I Wish Someone Had Told Me About
Immediate Recognition

Tiger Cubs, Wolf scouts, and Bear scouts may take 3 to 6 months to complete all of the requirements necessary to earn their rank badge. This is an awful long time for boys to go without some kind of a 'pat on the back' and recognition that they are doing a good job. As a Cub Scout leader, you should be aware of the importance of providing a continuous stream of positive feedback when your Scouts do a good job.

To help provide immediate recognition, BSA has defined Immediate Recognition emblems to be a part of the Cub Scout uniforms.

For Tiger Cubs, Immediate Recognition takes the form of a belt totem. The totem has four straps. Each time that a Tiger Cub completes one of the 'Go See It', family, or den activites, he is awarded a bead of the appropriate color and the bead is added to one of the straps. The colors are orange for den activities, black for Go See It activities, and white for family activities. When the Tiger Cub has earned 15 beads (5 orange, 5 black, and 5 white), it is a sign that he has completed all of the requirements for the Tiger Cub badge. (The fourth strap is for Tiger Track beads which are awarded for each 10 electives completed beyond the Tiger Cub badge.)

For Wolf and Bear scouts, Immediate Recognition takes the form of a 'Progress Towards Ranks' emblem worn on the right shirt pocket. The emblem has two straps. One strap is used by Wolf scouts and the other is used by Bear scouts.

When Wolf scouts complete 3 achievements they earn a gold bead, which goes on a strap with the other gold beads. When a Wolf has earned 4 gold beads, it means that he has completed the 12 achievements required for the Wolf Badge. No further gold beads are added after that, however the Scout may earn Arrow Points for his additional effort.

When Bear scouts complete 3 achievements they earn a red bead which goes on the strap with other red beads. When a Bear scout has earned 4 red beads, it means that he has completed the 12 achievements required for the Bear Badge. No further red beads are added after that, however the Scout may earn Arrow Points for his additional effort.

Immediate Recognition is intended to be as immediate as possible. Do not wait for a Pack meeting to present the beads; give them to the scout at the next available Den meeting.