Cub Scout rank is age based, but regardless of what age a cub scout joins, he must first earn his Bobcat before tackling the requirements of his age-based rank.

Among other requirements, the new Scout must learn the Cub Scout Handshake, the Cub Scout Salute, and how to give the the Cub Scout Sign. These are the three most important things a boy must learn because they will help him through all of the trials and trails of Scouting. However, the path is short, and most boys are recognized with the Bobcat Badge at their first Pack Meeting (if they have attended at least one den meeting and their parent guide has helped them learn the basics of Cub Scouting).

To earn the Bobcat badge the boy must complete these eight tracks of Akela:

1. LEARN AND SAY THE CUB SCOUT PROMISE

   "I ____(name)____ promise to do my best
   To do my duty to God and my country,
   To help other people, and
   To obey the Law of the Pack."

   ... AND COMPLETE THE HONESTY CHARACTER CONNECTION.
   1. Know: Discuss these questions with your family. What is a promise? What does it mean to "keep your word?" What does honesty mean? What does it mean to "do your best?"
   2. Commit: Discuss these questions with your family. Why is a promise important? Why is it important for people to trust you when you give your word? When might it be difficult to keep your word? List examples.
   3. Practice: Discuss with family members why it is important to be trustworthy and honest and how can you do your best to be honest when you are doing the activities in Cub Scouting.

2. SAY THE LAW OF THE PACK. TELL WHAT IT MEANS.

   "The Cub Scout follows Akela.
   The Cub Scout helps the pack go.
   The pack helps the Cub Scout Grow.
   The Cub Scout gives goodwill. "

3. TELL WHAT "WEBELOS" MEANS.

   "WE'll BE LOyal Scouts"

4. SHOW THE CUB SCOUT SIGN. TELL WHAT IT MEANS.

5. SHOW THE CUB SCOUT HANDSHAKE. TELL WHAT IT MEANS.

6. SAY THE CUB SCOUT MOTTO. A MOTTO IS A RULE.

   The MOTTO is: "DO YOUR BEST. "

7. GIVE THE CUB SCOUT SALUTE. TELL WHAT IT MEANS.
   

8. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the parent's guide, "How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse".

When you and your boy have followed the eight tracks of the Bobcat, your den leader will let the Cubmasters know, and your boy will be awarded his rank at the next Pack meeting. The Scout may then wear his Bobcat badge on his uniform (at the 12 o'clock position).