Rank Advancement

The Ranks of Scouting

Introduction
Scouting provides many opportunities to learn skills and take part in adventures. The Boy Scouts of America will recognize the achievements by awarding badges of rank. The first three are Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class. Next come Star and Life. The highest rank is Eagle. The requirements to earn each rank are more challenging than the one before it. Each prepares the Scout to be a better camper, hiker and citizen.

Scout
Meet age requirements: Be a boy who has completed the fifth grade and be at least 10 years old, or be 11 years old, or have earned the Arrow of Light Award and be at least 10 years old, and be under 18 years old.

Tenderfoot
Tenderfoot is the first rank earned as a Boy Scout. The requirements offer a taste of great adventure and can give the Scout the basic skills to begin taking part in those adventures.

Second Class
The Scout will learn how to use a map and compass and how to build a camp fire. The scout will, in addition, master the safe use of pocketknives and other woods tools, go on more campouts, take part in troop and patrol activities and to His knowledge of first aid. Swimming and a service project will also be undertaken.

First Class
The First Class badge joins together the Tenderfoot and the Second Class badges. Earning the First Class Scout rank prepares the Scout to be more of a leader in the Patrol, the troop and the community. People will expect more of the Scout and the Scout will expect more of Himself.

Star, Life and Eagle Scout
The Star, Life and Eagle Ranks are respectively the highest steps in Scout Advancement.
The requirements for Star, Life and Eagle ranks involve earning Merit Badges. Some merit badges, including First Aid, Family Life and Camping come from a list of Required badges that round out the skills expected of every Eagle Scout. The others may be chosen from over one hundred different merit badges that allows the Scout to explore many varied subjects.

The following table shows the minimum requirements needed to attain each Rank.

Rank/Requirement	Active in Troop	Scout Spirit Scout Oath	Merit Badges	Position of Responsibility	Service Project	Scoutmaster Conference	Board of Review
Star	4 Months as First Class	Must Demonstrate	2 + 4 required	4 Months	Participate Minimum 6 Hours	Take part	Complete
Life	6 Months as Star	Must Demonstrate	2 + 3 required	6 Months	Participate Minimum 6 Hours	Take part	Complete
Eagle	6 Months as Life	Must Demonstrate	5 + 5 required	6 Months	Plan, develop and lead others	Take part	Complete Eagle Scout review

More Information
For more information regarding Rank Advancement and Merit Badges Click here: US Scouting Service

Scouts by Rank 2008