Bobcat Trail
The Bobcat Trail
No matter what age or grade a child joins Cub Scouting, they must earn their Bobcat badge before they can advance to the rank of Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos. A Scout must complete the Bobcat requirements, which include:
Learn and say the Cub Scout motto, the Scout Oath, and the Scout Law and tell what they mean;
Show the Cub Scout sign, salute, and handshake and tell what they mean; and
With your parent or guardian complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide.
The above items are the basic information that ALL Cub Scouts must learn, which is why EVERY child who enters into Cub Scouting MUST earn the Bobcat Badge. They only need to complete the course once in their Cub Scout career.
As a Cub Scout, you do your best and you help others. You learn the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. You also learn what they mean.
Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
And to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight
.
Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
Cub Scout Motto
Do Your Best!
WHAT THE SCOUT OATH MEANS
Before Cub Scouts agree to the Scout Oath or Promise, they need to know what it means.
On my honor I will do my best … Saying “On my honor” is like saying “I promise.” It means that you will do your best to do what the Scout Oath says.
The Scout Oath has three promises. Let’s look at what they mean.
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law … A duty is something you are expected to do. At home, you might be expected to make up your bed or take out the trash. You also have duties to God and to your country. You do your duty to God by following the teachings of your family and religious leaders. You do your duty to your country by being a good citizen and obeying the law. You also promise to live by the 12 points of the Scout Law.
To help other people at all times … Many people need help. A friendly smile and a helping hand make life easier for others. By helping other people, you are doing a Good Turn and making our world a better place.
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight … The last part of the Scout Oath is about taking care of yourself. You stay physically strong when you eat the right foods and get plenty of exercise. You stay mentally awake when you work hard in school, learn all you can, and ask questions. You stay morally straight when you do the right thing and live your life with honesty.
WHAT THE SCOUT LAW MEANS
The Scout Law has 12 points. Each is a goal for every Scout. They do their best to live up to the Law every day. It is not always easy to do, but a Scout always tries.