What are Belt Loops?

Belt loops are metal clips with pictures on them that are worn on a Cub Scout belt. There are both sports and academic belt loops. Belt loops are a way that we acknowledge a Cub's accomplishments in sports and academics.

The Cub Scouts Academics and Sports Program is one method of addressing the third aim of Scouting: the development of physical, mental and emotional fitness. This program is an optional program for all Cub Scouts. It is not part of the normal requirements towards ranks (except where used in obtaining the Webelos Sportsman and Athlete activity badges). Its purpose is to assist the Scouts in learning a new skill, or improving one they already posses. 

A Cub Scout may earn a sports belt loop or pin by following the requirements listed for that sport. They can be found at  Cub Scouts Academics and Sports Program  Note that archery and BB can only be earned at a Cub Scout BSA sponsored event such as a Day Camp or Cuboree. 

A Cub Scout may also earn academic belt loops. The requirements vary by subject. The academic belt loops include art, chess, citizenship, communication, computers, geography, heritage, mathematics, music, science, weather and wildlife conservation. Cub Scouts can also earn pins in academic areas. 

There is a book on the requirements for both academic and sports beltloops and pins. See your den leader or cubmaster for them or check out Cub Scouts Academics and Sports Program web page.

Let your Den Leader know when your scout has earned a belt loop or pin so that we can obtain and present it to him at a Pack meeting.

The Shooting Sports belt loops and pins (Archery and BB Shooting) can only be earned under BSA range trained supervision. The BB Shooting loop and pin MUST be earned at a BSA facility range.

New Belt Loops in Sept. 2002 and Others Changed

In September, 2002, awards for Astronomy, Collecting, Language and Culture, Geology, and Map and Compass, were added.