BSA TROOP 116

Rank advancement is a key component of the Scouting experience. Scouts progress through a series of ranks: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle.   The ultimate goal for many Scouts is to attain the rank of Eagle. However, rank advancement, while important, is second to the Scout being enriched with experiences and knowledge and, of course, having fun in the process.

 

Those with experience with Cub Scouting should be aware that advancement in the Scouts BSA program differs from that in the Cub Scout program. Specifically, whereas Cub Scout advancement is age-based, Scouts BSA advancement is requirements-based (read here for more details). Scouts receive considerable support and encouragement from more advanced Scouts and adult leaders in completing the requirements for the first few ranks. In contrast, the higher ranks require more initiative and self-discipline.

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The official Scouts BSA rank advancement requirements are available at https://www.scouting.org. What follows is an unofficial summary.

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Each rank advancement requires the demonstration of Scout spirit, completion of a Scoutmaster conference, and a Board of Review (except the Scout rank). Scouts have great flexibility regarding the order in which they complete advancement requirements, regardless of whether they have completed all the requirements for the preceding ranks. However, each rank is a prerequisite to the next one in sequence.

Scout Rank- The Scout rank is the first rank of Scouts BSA. To complete the rank, a new Scout must complete a Boy Scout application and join a Troop. They must also be able to demonstrate fundamental Scouting knowledge and skills:

1. Repeat from memory the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Outdoor Code; demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handshake; describe the First Class Scout badge and its significance.

2. After attending at least one Troop meeting, describe how the Scouts in the Troop provide its leadership; describe the four steps of Scout advancement; describe the Scouts BSA ranks and how they are earned; describe what merit badges are and how they are earned; explain the patrol method and how the Troop uses it; be familiar with their patrol name, emblem, flag, and yell; show how to tie a square knot, two half-hitches, and a tautline hitch, and explain how each is used; show the proper care of a rope; tell what one needs to know about pocketknife safety and responsibility; and with their parent or guardian, learn how to protect themselves from child abuse in the physical and cyber domains.

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Tenderfoot Rank- Tenderfoot is the second rank of Scouts BSA. To earn the Tenderfoot rank, a Scout must complete requirements relating to camping, cooking, knot tying, wood tool care and safety, first aid, hiking, the buddy system, physical fitness, the U.S. Flag, and the EDGE teaching method used in Scout advancement. They must also participate in at least one hour of service in one or more Scoutmaster-approved service projects.

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Second Class Rank- Second Class is the third rank of Scouts BSA. To earn the Second Class rank, a Scout must complete requirements relating to outdoor patrol activity participation, camping, fire building and safety, cooking, knot tying, orienteering, observation of animals in nature, swimming and water safety, first aid, physical fitness, substance addiction and abuse prevention, flag ceremonies, personal financial management, and personal safety. They must also participate in at least two hours of service in one or more Scoutmaster-approved service projects.

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First Class Rank- First Class is the fourth rank of Scouts BSA. To earn the First Class rank, a Scout must complete requirements relating to outdoor patrol activity participation; camping; cooking; knots and lashings; orienteering; observation of plants in nature and weather; swimming, boating, and water safety; first aid; physical fitness; citizenship and environmental awareness; and recruiting. They must also participate in at least three hours of service in one or more Scoutmaster-approved service projects other than those used for prior ranks.

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Star Rank- Star is the fifth rank of Scouts BSA. The requirements for the Star rank are much different than those for the previous ranks. To earn the Star rank, a Scout must be active in their Troop and Patrol for at least four months after earning First Class; earn six merit badges, including four from those required for Eagle; complete at least four hours of service in Scoutmaster-approved projects; serve in a leadership position in the Troop for at least four months; and with their parent or guardian, learn how to protect themselves from child abuse in the physical and cyber domains.

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Life Rank- Life is the sixth rank of Scouts BSA. The requirements for the Life rank are similar to those of the Star rank. To earn the Life rank, a Scout must be active in their Troop and Patrol for at least six months after earning Star; earn five additional merit badges beyond those earned for Star (total of 11), including three more from those required for Eagle; complete at least four hours of service in Scoutmaster-approved projects;  serve in a leadership position in the Troop for at least six months; and use the EDGE method to teach another Scout the skills necessary to complete selected requirements for advancement to Tenderfoot, Second Class, or First Class or completion of an Eagle-required merit badge.

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Eagle Rank- Eagle is the seventh and highest rank of Scouts BSA. To earn the Eagle rank, a Scout must be active in their Troop and Patrol for at least six months after earning Life; earn a total of 21 merit badges (ten more than for Life Scout), including those listed on this page; serve actively in a leadership position in the Troop for at least six months; and complete an Eagle Scout service project that is helpful to any religious institution, school, or community.

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Additionally, Eagle Scouts may earn Palms until they turn 18 by participating actively in the Troop and earning additional merit badges. Palms are not ranks.