Bobcat Requirements | Welcome to Cub Scouts
As of June 1, 2024 the Bobcat Rank is no longer a stand alone rank but rather it is incorporated into each rank in an age appropriate way. To learn more visit this site or each Rank’s Bobcat Requirements.
Pre June 1, 2024:
The Bobcat requirements are the beginning of Cub Scouts. Each is a way to introduce the values and procedures scouts will come to learn over the next few years. Beginning with Tigers, the Bobcat badge is the first step to earning a Cub Scout rank.
No matter when a Cub Scout begins they must first earn the Bobcat badge (with the exception of Lions).
The Bobcat Requirements and all of our resources and printables are included in each CUBS rank program file. Or, you can get individual printables by clicking on their pictures below or just the printables in a bundle here.
Which rank is your scout working toward?
RESOURCES FOR COMPLETING THE BOBCAT REQUIREMENTS
Materials
#1 Scout Oath
☐ 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.
Complete the Scout Oath Puzzle
Directions: An adult should print and cut apart the puzzle. Mix up the strips and let the scouts put them back in the correct order. Help and support as needed.
#2 Scout Law
☐ 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.
Complete the Scout Law Puzzle
Directions: An adult should print and cut apart the puzzle. Mix up the strips and let the scouts put them back in the correct order. Help and support as needed.
#3-6 | Scout Sign, Cub Scout Handshake, Cub Scout Motto, Cub Scout Salute
☐ #3 – Show the Cub Scout sign. Tell what it means.
The Cub Scout sign is made with the right arm held high and straight up above the shoulder, with the index and middle fingers forming a V. The other fingers are held down by the thumb. It’s the sign of Cub Scouts all over the world.
The two raised fingers stand for the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.
The fingers look like the sharp ears of the wolf ready to listen to Akela! Leaders and scouts should give the Cub Scout sign when repeating the Scout Oath or the Scout Law.
☐ #4 – Show the Cub Scout handshake. Tell what it means.
The Cub Scout handshake is made by putting the index and middle fingers of the right hand against the other person’s wrist when shaking hands. The handshake means that each Scout will help others to remember and obey the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
☐ #5 – Say the Cub Scout motto. Tell what it means.
Do Your Best.
☐ #6 – Show the Cub Scout salute. Tell what it means.
The Cub Scout salute is made by joining the index and middle fingers of the right hand (holding the other fingers with the thumb) and touching them to the cap visor or forehead above the right eyebrow. The hand is held the same as for the Cub Scout sign, except the index and middle fingers are together.
The salute is used to salute the flag when in uniform–otherwise hold your right hand over your heart. It can also be used when greeting other Scouts.
Play Akela Says
Directions: After introducing the sign, handshake, motto, and salute practice with a few rounds of ‘Akela Says’ – this is just like ‘Simon Says’ but the only four commands are:
- Akela Says… Say the Cub Scout Motto
- Akela Says… Show the Cub Scout Salute
- Akela Says… Show the Cub Scout Sign
- Akela Says… Practice the Cub Scout Handshake with the person next to you
#7 Protect Your Children From Child Abuse
☐ With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide
The exercises begin on page 19
- How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide – https://bit.ly/3iEZpRh
- How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide (Spanish) – https://bit.ly/2FbhLuC
- Akela Says… Say the Cub Scout Motto
- Akela Says… Show the Cub Scout Salute
- Akela Says… Show the Cub Scout Sign
- Akela Says… Practice the Cub Scout Handshake with the person next to you
Extension and Review Activities
Directions: Use the following activities throughout the year to reinforce scouting principles.
- Cub Scout Memory Cards – these cover information that will recur throughout the Cub Scout Program. If you plan to use these more than once consider printing them on cardstock and laminating them. Then punch a hole in the top left corner of each and put them on a ring. The second page is optional and nice if you want a finished look of something on the reverse side.
- Bobcat Dice Roll – Assemble and use as a review of the principles. Scouts can take turn rolling the dice and then tell or show whatever comes up.
- Bobcat Cootie Catcher – Generally a fun way to review
For more ideas follow our Bobcat Pinterest Board.
