A boy who is in the fourth or fifth grade is a Webelos Scout, and his adventures are found in the Webelos Handbook. Once a boy has completed his Webelos rank requirements or a new boy joins Cub Scouting in the fifth grade, he may work on Arrow of Light requirements Like all other new Cub Scouts, a Arrow of Light Scout must first earn his Bobcat rank. After completing the requirements for Bobcat he may go on to complete the requirements for the Arrow of Light rank and the many electives that are offered for his rank.

All Cub Scouts, except for those boys who join Cub Scouting for the first time in fifth grade, must earn their Webelos rank prior to earning Arrow of Light. The requirements for Webelos and Arrow of Light may be worked on at the same time but the tenure requirements for each must be met and the awards must be earned and presented sequentially.