Regardless of a boy's age, the Bobcat Badge the first step in a boy's progression after registering as a Cub Scout.

The Bobcat is not a scouting rank, it is a badge.  Each boy must earn his Bobcat badge before he is eligible for the Wolf badge, Bear badge, or Webelos badge.

Among other requirements, the Bobcat must learn the the Cub Scout Handshake, the the Cub Scout Salute, and how to give the the Cub Scout Sign.  Please see the Stuff To Know page to learn about these.

To earn the Bobcat badge, a scout must also complete 8 tracks:

1. Learn and say the Cub Scout Promise.
2. Say the Law of the Pack.  Tell what it means.
3. Tell what "Webelos" means.
4. Show the Cub Scout Sign.  Tell what it means.
5. Show the Cub Scout Handshake.  Tell what it means.
6. Say the Cub Scout Motto.
7. Give the Cub Scout Salute.  Tell what it means.
8. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the parents guide, "How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse."