Webelos Den Leader - Charles Katzenmeyer

This program is for boys who have completed third grade (or are age 10). A boy may begin working on the Webelos badge as soon as he joins a Webelos den. This is the first step in his transition from the Webelos den to the Boy Scout troop. As he completes the requirements found in the Webelos Handbook, he will work on activity badges, attend meetings led by adults, and become familiar with the Boy Scout requirements—all leading to the Arrow of Light Award.

The Webelos Scout advancement plan has three parts.  The Webelos badge, the 20 activity badges, and the Arrow of Light.

As soon as a boy joins the Webelos den he begins working immediately on the Webelos activity badges and the requirements for the Webelos rank.  After he has earned the Webelos badge, he begins work on the requirements for the Arrow of Light award.

As he is earning these he is required to earn eight of the 20 available activity badges.  Certain activity badges are required for earning the Webelos badge and the Arrow of Light award, while others may be selected by the boy.  The 20 activity badges are hobby and career fields ranging for science to sports.

After completing the Webelos badge, the Webelos Scout may receive compass points for earning additional activity badges.  The Compass Points emblem is presented to the boy who has earned four activity badges in addition to those required for the Webelos badge (a total of seven).  A metal compass point is awarded for each additional four activity badges earned.

The Arrow of Light Award is the highest award a boy can earn in Cub Scouting and is the only Cub Scout badge that he can wear on his Boy Scout uniform.  Meaningful advancement ceremonies are important.  Troop representatives should be involved in pack graduation ceremonies.