The most important award that each scout can earn is the rank badge.  For first-graders, this means earning their Bobcat and Tiger badge.  Second graders earn their Wolf badge.  Third graders earn their Bear badge.  And fourth and fifth-graders earn their Webelos badge and their Arrow of Light badge.   These badges are not automatically given to any scout who joins -- your scout must earn them by following the guidelines set in his handbook.

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Scouts, with the help of their parents and den leaders, need to complete the requirements listed in the handbook prior to the end of the school year in June.  Additional badges include beltloops and pins (part of the Cub Scouts academics and sports program, linked here:  www.usscouts.org/usscouts/advance/cubscout/academics.asp and here http://www.usscouts.org/advance/cubscout/sports.asp.)  Arrow points and the World Conservation Award are other examples of "extra" activities that you can work on with your scout; these can be found in the back of your son's handbook.  And finally there are other awards & badges that pop up from time to time that your son can choose to complete, such as the Outdoor Activity Award or the Summertime Pack Award. 

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Academic and Sports beltloops and pins, arrow points, extra badges -- these are all "bonus opportunities" to spend time with your son & help him earn awards that he can wear on his uniform with pride.  Invest time in your son & notice how his confidence and pride grows in accordance with the awards on his uniform!