Bobcat

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Required

Bobcat is how your Webelos year begins. You'll get to know your den, talk about the Scout Oath and Law, and agree on how everyone will treat each other. It sets up a fun, friendly year together.

Why it's worth it

Bobcat is where your den becomes a team for the year. You'll learn what each den member is good at, make rules everyone agrees on, and take turns as denner, the Scout who helps lead. Knowing the Scout Oath and Law by heart gives you words to use when you have to make a hard choice, at Scouts or anywhere else.

Start this week

Say the Scout Oath with your adult at breakfast each day this week.
Write down three things you'd like your den to promise each other, like listening when someone talks.
Pick an evening with your parent or guardian for the Parent's Guide activities.

Requirements · 7

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

Note: Do this adventure first; after it, the other Webelos adventures can be done in any order

Requirement 1
Get to know the members of your den
Tip: Play a name game or share a favorite food, pet, or hobby with each den member.
Requirement 2
With your den and den leader, say the Scout Oath and Scout Law; explain the Scout Oath's three points
Tip: Practice the Oath and Law a little each day, like at breakfast. Then talk about the Oath's three points: duty to God and country, duty to others, and duty to self.
For example: The Scout Oath's three points are duty to God and country, duty to others, and duty to self. For duty to others, you might say: "I can help my little brother with his shoes, or carry groceries without being asked." Give a real example for each point.
Requirement 3
Learn about the Scout Law
Tip: Pick a point of the Scout Law and think of a time you or a friend lived it.
Requirement 4
Make a den Code of Conduct together with your den
Tip: Brainstorm rules together, like taking turns and listening. Have everyone sign the poster.
For example: A den Code of Conduct can be five short rules: one person talks at a time, hands to yourself, try new things, cheer for each other, and help clean up. Everyone signs it.
Requirement 5
Learn what a denner is and what the job involves
Tip: Ask your den leader what a denner does, then take a turn helping set up or lead a game.
For example: As denner, you might lead the opening flag ceremony, hand out supplies, and help clean up. Ask your den leader for a checklist so you know what to do.
Requirement 6
Demonstrate the Cub Scout sign, salute, and handshake, and show when each one is used
Tip: Practice the sign, salute, and handshake with a buddy and talk about when you would use each one.
For example: Use the Cub Scout sign when a leader wants quiet or when you say the Oath, the salute for the flag, and the handshake when you greet another Scout.
Requirement 7
At home with a parent or legal guardian, complete the activities in the Parent's Guide youth protection booklet on protecting children from abuse
Tip: Set aside a quiet evening with a parent or guardian to go through the Parent's Guide together.

Talk about it together

Which point of the Scout Law do you think is the hardest to live by, and why?
What did you learn about someone in your den that surprised you?
How would you like to lead when it's your turn to be denner?
Which rule in the den's code do you think will help the most?

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

Let scouts write the den code of conduct in their own words so they feel ownership of it.
Rotate the denner job so every scout gets a chance to lead.

People & places that can help

Den leader — Can explain each part and help you practice.
Scouting America (opens in a new tab) — Youth protection info for families and official requirements.
Scouting America Youth Protection (opens in a new tab) — Information for families about keeping kids safe in Scouting and at home.

Webelos, 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.