Bobcat

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Required

Bobcat is where every Lion begins. You'll get to know the other Scouts in your den, hear the Scout Law, and learn what doing your best means. It's all about starting your Scouting adventure with new friends.

Why it's worth it

Bobcat is your very first Cub Scout adventure. You'll learn the names of the kids in your den, hear the Scout Law, and talk about times you tried really hard. By the end, the den won't feel like a room of strangers anymore. It will feel like your group of friends, ready for everything else you'll do this year.

Start this week

On the way to your next den meeting, practice saying, "Hi, I'm ___. What's your name?" with your grown-up.
At home, think of one time you kept trying even when something was hard, like learning to swing or zip a coat.
Ask your adult to find the Parent's Guide from your den leader and pick a calm evening to do it together.

Requirements · 4

Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab).

Requirement 1
Get to know the other Scouts in your den
Tip: Play a name game with your den, like tossing a ball and saying the name of the person you throw to.
For example: Sit in a circle and roll a ball. Before you roll it, say the name of the friend you're rolling it to and one food you like. By the end, try to name everyone in the circle.
Requirement 2
Have your adult partner or den leader read you the Scout Law, then show you understand what being friendly means
Tip: After you hear the Scout Law, show being friendly by inviting someone new to play or sharing a toy.
For example: Being friendly can look like waving at a new kid, asking someone to play tag with you, or saving a seat for a friend at snack time. Show one of these at the den meeting.
Requirement 3
At a den meeting or at home, tell your adult partner about a time you showed the Cub Scout motto "Do Your Best"
Tip: Think of a time you kept trying, like learning to ride a scooter. Tell your adult partner about it at a den meeting or at home.
For example: "I did my best when I learned to ride my scooter. I fell down a lot, but I kept going." Tell the story to your adult partner at a den meeting or at home. Drawing a picture of it first can help you remember what to say.
Requirement 4
At home, work through the youth protection booklet (A Parent's Guide) activities together with a parent or legal guardian
Tip: Sit down with your parent or guardian at a calm time and do the Parent's Guide activities together.

Talk about it together

What is the name of a new friend in your den, and what do you like about them?
How did you feel at your first den meeting, and how do you feel now?
What is something you did your best at, even when it was hard?
How can you be friendly to a kid who looks lonely at school or the park?

Helpful reads

Cub Scouts: a guide for families, How Cub Scout ranks and adventures work from kindergarten through fifth grade, what an adult partner does, and how to keep it fun at meetings and at home., Families · Leaders · 4 min read

For leaders & parents

Open early meetings with simple get-to-know-you games so every Lion learns names quickly.
Share the Parent's Guide with families early and let them do it at home on their own schedule.

People & places that can help

Your den leader — Can share den plans and help you sign off what you've done.
Scouting America (opens in a new tab) — Official adventure requirements and program updates.
Public library — Picture books and videos on the topic; librarians can help find more.
Bobcat (Lion) adventure page (opens in a new tab) — Den games and activities for each Bobcat requirement.
Youth Protection for Cub Scout Families (opens in a new tab) — Where families find the Parent's Guide and related videos for requirement 4.

Lion, Rank · 7 requirements

Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.