Bobcat Rank
The first rank every Cub Scout earns is the Bobcat! All of the information is available in your Cub Scout Handbook. You can get started on the Bobcat rank today!
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 or you don’t have a handbook yet, you can use this pdf version of the parent’s guide.
