The Cub Scout advancement program is designed to be fun and to encourage the natural interests of boys. The five ranks of Cub Scouting (Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light), each with its own requirements, are progressively more challenging, matching the increased skills and abilities of boys as they grows older.

The Cub Scout ranks are set up on a grade-age level, except for Bobcat, which all must earn. The Wolf rank is for boys who are in second grade (or are 8); Bear is for those who are in third grade (or age 9); the Webelos badge is for Webelos scouts in the fourth grade; and the Arrow of Light Award is for Webelos Scouts in the fifth grade.

Recognition is important to young boys. This five step advancement program gives scouts a sense of personal accomplishment as they earn badges. There is a ladder to climb, and the advancement program gives boys a means of measuring their progress on that ladder, and recognizes their achievements along the way.

Cub Scout advancement is not competition among boys. Each Cub Scout must be encouraged to advance steadily and purposefully, setting his own goals with guidance from his family and leaders. Hopefully, the program strengthens family understanding as adult family members work with the boys on advancement programs.