The Virtual Cub Scout Insignia Guide

THE VIRTUAL CUB SCOUT INSIGNIA GUIDE
For the Proper Display of Insignia on the Cub Scout's Uniform

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BADGES OF IDENTIFICATION AND TENURE

COUNCIL EMBLEM
A council shoulder patch (CSP) emblem is worn by all Cub Scouts directly below the shoulder seam on the left sleeve. This emblem is unique to the BSA council hosting your Cub Scout Pack.

U.S. FLAG EMBLEM
A red, white, and blue embroidered American Flag emblem for all members. Worn by all Cub Scouts on the right sleeve. Centered directly below the shoulder seam, it is standard issue on all Scouting uniforms.

UNIT NUMERALS
A white numeral embroidered on red background. Worn by all boys and pack leaders directly below council patch on the left sleeve. When the veteran unit bar is worn, the Unit Numerals are worn just below, and touching it.

VETERAN UNIT BAR - 25 YEARS
A silver embroidered bar worn by boys and adult leaders in packs that have been chartered twenty-five years. Worn directly below council patch, above and touching the pack numeral on the left sleeve.

VETERAN UNIT BAR - 50 YEARS
A gold embroidered bar worn by boys and adult leaders of packs that have been chartered fifty years. Worn directly below the council patch, above and touching the pack numeral on the left sleeve.

VETERAN UNIT BAR - 75 YEARS
A maroon embroidered bar with silver numerals worn by boys and adult leaders of packs that have been chartered seventy-five years. Worn directly below the council patch, above and touching the pack numeral on the left sleeve.

DEN NUMERALS
A gold numeral embroidered on navy blue background. Worn by Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts centered and touching the bottom of the U.S. flag on the on the right sleeve.

WEBELOS DEN (PATROL) EMBLEM
Webelos Dens may have a name and wear a Boy Scout patrol emblem instead of a den numeral, but they are still a Cub Scout Den. This emblem can be worn by Webelos Scouts centered and touching the bottom of the U.S. flag on the on the right sleeve. See our pages regarding the use of the Boy Scout Patrol emblem as a Webelos Den Emblem.

SERVICE STARS
Gold metallic numbered star worn with colored background to indicate years of service in Scouting. Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts wear star(s) with gold back ground, centered 3/8 inch above the on the left pocket. Boys who have been Tiger Cubs may wear the Tiger Cub service star with orange background on their Cub Scout uniform. (Note: For more information on Service Stars, visit Mike Walton's definitive source... Year Pins & How to Wear 'em!)

WORLD CREST
The World Crest emblem should be worn by all youth and adult leaders. The 1-1/2" diameter badge is white on a violet background. It contains a basic fleur motif encircled by a rope tied with a reef or square knot symbolizing the unity and brotherhood of the World Organization of Scouting Movement (WOSM) throughout the world. The emblem should be, worn centered horizontally above the left pocket, and placed vertically between the left shoulder seam and the top of the pocket. For an excellent historical account of the crest, visit Lew Orans' "The World Scout Emblem". The crest is available locally at council Trading Posts (No. 00143)

 


 

BADGES OF RANK

TIGER CUB BADGE.
A diamond-shaped cloth badge, orange and black embroidered on orange background with gold trim. Worn on the left pocket, in the 6 o'clock position, as shown in Insignia Guide. (Note: See our Tiger Cub Rank requirements page.)

BOBCAT BADGE
A diamond-shaped cloth badge, gold and black embroidered on light blue background with gold trim. Worn on the left pocket, in the 12 o'clock position, as shown in Insignia Guide. (Note: See our Bobcat Rank requirements page.)

WOLF BADGE
A diamond-shaped cloth badge, black and gray embroidered on red background with gold trim. Worn on the left pocket, in the 9 o'clock position, as shown in Insignia Guide. (Note: See our Wolf Rank requirements page.)

BEAR BADGE
A diamond-shaped cloth badge, brown and black on green background with gold trim. Worn on the left pocket, in the 3 o'clock position, as shown in Insignia Guide. (Note: See our Bear Rank requirements page.)

WEBELOS BADGE (diamond)
A diamond-shaped cloth badge, gold and light blue embroidered on dark blue background with gold trim. Worn centered on the left pocket as shown in Insignia Guide. Webelos Scouts wear only the current badge of rank (Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos badge.) Option: Webelos Scouts who have not earned the Tiger Cub rank may wear all rank badges earned with diamond-shaped Webelos badge. (Note: See our Webelos Rank requirements page.)

WEBELOS BADGE (oval)
An oval-shaped cloth badge, gold and light blue embroidered on khaki background with khaki trim. Worn centered on the left pocket, with no other rank patches, as shown in Insignia Guide. Note: See our Webelos Rank requirements page.

ARROW OF LIGHT AWARD
A gold design embroidered on a tan background with a blue border. Worn on the left pocket flap centered over the button. This is the highest award in Cub Scouting and the only Cub Scout badge that may be worn on the Boy Scout uniform. (Note: See our Arrow of Light Award requirements page.)

Note:

    Small metal pin replicas of each Cub rank badges are available for civilian wear and/or presentation to a parent.

 


 

BADGES OF OFFICE

DENNER SHOULDER CORD
A gold double-strand shoulder cord worn on the left shoulder with cord suspended under arm. Worn only during term of office and removed when the term is completed. The tab may be worn without the cord to indicate previous service as a denner. Note: Webelos denners with the tan/olive uniform wear the cord, without the tab, under the left epaulet.

ASSISTANT DENNER SHOULDER CORD
A gold single-strand shoulder cord worn on the left shoulder with cord suspended under arm. It is also removed when the term of office is completed. Note: Webelos assistant denners with the tan/olive uniform wear the cord, without the tab, under the left epaulet.

DEN CHIEF BADGE
Worn by the Boy Scout Den Chief on the left sleeve directly below, but touching, the Unit Numeral(s.)

DEN CHIEF BRAID
Worn by Bobcat, Wolf, and Bear Den Chief's, this blue and gold single-strand shoulder cord is worn suspended from the left shoulder. It is removed when the term of office is completed.

WEBELOS DEN CHIEF BRAID
Worn by Webelos Den Chief's, this blue, gold and red single-strand shoulder cord is worn suspended from the left shoulder. It is removed when the term of office is completed.

DEN CHIEF AWARD BRAID
Granted to Boy Scout Den Chief's that have met the high standards of Den Chief service. This red, white, and blue single-strand shoulder cord is worn suspended from the left shoulder, and may be worn indefinitely.

Note:

    For more information regarding the role and uniforming of Denners and Den Chiefs, visit our Leadership pages.

 


 

ACADEMICS AND SPORTS PROGRAM

ACADEMICS AND SPORTS BELT LOOPS
There are specific requirements for each belt loop. As a Cub Scout completes these requirements, he is encouraged to do his best to learn about the activity. The Tiger, Cub, or Webelos Scout can take part in one of three ways: (1) individually or with the family, (2) in the den or pack, or (3) in the school or the community.

Belt Loops are worn on the navy blue Tiger or Cub Scout belt only. Webelos Scouts who have chosen to wear the khaki uniform may still wear the blue Cub Scout belt so as to display the belt loops they have earned. There are 33 belt loops total, 12 for academics, and 21 for sports. Belt loops are awarded 'once' to boys who learn and participate in an Academics or Sports area. Sports belt loops are silver in color (except the "BB Shooting" and "Archery" loops which are copper colored,) while Academics belt loops are gold. (Note: Webelos Scouts may earn belt loops the second time to qualify for Webelos activity badges.) See our Academics and Sports Program pages for more information on all belt loop requirements.

ACADEMICS AND SPORTS PINS
Once the boy has earned the belt loop, he may choose to stop; however, some boys will want to continue with the activity. A Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, or Webelos Scout may complete additional requirements to earn a pin.

Pins may be worn on the Cub Scout Academics and Sports letter which can be sewn to a patch vest or sweater. Pins are not a part of the Cub Scout uniform. They are for civilian wear only.

(See Recognitions Cross Reference for Item Numbers) See our Academics and Sports Program pages for more information on all pin requirements.

PROGRAM LETTER FOR ACADEMICS AND SPORTS
The Academics and Sports letter, "C" (No. 00805), is available to boys for displaying Academics and Sports pins that Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts earn. The letter, representing "Cub Scouts," can be worn on a sweater or jacket, or displayed or framed. It does not go on the uniform. There are no specific requirements for earning the letter, as it is designed merely to display pins.

 


 

BADGES OF RECOGNITION

TIGER CUB BELT TOTEM
A plastic recognition device that is awarded to the Tiger Cub after satisfying certain requirements. Worn on his belt, the front side of the totem is emblazoned with a tiger paw print, and the reverse includes a recessed spage for your Tiger to mount his Tiger Cub badge when he earns it. The lower end of the totem includes space for four strands for totem beads. A boy earns totem beads by working on the five Tiger Cub achievements. (See our Well Dressed Tiger Cub Pages for more information on Tiger Cub uniforming.)

IMMEDIATE RECOGNITION PATCH (and Beads)
Blue, white, and yellow Cub Scout diamond with the words, "Progress Toward Ranks." Worn on the button of the right shirt pocket. A yellow bead is presented for each three Wolf achievements earned until all four beads are earned and the boy is eligible to receive the Wolf badge. Red beads are presented for each three Bear achievements earned. Cub Scouts may continue to wear this emblem after ranks are earned until they become Webelos Scouts.

GOLD ARROW POINTS
Gold embroidered arrow-shaped cloth badges earned during the Wolf and Bear elective program. A Gold Arrow Point is earned by completing the first ten projects in the Wolf or Bear book. Only one gold arrow point may be earned during the Wolf year, and one during the Bear year. Worn 3/4" below and centered under the current rank badge (Wolf and Bear). See our Arrow Points page for more information about the Arrow Points insignia.

SILVER ARROW POINTS
Silver embroidered arrow-shaped cloth badges earned during the Wolf and Bear elective program. Each Silver Arrow Point is earned by completing ten additional projects from the Wolf or Bear book (after earning the Gold Arrow Point). A Wolf or Bear Cub Scout may wear as many Silver Arrow Points as he can earn. Worn in rows of two below, centered, and touching the Gold Arrow Point or previously earned Silver Arrow Points for each rank (Wolf and Bear). See our Arrow Points page for more information about the Arrow Points insignia.

WEBELOS ACTIVITY BADGES
Any of 20 metal pins awarded to Webelos Scouts for completion of a prescribed set of criteria. Broken into the five 'Groups' of:

  1. Physical Skills,

  2. Mental Skills,

  3. Community,

  4. Technology, and

  5. Outdoor.
Earned only by Webelos Scouts, and worn on the light blue front panel of the Webelos cap or on the optional Webelos colors. See our Activity Badges pages for more information on badge requirements.

COMPASS POINTS EMBLEM
Blue, red, and gold embroidered emblem attached to the button of the right shirt pocket. Presented to a Webelos Scout who earns four activity badges in addition to those earned for the Webelos badge (total of seven). Compass point pins (referred to as devices) may be earned for each four additional activity badges earned, and are worn, in any order, affixed in the "E", "S", and "W" positions of the compass points emblem. See our Compass Points emblem page for more information.

RELIGIOUS EMBLEMS
Religious emblems earned by Cub Scouts or Webelos Scouts are worn centered above the left uniform shirt pocket. Medals are worn only on formal occasions such as official uniform inspections, blue and gold banquets, troop courts of honor, etc. The religious emblem square knot, silver knot on purple background, is worn over the left pocket of the Cub Scout uniform shirt by a Cub Scout who has earned his religious emblem. To learn more about the specific requirements for these recognitions and who to contact in your religious organization regarding them, visit the BSA Religious Emblems pages.

MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITY MEDALS
Medals earned by Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts in derbies or other contests are worn centered above the left shirt pocket. These should be worn only on special occasions such as those mentioned above. Only five medals may be worn at a time, pinned in a single row immediately above the seam of the left pocket.

WEBELOS COLORS
Green, red, and gold streamers on a blue metal bar. A Pack option for wear by Webelos Scouts. Worn on the right sleeve immediately below and touching the U.S. flag. (It covers the den [ patrol ] emblem and Quality Unit insignia.) If den number is worn, Webelos colors are worn under and touching the Den number. If colors are worn, activity badges are worn on the streamers. See our Webelos Colors page for more information.

 


 

BADGES OF PARTICIPATION

ATTENDANCE PIN AND BAR
A gold-colored pin that may be worn to recognize good attendance at den and pack meetings. Year bars are available to attach to the first year bar and pin. Worn centered above the left pocket by Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts. (Requirements for this recognition are determined by the pack committee. This recognition is for the boys only.)

TEMPORARY INSIGNIA
Any insignia authorized by the local council for a particular purpose, such as Scoutoramas, Cub Scout day camp, roundup programs, etc. worn by Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts centered on the right pocket of the uniform shirt. Only one temporary patch in addition to the immediate recognition or compass point emblem may be worn at a time. Additional temporary patches may be placed on a red vest that may be worn except during inspections.

CUB SCOUT WORLD CONSERVATION AWARD
Giant panda on violet Scout trefoil, violet trim, gold background (No. 00139). Two-inch embroidered emblem, worn as temporary patch, centered on right pocket. See our World Conservation Award page for more information and award requirements.

NATIONAL PACK SUMMERTIME AWARD PIN
A gold sunburst pin given to Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts in packs earning the National Summertime Pack Award. Boys must participate in all three summer pack activities to be eligible for the award. Can be earned more than once, but only one can be worn at a time. Worn centered on the right pocket flap of the uniform shirt. (Not for adults.) See our National Summertime Pack Award pages for more information and award requirements.

LONE SCOUT EMBLEM & NECKERCHIEF
Lone Scouts are entitled to wear the Lone Scout Emblem, No. 00352A, below the council shoulder patch on the left sleeve. They can also wear any other badge and insignia appropriate to Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Lone Scouts also have their own neckerchief, No. 00703A.

TIGER CUB STRIP
Cloth strip worn by boys to indicate prior membership in Tiger Cubs BSA. Worn centered, below, and touching the right pocket and above the recruiter strip.

RECRUITER STRIP
Cloth strip presented to boys for recruiting another boy into the program. Worn by Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts centered, below, and touching either the right pocket, or centered, below, and touching the Tiger Cub strip if applicable.

QUALITY UNIT AWARD
Embroidered cloth strip worn by boys and leaders in packs who meet the criteria. (See Quality Unit Award Application.) Worn centered on the right sleeve, 4 inches below the shoulder seam. Only the most recent award may be worn. See our Quality Unit Award pages for more information and award requirements.

 


 

EMBROIDERED SQUARE KNOTS AND PIN DEVICES

Embroidered 'Square Knots' are representative of pin-on medals or ribbon suspended medals and are designed for the convenience of the Cub (and the parent!).

Square Knots are always oriented with the loop of the embroidered knot that comes in front of the standing part (known as the 'loop' or 'bight') to the wearer's right. Another clue to correct orientation is that knots are worn with the distinguishing color (not white) towards the wearer's right. If you are still unsure about correct orientation, check out the knot image links below. After trial and tribulation, I think we've got them all rotated correctly.

Square knots are worn centered above the left uniform pocket, in rows of three. There is no particular order in which they should be worn, but it is suggested that the knot deemed most important by the wearer be worn on his own right. For the authoritative Web-treatise on Square Knots, visit Mike Walton's highly recommended Square Knots page.

The following embroidered square knots are available for wear by Cub Scouts who have earned special recognitions:

RELIGIOUS EMBLEMS EARNED AS YOUTH KNOT
Cub Scouts that satisfy all of the requirements of their respective churches award program may wear the silver knot on purple background. Worn on the field uniform to represent attainment of the 'dress' medal. See Cub Scout Religious emblems. section for medal images.

DEVICES FOR THE YOUTH RELIGIOUS SQUARE KNOT
This miniature device is worn with the youth religious emblem square knot emblem(s) earned as a youth. Wear Cub Scout device, No. , with the first-level emblem (God and Me, Maccabee, etc.) earned as a Tiger or Cub Scout; Webelos Scout device, No. 00932, for second-level (God and Family, Parvuli Dei, Faith in God, Light of the World, Aleph, etc.) earned as a Webelos Scout; Boy Scout Device, No. 00927, emblem earned as a Boy Scout; and/or Venturer device, No. 00930, emblem earned as an Venturer or older Boy Scout or Varsity Scout. Only one knot is worn, but any combination of devices may be worn on the same knot.

For more information on the use of Square Knot 'Devices' visit Mike Walton's Devices on Square Knots page.

MEDAL OF MERIT KNOT
Awarded to youth members who have performed some outstanding act of service of a rare or exceptional character that reflects an uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of others. Worn on the field uniform to represent the 'dress' medal. See BSA Medals Of Valor for Lifesaving and Meritorious Action for more information.

HEROISM AWARD KNOT
Awarded to youth members demonstrating heroism in saving or attempting to save a life at minimum risk to self. Worn on the field uniform to represent the 'dress' medal. See BSA Medals Of Valor for Lifesaving and Meritorious Action for more information.

HONOR MEDAL KNOT
Awarded to youth members who demonstrate unusual heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save a life at considerable risk to his own. In cases of exceptional skill or resourcefulness and extreme risk of life, the medal is awarded with crossed palms. Worn on the field uniform to represent the 'dress' medal. See BSA Medals Of Valor for Lifesaving and Meritorious Action for more information.

For additional information on various awards and recognitions, see the BSA 2000 - 2001 Insignia Guide (No. 33066A).

 


 

BSA MEDALS FOR VALOR AND MERITORIOUS ACTION

Originated in 1911, the BSA Medals of Valor are Scouting's premiere recognitions for a member's Lifesaving and Meritorious Action. They are presented by the BSA National Court of Honor (NCOH) based on the type of action, and the degree of danger involved. The council advancement committee or subcommittee may be constituted as a committee on lifesaving and meritorious action awards.

AWARDS FOR LIFESAVING
Recognition may be given to a member of the Boy Scouts of America-Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Explorer, or leader-where the evidence presented to the National Court of Honor, in accordance with prescribed regulations, shows that he or she saved or attempted to save life under circumstances that indicate heroism and risk to self. The court will give consideration to resourcefulness and to demonstrated skill in rescue methods. In no case shall recognition be given where it appears that the risk involved was merely in the performance of duty, or the meeting of an obligation because of responsibility to supervise and give leadership to the persons whose lives were saved.

It shall be wholly within the discretion of the National Court of Honor to determine from evidence presented which, if any, lifesaving award shall be made. Awards are issued in the name of the Boy Scouts of America. The awards are as follows:

HONOR MEDAL
Awarded to a youth member or adult leader who demonstrates unusual heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save a life at considerable risk to his own. In cases of exceptional skill or resourcefulness and extreme risk of life, the medal is awarded with crossed palms.

HEROISM AWARD
Awarded to a youth member or adult leader demonstrating heroism in saving or attempting to save a life at minimum risk to self.

AWARDS FOR MERITORIOUS ACTION
Recognition may be given to a youth member or adult leader of the Boy Scouts of America where the evidence presented to the National Court of Honor, in accordance with prescribed regulations, shows that a significant or outstanding act of service was performed. The action taken need not involve attempts of rescue or risk to self but must put into practice Scouting skills and/or ideals. Recognition shall not be given where it appears that the action involved was merely in the performance of duty or the meeting of an obligation. The awards are:

MEDAL OF MERIT
Awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has performed some outstanding act of service of a rare or exceptional character that reflects an uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of others.

NATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF MERIT
The National Certificate of Merit may be awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has performed a significant act of service that is deserving of special national recognition.

 


 

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Note:
The badges and medals illustrated on these pages are protected emblems of the Boy Scouts of America. Our facsimile image files are available for re-use by registered Scouts and Scouters in 'off-line' program documentation.

 

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