When a boy is between the ages of seven and eleven years old or is (at least) in the first grade, he can become a Cub Scout. But, regardless of a qualifying boy's age, he must complete the Bobcat Trail as the first step in his Cub Scouting adventure.

In Rudyard Kipling's story, The Jungle Book, the black panther Bagheera is the mighty hunter that teaches the cubs the skills of the jungle. In Cub Scouting we use the symbol of the Bobcat. You'll find his trail in the Tiger Cub Handbook (BSA 34713), and the Wolf Handbook (BSA 33450), the Bear Handbook (BSA 33451), and the Webelos Handbook (BSA 33452)

Along this trail the Cub Scout learns the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack, and the Cub Scout Motto. These are the three most important things a boy must learn because they will help him through all of the trails of Scouting.

To earn the Bobcat badge the boy must complete these eight tracks of Akela:  

1. LEARN AND SAY THE CUB SCOUT PROMISE

"I ____(name)____ promise to do my best,
To do my duty to God and my country,
To help other people, and
To obey the Law of the Pack."

... AND COMPLETE THE HONESTY CHARACTER CONNECTION.  

1. Know: Discuss these questions with your family. What is a promise? What does it mean to "keep your word?" What does honesty mean? What does it mean to "do your best?"
2. Commit: Discuss these questions with your family. Why is a promise important? Why is it important for people to trust you when you give your word? When might it be difficult to keep your word? List examples.
3. Practice: Discuss with family members why it is important to be trustworthy and honest and how can you do your best to be honest when you are doing the activities in Cub Scouting.

2. SAY THE LAW OF THE PACK. TELL WHAT IT MEANS.

"The Cub Scout follows Akela.
The Cub Scout helps the pack go.
The pack helps the Cub Scout Grow.
The Cub Scout gives goodwill. "

3. TELL WHAT "WEBELOS" MEANS.

"WE'll BE LOyal Scouts"

4. SAY THE CUB SCOUT MOTTO.  A MOTTO IS A RULE.

The MOTTO is: "DO YOUR BEST. "   

Doing his best is one of the most important things for the Cub Scout to learn.  Boys often become so interested in winning that they fail to see the importance of doing the best they can at everything.  One boys best might be quite different from another boys best.  Cub Scouting teaches boys that no one can find fault with them if they always do their best.

5. SHOW THE CUB SCOUT SIGN.  TELL WHAT IT MEANS.

            The Cub Scout sign is made with the right arm held high and straight up above the shoulder,

            with the index and middle fingers forming a V.  The other fingers are held with the thumb.

             The two extended fingers stand for the parts of the Cub Scout Promise, "to help other people"

             and "to obey."  They also stand for the two alert ears of a wolf.

             This is the sign of Cub Scouts all over the world.

             The Cub Scout sign should be given when repeating the Cub Scout Promise or

             Law of the Pack.  It is also used in ceremonies.

6. SHOW THE CUB SCOUT HANDSHAKE.  TELL WHAT IT MEANS.

            The handshake is done by putting the index and middle fingers of the right hand against the other

            persons wrist when shaking hands.

            Cub Scouts and Cub Scout leaders use this handshake everywhere in the United States.

            The handshake signifies that those who use it help others and obey the Law of the Pack.

7. GIVE THE CUB SCOUT SALUTE.  TELL WHAT IT MEANS.

             The salute is made by joining the index and middle fingers of the right hand (holding the other

             fingers with the thumb) and touching the extended fingers to the cap visor or forehead.

             The hand is held the same as for the Cub Scout sign, except the two fingers are together.

             The Cub Scout salute is used to salute the flag when in uniform and to show respect to

             den and pack leaders.  It can be used when greeting other Cub Scouts.

8. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the parent's guide, "How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse".