December 2023: Please note that the Cub program will be changing as of June 1, 2024. Some of these items may be able to still be used, but they will not follow the program exactly. Perhaps they can be a spring board for those who are planning their Cub years.

We all have the handbook, but did you know there are other awards that can also be earned by your Cubs? This list I compiled personally, and I’ve added notes to help you along the way.

NOVA (STEM)
Wolves and Bears
Webelos
Not available for Tigers

Outdoor Activity Award
Requirements

Messenger of Peace
Can be earned individually, as a den, or as a pack.
Requirements

Shooting Sports Awards
These awards can only be earned through district or council programs, Scouts cannot earn them on their own.
Requirements

World Conservation Award
Requirements

Conservation Good Turn
Requirements

Emergency Prep Award
This award really needs to be updated by BSA because the McGruff Safe Kids and Red Cross First Aid for Children Today and Basic Aid Training programs have gone away in most parts of the country. I enlisted the help of my local PD and emergency responders to get help for replacements that met the qualifications (you can google and find some of the info as PDFs that can be recreated). My local PD was able to provide me with the child ID kits they use since they do not get them from the McGruff folks anymore.
Requirements

Crime Prevention Award
This award is tricky. Technically, the requirements use the previous program books (which are easily found online in PDF form) but is not recognized by Scoutbook. You have to check with your local council if it is still offered (which it is in mine, thus my son has earned it and I’m doing it with my Wolf Den). I was actually bullied on a national forum because my son earned it, however, BSA policies state that retired awards may still be earned so long as stock is available, but cannot be worn on the official uniform. I put his patch on his achievement (red) vest.
Requirements

Donor Awareness
Probably one of the easiest awards to earn, just requires that Scouts get their family members to become organ donors. It’s a great tie in for organ donor awareness in April.
Requirements

Scout Strong Presidents Active Lifestyle Award (PALA)
Requirements

Scout Strong Healthy Unit Award
Requirements

Religious Emblems Program
These awards are specific to your religion, however, once earned, your Cub can then receive the official BSA religious knot for their official uniform.
More information

BSA Fun with Family Awards
This would normally require that you purchase the book (still available at ScoutStuff.org), but you can find all the requirements online here.
Badges, pins and emblems are available on Scoutstuff.org – you’ll have to check your local council shop if they have them locally.

International Spirit Award
Requires that Cubs have also already earned their World Conservation Award and participate in Jamboree-on-the-Air or Jamboree-on-the-Internet.
Requirements

Denner
Cords for currently serving Denner, Tabs for past serving Denner
Explanation

Recruiter
Packs independently determine the requirements for earning a Recruiter strip. It may be as simple as getting a friend to join the pack or participating in a recruitment event.
More information

Yearly Jamborees
on the Air
on the Internet 
on the Trail

Whittling Chip (Knife Safety)
Bears and Webelos only
Requirements

National Den Award
Has to be earned as a unit, not individual Scout
Requirements

Summertime Pack Award
Has to be earned as a unit, not individual Scout
Requirements

Sports and Academics Program Belt Loops and Pins
While this program has been discontinued, loops and pins can still be purchased online and at local Scout shops, usually deeply discounted (except eBay where you can expect “collector” prices). I’ve seen where many leaders are still awarding these, and I’ve incorporated some belt loops into my den year as well (Good Manners, Communicating). The pins cannot be worn on the official uniform anyhow, so why not let the boys still get recognition for a job well done. You can still find the requirements online at various sources, but MeritBadge.org seems to be the most complete.

External Programs

These are programs that offer awards and patches that are not for official uniform wear but can be included on achievement vests.

James M. Stewart Good Citizenship Award
This is a patch and medal program. Their website states that it is for Boy Scouts and Scouters (leaders), but I received confirmation via email that Cub Scouts can earn the award as well but must do the same requirements as Boy Scouts.
Requirements

National Parks Service Scout Ranger Program
To earn a patch, scouts must participate for a minimum of ten hours at one or more national park sites. This can include service projects as well as participation in the National Junior Ranger program at each site.
Requirements

National Parks Service Junior Ranger Programs
Most all of the National Parks Service parks have their own junior ranger programs. Some offer patches, others a pin. You’ll have to visit each park to complete their program. Additionally, there are a number of NPS patches that you can earn outside of the parks. Click here for more information on those.

National Parks Service Junior Ranger Night Explorer Program
Just like other NPS Junior Ranger programs, this has a workbook to be completed and signed off by a NPS park ranger. The book is available for download online as well. I’m still on the hunt for finding the patch available, though it should be at the local park where completed. (h/t to Emily Campbell on the Cub Scout Volunteers page for sharing this.)

The Crayon Initiative 
Want to do a creative service project? Then visit the Crayon Initiative. Collect and donate used crayons to be repurposed and donated to hospitals for children and other charities. (h/t to Niki Peterson on the Cub Scout Volunteers page for sharing this information.) Once your service project is completed, you send off for your patch. To get the patch, it is $3, and you need to mail off to 540 Glasgow Circle Danville, CA 94526.