the Bobcat Badge

All boys, regardless of age or grade, must earn the Bobcat Badge when starting scouts.

The Bobcat badge is not really a rank. It's more like a first step, an introduction to the ways of scouting.

All boys, regardless of age or grade, must earn their Bobcat badge before they earn any other rank. (This includes the Tiger cubs too, starting in 2006.)

The requirements for the Bobcat Badge are quick and simple, but they're very important. Things like learning the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the pack are the first things a scout must learn. Along with those, the Bobcat learns the Cub Scout handshake, salute, sign, and motto.