A Quick Guide to Cub Scouts

Cub Scouting is a program sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America for elementary school boys in grades 1-5.  It is designed to provide wholesome activities, teach skills, increase friendships, and reinforce positive moral values.  It also acclimates boys to Scouting, which begins in 6th grade.  Boys can join Cub Scouts at any time and progress through the ranks.  Two to ten boys of the same age and rank are grouped into a den.  Dens of different ages and ranks meet monthly in a Pack.
 

The Ranks

Tiger Cub: For boys six years old or in first grade.  This introduces everyone to Cub Scouts.  Each boy gets a  Family Activity Packet.  The packet includes an Activity Book, Activity Stickers, Activity Chart Wall Poster, and Tiger-Track iron-on decals.  The uniform is an orange T-shirt, and boys earn Tiger Tracks for attending meetings and other activities.  Boys meet once or twice a month at each other's homes in addition to the monthly pack meeting.  Leadership is shared among the parents.
Bobcat: This badge is earned before all other ranks.  A boy must learn the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack, and the Scout sign, motto and handshake.  This is usually accomplished by the second Pack meeting.  The uniform consists of the familiar blue shirt, hat, kneckerchief, and pants.
Wolf: For second graders.  In addition to earning the Bobcat Badge, boys must complete 12 activities over the course of the year to earn this badge.  They get a Progress Towards Ranks bead for each activity completed. Once the rank has been earned, boys can earn arrow points in elective subjects. The Wolf Scout Book is provided by the pack.  The uniform consists of the familiar blue shirt, hat, kneckerchief, and pants.  A den leader is either chosen from among the parents or volunteers.
Bear: For boys in the third grade.  In addition to earning the Bobcat Badge, boys must complete 12 activities over the course of the year to earn this badge.  They get a Progress Towards Ranks bead for each activity completed. Once the rank has been earned, boys can earn arrow points in elective subjects. The Big Bear Cub Scout Book is provided by the pack.  The uniform consists of the familiar blue shirt, hat, kneckerchief, and pants.  
Webelos: Which actually stands for We be Loyal Scouts, is a two year program for 4th and 5th grade boys.  They earn activity pins, the Webelos badge, and the Arrow of Light Award, which can be worn on their Scout Uniform.  Boys may choose to wear the blue Cub Scout uniform, or the Khaki-colored Webelos uniform, which they can take with them to Scouting.