The Bobcat
No matter what age or grade a boy joins Cub Scouting, he must earn his Bobcat badge before he can advance to the rank of Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos. A boy must complete the Bobcat requirements, which include: Learn and say the Cub Scout motto, the Scout Oath, and the Scout Law and tell what they mean; Show the Cub Scout sign, salute, and handshake and tell what they mean; and With your parent or guardian complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide.
One of the most important parts of earning Bobcat is understanding that all members of the Boy Scouts of America believe in, live by, and often repeat the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. We learn those and believe in them as a way to live our lives and be good members of our families, our communities and the Boy Scouts of America.
Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake and morally straight.
The meaning of the Scout Law has 12 points. Each is a goal for every Scout. He does his best ot live up tot he Law every day. It is not always easy to do , but a Scout always tries.
- A Scout is TRUSTWORTHY
- A Scout tells the truth and keeps his promises. People can depend on him.
- A Scout is LOYAL
- A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and country
- A Scout is HELPFUL
- A Scout volunteers to help others without expecting a reward
- A Scout is FRIENDLY
- A Scout is a friend to everyone, even people who are very different from him
- A Scout is COURTEOUS
- A Scout is polite to everyone and always uses good manners
- A Scout is KIND
- A Scout treats others as he wants to be treated. He never harms or kills any living thing without good reason
- A Scout is OBEDIENT
- A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and pack. He obey the laws of his community and country
- A Scout is CHEERFUL
- A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make other happy.
- A Scout is THIRFTY
- A Scout works to pay his way. He uses time, property, and natural resources wisely.
- A Scout is BRAVE
- A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He stands for what is right even if others laugh at him.
- A Scout is CLEAN
- A Scout keeps his body and mind fit. He helps keep his home and community clean.
- A Scout is REVERENT
- A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
Cub Scout sign is done with your right hand. Hold your arm straight up. The two raised finders stand for the Scout Oath and the Scout law. The fingers look like the sharp ears of the wolf ready to listen to Akela! Remember that Akela means “good leader” to a Cub Scout. Your mother or father or guardian is Akela. So is your Cubmaster or you den leader. At school, your teacher is Akela.
When you shake hands with another Cub Scout, do this: HOLD out your right hand just as you always do to shake hands. But then put your first two fingers along the inside of the other boy’s wrist. This means that you help each other to remember and obey the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
A motto is a guiding principle and a rule for living. “Do Your Best” means trying your hardest, not just a little bit. Do your best all the time. Do your best in school and at home. Do you best when you play a game and help your team. Do your best as you work on your rank adventures!
The Cub Scout salute is done with your right hand. Hold your first two fingers close together. Touch your fingertips to your cap. If you aren’t wearing a cap, touch your right eyebrow. You salute the flag to show respect to our country. Always use the Cub Scout uniform, both indoors and outdoors. If you are not in uniform, you salute the flag by placing your right hand over your heart.
Part of the “The Bobcat” is to have the Parents and Adult Partners work with their Scouts on different activities and exercises. One of these is the “How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide” which is new to “The Bobcat” requirements. We have included a copy of this form below for the Parents to download or print so they can work with their Scouts on the Exercise.
