The Bobcat rank is earned prior to all other ranks.

When a youth joins Cub Scouting as a Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or WEBELOS, they must earn the Bobcat badge first before receiving any other award or rank.

1. Learn and say The Scout Oath, with help if needed:

2. Learn and say The Scout Law, with help if needed.

3. Say the Cub Scout Motto. Tell what it means.

  • Do Your Best!

  • Cub scouting teaches youth that doing your best is important, not winning. What one person is capable of doing when trying their best may not be the same as others, and each should be viewed based on their effort, not their ability.

4. Show the Cub Scout Handshake. Tell what it means.

  • Using your right hand, place your first two fingers along the inside of the other scout's wrist.

  • This means that you help each other remember and obey the Scout Oath and Law.

5. Show the Cub Scout Sign. Tell what it means.

  • Make the sign with your right hand and with your arm held straight up.

  • The two fingers stand for the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.

  • They look like a wolf's ears ready to listen to Akela.

  • Give the Cub Scout Sign when you say the Scout Oath or Scout Law.

6. Show the Cub Scout Salute. Tell what it means.

  • Point your first two fingers of your right hand out straight and close together.

  • Touch the tips of the fingers to your cap or if not wearing a cap then to your eyebrow.

  • A salute is a way to show respect.

  • When you salute a leader (either adult or other scout), you show him or her that you respect their position.

  • When you salute the flag, you show that you are proud of your country.

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