The Webelos scouts (grades 4th and 5th) take on more responsibility and learn even more valuable life skills, preparing them to eventually "cross over" to Boy Scouts.  This program gives Cub Scouts a better idea of how the next step in their Scouting journey is run.  There is more work, more camping, more outdoor activities, more fun, and gradually more contact with the older Boy Scouts.  The Webelos program has 20 Activity Badges covering 20 different subjects. Certain Activity Badges are earned in order to earn the Webelos Rank Badge.

After the Webelos Rank Badge is earned in 4th grade, a Scout may go on to earn Arrow of Light, usually as a 5th grader.  This is the highest award any Cub Scout can earn.  It is also one of the few awards that he can continue to wear on his uniform as a Boy Scout and an adult scout leader.  

A Scout electing to work on STEM (science, technology, engineering, & math) Awards who wants to earn the Supernova Award has to complete specific Activity Badges as well.  

In addition to the two rank badges, boys might elect to work toward the Compass Point Emblem and Compass Points as they earn additional Activity Badges.

The Webelos Cub Scout Handbook may give more detail that is available online at sites like scouting.org. 

The cost of this book was $8.99 at the Boy Scout Store on Highway 41 (2745 Skokie Valley Road) in Highland Park at the time of this posting. You may find new and gently used Handbooks at thrift stores, second-hand bookstores for a lower cost, and much of the material may be online.

In order to earn the Webelos Rank Badge, Scouts must complete the following:

1. Have an adult member of your family read the Webelos Scout Parent Guide (Webelos Handbook, Pages 1-22) and sign it.
2. Be an active member of your Webelos den for three months. (Active means having good attendance, paying your dues, working on den projects).
3. Know and explain the meaning of the Webelos badge.
4. Point out the three special parts of the Webelos Scout uniform. Tell when to wear the uniform and when not to wear it. 
5. Earn the Fitness and Citizen activity badges and one other activity badge from a different activity badge group.
6. Plan and lead a flag ceremony in your den that includes the U.S. flag.
7. Show that you know and understand the requirements to be a Boy Scout.

a. Demonstrate the Scout salute, Scout sign, and Scout handshake. Explain when you would use them.

b. Explain the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan. 

c. Explain and agree to follow the Outdoor Code.

Rank Badges are provided by the Pack.

Colors

Webelos Activity Badges are pins that are earned for completing specific tasks.  Once earned, the pins go onto the Webelos Colors (pictured at left), which are worn on the uniform or onto the Webelos cap.  Certain Webelos Activity Badges are required to earn the Webelos Badge as well as the Arrow of Light Award. The following is a list of the Webelos Activity Badges and their requirements.  

Webelos Colors may require an extra fee or purchase.

Uniforms

Webelos Scouts can either continue to wear the blue Cub Scout shirt or purchase the khaki Boy Scout shirt. If you choose to wear the khaki Boy Scout shirt, the diagram below shows you how the patches and awards should be placed.  The Webelos Rank Badge is earned by 4th graders who have completed their Webelos Requirements. It is given out at the Blue and Gold Banquet, which is held in late winter or spring.

The Blue Webelos Rank Badge is worn on the Blue Cub Scout Shirt on the left pocket just below the Bobcat Badge and replaces the Tiger Cub Badge.

The Tan Webelos Rank Badge is worn on the Tan Boy Scout Shirt centered on the left pocket as follows:

 

Activity Badges are paid for by the Pack - if the Scout wears his uniform & colors.  The Scout will be given credit for earning the award regardless of whether or not they get the actual pin. 

Physical Skills Group
Aquanaut, Athlete, Fitness, & Sportsman

Mental Skills Group 
Artist, Scholar, Showman, & Traveler

Community Skills Group 
Citizen, Communicator, Family Member, & Readyman

Technology Skills Group 
Craftsman, Engineer, Handyman, & Scientist

Outdoor Skills Group 
Forester, Geologist, Naturalist, & Outdoorsman