Webelos Den & Rank

About the Rank

The Webelos rank is a significant stage in the Cub Scout program, preparing fourth and fifth-grade boys and girls for the transition to Boy Scouts. “Webelos” stands for “We’ll Be Loyal Scouts,” which reflects the focus on building skills and character that will serve as a foundation for their journey into Boy Scouting. It serves as the bridge between Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting, helping Scouts develop more advanced skills and independence.

Webelos Scouts form dens that are slightly different from previous ranks. They can be either all boys or all girls, or they can be co-ed. Webelos dens focus on more challenging adventures and activities to better prepare the Scouts for Boy Scouts.

The Webelos program includes both required adventures and additional elective activity pins. These cover a wide range of subjects, including outdoor skills, fitness, citizenship, personal development, and more. Webelos Scouts work on completing requirements for these adventures and pins.

The Webelos program encourages Scouts to take on more responsibility for their own progress. While still under the guidance of adult leaders, Webelos Scouts have increased opportunities to lead activities, make decisions, and collaborate with their peers.

Webelos Scouts have the chance to explore various Boy Scout skills, such as basic camping, first aid, navigation, and outdoor cooking. This exposure prepares them for the more advanced activities they will encounter in Boy Scouts.

The pinnacle of the Webelos program is earning the Arrow of Light award, the highest rank in Cub Scouting. This award recognizes a Scout’s achievements in completing Webelos adventures and signifies their readiness to transition to Boy Scouts. Upon completing the Webelos rank and earning the Arrow of Light award, Webelos Scouts often participate in a crossover ceremony. This ceremony symbolizes their transition from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts and is usually conducted by a Boy Scout troop that the Webelos Scouts plan to join.

After earning the Arrow of Light award, Scouts can officially transition to a local Boy Scout troop. This marks the beginning of their Boy Scouting journey, where they’ll continue to develop their skills, leadership abilities, and character.

The Webelos rank is earned by completing five required adventures and one optional adventure described below:

Rank Requirements

1. Be an active member of your Webelos den for three months.

2. Complete the five required adventures: 

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

Electives

Outside of the required adventures, Webelos Scouts can also complete any of the eleven elective adventures of their den’s or family’s choosing.