Award.
Arrow of Light – 5th Grade
The Arrow of Light award gives the opportunity to 5th graders to earn a rank that transfers to their Scouts BSA uniform. By earning this recognition a Scout demonstrates readiness for the next step on the scouting trail.