Rank Advancements
Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. The Boy Scout plans their advancement and progresses at their own pace as they meets each challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.
Scout Rank Requirements
Scout was previously a joining badge, but is now considered the first rank, and is earned by completing certain requirements. As of January 2016, the Scout badge has a gold fleur-de-lis on a tan background. The badge is awarded when the Scout demonstrates a rudimentary knowledge of the Scouting ideals such as tying a square knot and knowing the Scout oath, law, motto, and slogan.
Tenderfoot Rank Requirements
Tenderfoot has a total of 15 requirements (knowledge in Camping and Outdoor Ethics, Cooking, Tools, First Aid and Nature, Hiking, Fitness, Citizenship, Leadership, and Scout Spirit) for the badge including the Scoutmaster's conference.
Second Class Rank Requirements
Second Class has a total of 12 requirements (knowledge in Camping and Outdoor Ethics, Cooking and Tools, Navigation, Nature, Aquatics, First Aid and Emergency Preparedness, Fitness, Citizenship, Personal Safety Awareness, and Scout Spirit) for the badge including the Scoutmaster's conference.
First Class Rank Requirements
First Class has a total of 13 requirements (knowledge in Camping and Outdoor Ethics, Cooking, Tools, Navigation, Nature, Aquatics, First Aid and Emergency Preparedness, Fitness, Citizenship, Leadership, and Scout Spirit) for the badge including the Scoutmaster's conference.
Star Rank Requirements
Star rank requires active participation in the troop for at least 4 month, demonstrating the Scout Oath, Scout Law, earning 6 merit badges including 4 Eagle required ones, 6 hours of community service, serve actively in a leadership role, participate in a Scout Master Conference and Board of Review.
Life Rank Requirements
Life Rank requires active participation in the troop for at least 6 months as a Star Scout. As Star Scout, demonstrate Scout spirit, duty to God, leadership within the troop & community service. Earn five more merit badges, including three Eagle required. While a Star Scout use the Teaching EDGE method to teach another Scout (preferably younger) scout skills. While a Star Class Scout, participate in a Scoutmaster conference and successfully complete your board of review for the Life rank.
Eagle Rank Requirements
Eagle Rank require active participation in the troop for at least 6 months as a Life Scout. As Life Scout, demonstrate Scout Oath & Law in daily life and include references. Earn 21 merit badges including 13 required ones. Provide leadership within the troop. Plan, develop, & give leadership to your Eagle Scout project. While a Life Scout, participate in a unit leader conference and successfully complete an Eagle Scout board of review.
Eagle Palm Requirements
Eagle Palms are awarded for each additional set of 5 merit badges earned beyond those required for Eagle Scout.
Merit Badges
Merit badges provide opportunities to learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers. There are over 135 merit badges.
Order of the Arrow
The Order of the Arrow is the National Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America.
