The Cub Scout Award Scheme has four parts, the Boomerang Scheme, Achievement Badge Scheme, the Scouting Family Badge and the Cub Scout Yellow Cord Award.

The Boomerang scheme is the major part of Cub Scout Training and is the method which helps us achieve the Aim of Scouting ." Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social & Spiritual Growth of Young People. There are three stages in this scheme – the Bronze Boomerang, Silver Boomerang and the Gold Boomerang. Each stage is made up of 14 tests with similar topics included in each stage so that most tests are a development on the test in the previous stage. For example:

Bronze: Feats of Skill, Tying things, Your Community

Silver: Physical Development, Knotting, Your Community

Gold: Fitness, Elementary Scoutcraft, Your Community

Cub Scouts are instructed in all 14 tests but only have to pass 10, seven of which are compulsory, to gain a badge. If a Cub Scout is not capable of coping with a test the Leader will then make the requirements as close to the original. The standard that is looked for is the child’s best and encouragement is the key to achieve this.

ACHIEVEMENT BADGES
These are an extra challenge for a Cub Scout whose purpose is to provide additional activities and interests to supplement the Boomerang scheme and thus keep Cub Scouts occupied until their next birthday. There are 27 achievement badges ranging from Animals and Birds to World Friendship with a choice of three progressive levels each, and four special badges such as the Faith Awareness Badge. Book of Cub Scout Challenges

SCOUTING FAMILY BADGE
This is age based and can be earned at any time whilst the Cub Scout is that age. The Badge is presented once the Cub Scout satisfactorily completes all activities in the particular level. Thus Silver cannot be started before age 9 and Gold before age 10.

For the requirements of the Bronze ,Silver. Gold Badge see " Book of Cub Scout Challenges"

YELLOW CORD AWARD.
This begins after a Cub Scout’s 10 year old birthday and is designed to allow the older Cub Scouts do different things from the younger ones. Not every Cub Scout will achieve the Yellow Cord, as it requires real application and determination to complete the requirements before going up to the Scout Troop. Completeion of this award helps in preparation for the activities that will be undertaken as a Scout.

The Yellow Cord requirements are:

1. Obtain the gold Boomerang badge.

2. Particpate in at least 2 out of 3 activity days normally run on a District basis. (Construction, Compass/ Mapping, Emergencies/First Aid)

3. Construction - which involves tying and knowing the use of five knots and using spars and ropes as a Six to construct something e.g. a tower, flagpole.

4. Compass/ Mapping -  this includes following a trail that should be at least 2 hours duration. A Leader will accompany the group but should only assist if they have difficulty following the trail. In addition, you must pack and carry a day pack for the duration of the trail ( including food) and carry a personal first aid kit.

5. Emergenices/ First aid - Succesfully complete the blue level First Aid.

6. Citizenship – Undertake an environmental activity project, of a minimum 6 hours or successfully complete the green level Citizen Achievement Badge.