Bobcat (Grades 1-5)

The first rank that every boy must earn when entering the Cub Scouting Program is the Bobcat rank. Regardless of the age or den that a Scout starts in (Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos), he must earn his Bobcat before advancing to his next rank.

Seven activities are required to earn the Bobcat badge:

1. Learn and say the SCOUT OATH, with help if needed:

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.

2. Learn and say the SCOUT LAW, with help if needed:

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly,
courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty,
brave, clean, and reverent.

3. Show the CUB SCOUT SIGN and tell what it means:

How:
1. Make the sign with your right hand.
2. Hold your arm held straight up.

Why:
The two fingers stand for the two parts of the Cub Scout Promise: "to help other people" and "to obey."
They look like a wolf’s ears ready to listen to Akela.

When:
Give the Cub Scout sign when you say the "Cub Scout Promise" and the "Law of the Pack" or when Akela raises the sign to ask for silence.

4. Show the CUB SCOUT HANDSHAKE. Tell what it means.

How:
Hold out your right hand just as you always do to shake hands.
Put your first two fingers along the inside of the other boys wrist.

Why:
The Cub handshake means that you "help" and that you "obey" the Law of the Pack

When:
When you shake hands with another scout or scout leader.

5. Say the CUB SCOUT MOTTO, "DO YOUR BEST" (a motto is a guiding principle).

6. Show the CUB SCOUT SALUTE. Tell what it means.

How:
1. Salute with your right hand.
2. Hold your fingers as you do for the Cub Scout sign.
3. Keep the two straight fingers close together.
4. Touch the tips of those fingers close to your cap.
5. If you are not wearing a cap, touch your eyebrow.

Why:
A salute is a way to show respect to your leaders. It shows that you look up to them and respect them. We salute the flag to show respect to our country.

When:
When you say the pledge of allegiance while in your Cub Scout uniform.

7. With your parent or guardian, complete the excercises in the pamphlet:

"How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide -- Bobcat Requirements."

The above items are the basic information that all Cub Scouts must learn, which is why every boy who enters into Cub Scouting must earn the Bobcat Badge.

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