The Bobcat Trail is the first step the 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, the Wolf Handbook, the Bear Handbook, and the Webelos Handbook.

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 your boy must
complete these eight tracks of Akela:

1.  Learn & 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.

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?"

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.

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.  Show the Cub Scout Sign (see example...) — Tell what it means.

5.  Show the Cub Scout Handshake (see example...) — Tell what it means.

6.  Say the Cub Scout Motto.

The MOTTO is: "DO YOUR BEST. "

7.  Give the Cub Scout Salute (see example...) — Tell what it means.

8.  Complete the exercises in the parent's guide, "How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse" along with a parent or guardian.

When you and your boy have followed the eight tracks of the Bobcat, your boy may wear his Bobcat badge!