Cub Scout Bobcat Rank Requirements {Free Printables!}

Learning the Cub Scout Bobcat requirements is the first step that new Cub Scouts must take to earn their rank badge. Get a free printable to help them!

The Cub Scouting program says that whenever a youth joins Cub Scouting (unless they’re a Lion), they need to complete the Bobcat requirements first so that they can earn that Bobcat badge before working on anything else.

Even if a Webelos scout joins for the first time or a new scout is working on the Arrow of Light rank, the very first thing they’ll do is to learn the basic information to earn Bobcat, their first rank.

The Bobcat requirements can be completed very quickly – often in just one or two den meetings. This means that every new Cub Scout will get a rank badge shortly after joining. The rank may be presented to the Scout at a den or pack meeting.

There’s nothing like seeing those little first grade Tigers receive their first badge!

To earn the Bobcat rank, the Scouts must demonstrate knowledge of the following:

7 Cub Scout Bobcat Requirements:

1. Learn and say the Scout Oath, with help if needed.
2. Learn and say the Scout Law, with help if needed.
3. Show the Cub Scout sign. Tell what it means.
4. Show the Cub Scout handshake. Tell what it means.
5. Say the Cub Scout motto. Tell what it means.
6. Show the Cub Scout salute. Tell what it means.
7. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide and watch the Protect Yourself Rules video for your grade..

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.”

Younger scouts do not have to memorize the Oath or Law. They simply need to say it. It’s fine if their adult partner or adult leaders assist them.

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. Tell what it means.

The Cub Scout sign is made by holding up the index and middle fingers of your right hand. Your thumb holds down the ring finger and pinkie finger. Hold your arm straight up, not bent at the elbow.

Your two raised fingers stand for the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. They also symbolize the two alert ears of the wolf.

You should give the Cub Scout sign when you’re repeating the Scout Oath or Law.

Scouts also give the Cub Scout sign to show that they’re ready to listen to Akela, which means “good leader.” Akela can be a parent, den leader, Cubmaster, or teacher.

When Akela wants the attention of the Cub Scouts, he or she should give the Cub Scout sign then stand quietly until all the Scouts are paying attention.

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

To do the Cub Scout handshake, put the index and middle fingers of the right hand against the other person’s wrist when shaking hands.

The Cub Scout handshake is used by Cubs and leaders to show that those who use it help others and obey the Scout Oath and Law.

5. Say the Cub Scout motto. Tell what it means.

“Do Your Best.”

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

To make the Cub Scout salute, the Cub Scout joins the index and middle fingers of the right hand (holding the other fingers with the thumb) and touches the extended fingers to the cap visor or forehead.

The Cub Scout salute is used to salute the flag when in uniform and to show respect to den and pack leaders.

Cub Scout uniforms can be either Class A uniforms (also known as field uniforms) or Class B uniforms (also known as activity uniforms). Class A is the official Cub Scouting shirt, and Class B is a scouting-related t-shirt.

7. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide

The pamphlet is found in the front of all of the Cub Scout handbooks. If your pamphlet is missing, you can use this pdf version of the parent’s guide.

I’ve put together some Bobcat Review Pages that you may download and use.

Simply enter your email address below to get the review pages.

You might also want to check out these Bobcat requirements activities that are designed to help the Scouts become familiar with some of the requirements.

Note: The Lion rank requirements have the Lions learning about the Cub Scout salute, motto, and salute even though they don’t earn the Bobcat badge.

What tips or tricks do you use to help your kiddos earn their Bobcat badge?

Yours in Scouting,
Sherry

P.S. Check out this post to help you have an epic first Cub Scout den meeting!