Just moved up from Beavers, or starting Cubs for the first time? This guide to Cub Scout badge placement shows UK parents exactly where each badge goes on the green Cub sweatshirt — and which badges come with you from Beavers.
Badges aren’t just for show. They celebrate what a Cub has achieved and give them something to be proud of every week. Getting the placement right keeps the uniform looking smart, and makes it easy for leaders to see at a glance how each Cub is progressing.
A typical Cub Scout uniform includes:
If your group needs custom neckerchiefs, woggles or custom badges, Scoutwise offers personalised options made for UK Scout groups.
You can view the official Cub Scout uniform diagram on the Scouts UK website. The table below sets out the same placements in plain English.
Left and right mean the wearer’s left and right — not left and right as you look at a diagram. Uniform diagrams show the front of the sweatshirt, so the wearer’s left sleeve appears on the right-hand side of the picture. Everything below is the wearer’s left and right, as if your child is wearing it.
Here’s a quick reference table for badge positions:
| Badge Name | Placement Location (wearer’s left and right) |
|---|---|
| Membership Award | Left chest |
| Joining In Awards | Left chest, directly above the Membership Award |
| Moving On Award | Left chest, above the Joining In Awards |
| Occasional Badges | Left chest, above the Moving On Award |
| Activity Badges | Left sleeve |
| Staged Activity Badges | Left sleeve, alongside the Activity Badges |
| Challenge Awards | Right chest, in a honeycomb pattern |
| Chief Scout’s Silver Award | Right chest, directly above the Challenge Awards |
| Group Name Tape | Right chest, above the Chief Scout’s Silver Award |
| Cornwell Scout Badge / Gallantry / Meritorious Conduct / Commissioner’s Commendation | Right chest, at the top of the chest group |
| Leadership Stripe | Upper right sleeve |
| Scotland / Northern Ireland Badge | Right sleeve, above the District Badge |
| District Badge | Right sleeve |
| County / Area / Region Badge | Right sleeve, below the District Badge |
| YouShape Award | Right sleeve, below the County / Area / Region Badge |
| Group Badge | On the neckerchief — or the right sleeve if your group does not use a neckerchief badge |
| Union Flag | Right shoulder, at the shoulder seam |
| Wales Badge | Shoulder seam (Wales only) |
An easy way to remember it: achievements go on the left, identity and geography go on the right. Activity badges on the left sleeve, district and county badges on the right. Ask your leader if you’re ever unsure.
Want a custom badge to mark your group’s next camp or anniversary? Scoutwise can design a badge to match your theme or group identity.
Some badges move across to the Cub sweatshirt, and some stay behind:
Beaver Challenge Awards and Beaver Activity Badges don’t carry over — you only wear awards for your current section. Most families sew those onto a camp blanket as a keepsake.
See our Beaver Scout badge placement guide if you still need to finish the old uniform.
Where do Cub badges go on the uniform?
All positions below are the wearer’s left and right.
What is the highest award a Cub can earn?
The Chief Scout’s Silver Award. It goes on the right chest, directly above the Challenge Awards honeycomb.
Which sleeve do Cub activity badges go on?
The left sleeve — the wearer’s left. Staged Activity Badges go on the same sleeve, alongside them.
How should I attach badges?
Sewing is best. Badge tape works short-term. Avoid glue.
Can badges be moved from the Beaver uniform?
Some can — the World Membership Badge, up to four Joining In Awards, the Moving On Award, the Chief Scout’s Bronze Award and the highest stage of each Staged Activity Badge. Beaver Challenge Awards and Activity Badges stay behind.
Where can I get custom group badges?
Scoutwise designs and delivers custom woven and embroidered badges for UK Scout groups.
Getting badge placement right helps your child feel part of something bigger, and shows off everything they’ve worked for. If you’re ever unsure, ask your group leader or check the diagrams on scouts.org.uk.
And if your group wants something unique — from neckers to badges — Scoutwise is here to help make it special.
