Cub Scout leaders are eligible to earn a variety of recognition "square knots" which can be sewn on your uniform over your left shirt pocket. Six different knots are available. They are awarded to leaders who complete leaderResources and specific activities during a two-year leadership period. A "blue card" (available from the Cubmaster or Den Leader Coach) is used to track progress and apply for the award. The card must be signed by the Cubmaster or Committee Chair.
A seventh knot is available for religious activities as described in a specific book for your faith. Although not a recognition for leadership in Cub Scouting, it is mentioned here for your awareness.
Knots are worn immediately above the top of the left pocket. The first knot should be centered above the pocket; up to three knots can be sewn on one line. When you look closely at a knot, you'll notice that one of the loops is in front of the "rope". All knots are placed with the front loop to the wearer's right.
The six leadership knots CANNOT BE EARNED CONCURRENTLY. For example, you cannot earn the den leader and cubmaster awards during the same two year period. You can only earn ONE award during a service period.
The Webelos Den Leader Award is unique. The Webelos program is only 18 months long so only a one year leadership commitment is required to earn the knot.
Blue and yellow knot on blue background
(This award can be earned by ANY
Cub Scout leader)
Complete Fast Start
Training (video available from the pack library).Complete Basic
Training.Attend a POW-WOW or four Roundtables.
Assist in
planning a pack program that results in advancement in rank by a minimum of 50%
of pack members each year.Serve as an
adult leader related to a pack that earns the National Quality Unit
award.Serve as leader of a Blue and
Gold dinner, Pinewood Derby, Space Derby, Raingutter Regatta, field day, picnic
or other Cub Scout activity. More
information.Give leadership to a
promotional effort that results in at least 60% of pack members subscribing to
Boy's Life magazine.Lead in
planning and conducting a pack service project.Help organize or reorganize a Cub Scout pack.Give leadership to planning and organizing
Tiger Cub groups in at least 50% of the Cub Scout packs in the district or
council.Conduct Tiger Cub group coach
leaderResources in the district or council.Graduate at least 60% of the Tiger Cubs in the district
or council into Cub Scouting as registered Cub Scouts.Develop or update a Tiger Cub activity book listing
local places to go, things to do, costs, distances, etc., for each big
idea.Organize participation of a pack
in the Cub Scout Sports program.Help
with two annual pack or district Friends of Scouting campaigns.Serve as district or council Cub Scout leader
trainer.Serve as a leader of a Cub
Scout day camp or resident camp.
Complete Fast Start
Training (video available from the pack library).Complete Basic
Training.Attend a POW-WOW or four Roundtables.
During at
least one year, have a minimum of 50% of the Scouts in your den earn the rank
for their age (Wolf or Bear).At least
once, re-register a minimum of 75% of the eligible members of your den as part
of pack rechartering in February.Graduate at least 60% of the eligible members of your
den into Webelos.Have an Assistant
Den Leader, den chief or den aide who meets regularly with your den.Have 50% or more of your members subscribe to
Boy's Life magazine.Lead in
planning and conducting a den service project.Conduct at least three den meetings per month, 9 months
per year, or an alternative meeting schedule approved by the pack.Participate with your den in a Cub Scout day
camp or resident camp experience.
Complete Fast Start
Training (video available from the pack library).Complete Basic
Training.Attend a POW-WOW or four Roundtables.
During at
least one year, have a minimum of 50% of the Scouts in your den/patrol earn the
Webelos badge or Arrow of Light award.At least once, re-register a minimum of 75% of the
eligible members of your patrol as part of pack rechartering in
February.Graduate at least 60% of the
eligible members of your patrol into Boy Scouting.Have an Assistant Webelos Den Leader, den chief or den
aide who meets regularly with your Webelos den/patrol.Have 50% or more of your members subscribe to Boy's
Life magazine.Lead in planning
and conducting two Webelos overnight campouts or other outdoor patrol activities
each year.Assist with planning and
conducting a joint activity with a Boy Scout troop. (Food Drive is a good
opportunity).Lead in planning and
conducting a patrol service project.Conduct at least three den/patrol meetings per month, 9
months per year, or an alternative meeting schedule approved by the
pack.Participate with your patrol in
a Webelos day camp or resident camp experience.
Complete Fast Start
Training (video available from the pack library).Complete Basic
Training.Attend a POW-WOW or four Roundtables.
Conduct a
Tiger Cub roundup for you pack with at least five new boys recruited each year
for two years.Contact the host team
each month and provide support as needed for two years.Coordinate Tiger Cub den participation in two Cub Scout
pack activities each year for two years.Graduate a Tiger Cub den into Cub Scouting, with at
least 75% of the Tigers graduating into the pack as Cub Scouts, each year for
two years.Complete Fast Start
Training (video available from the pack library).Complete Basic
Training.Attend a POW-WOW or four Roundtables.
As the
Cubmaster or Assistant Cubmaster, earn the National Quality Unit Award at least
twice.As the Cubmaster or Assistant
Cubmaster, earn the National Summertime Pack Award at least once. Complete Fast Start
Training (video available from the pack library).Complete Basic
Training.Attend a POW-WOW or four Roundtables.
Serve as
a Den Leader Coach in a pack that earns the National Quality Unit Award (refer
to your leader book).Ensure that ALL
of your active den leaders have completed Fast Start Training.Ensure that at least 75% of your active den leaders have
completed Basic Training.Conduct a
planning workshop meeting with your den leaders, either separately or in
conjunction with a pack leader planning meeting.
To see these knots and lots of others available, visit Troop 24 in California.