The Advancement program for Cub Scouts covers all of the ranks and awards and cub scout can earn. The “Advancement Trail” changes each year for Cub Scouts so the programming matches the abilities of scouts as they grow older.
Each year scouts work on a their rank. For Lions, Tigers, Wolves, and Bears, they complete required Adventures and receive belt loops for each adventure. Additionally there are “elective” adventures that can be used to fill out the remainder of the program calendar. Cub Scouts must earn their rank by May 31st and cannot work towards previous ranks. WEBELOS and Arrow of Light scouts complete activities and receive activity pins they can wear on the WEBELOS ribbon or their hat. Arrow of Light scouts are technically still WEBELOS, but we call them AOLs to designate the difference between 4th grade and 5th grade dens/patrols.
Advancement is managed by the Advancement Chair, a member of the Pack Committee. All advancement is tracked via Scoutbook and must be approved by your Den Leader and the Advancement Chair/Cubmaster before being awarded. Awards are given out at each Pack Meeting.
If you have any questions about advancement or missing awards, please contact your Den Leader or the Cubmaster.
Awards
In addition to ranks, there are additional awards scouts can earn. Typically these awards are focused on increased participation or a skill. Examples of awards are:
- Shoot Sports Award
- Summertime Pack Award
- Outdoor Activities Award
- Religious Emblem
- Recruitment Stripe
To learn more about the awards your scout can earn, visit the BSA Awards page.