Scout Rank
These
are the very basics. Scouts learn the Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan, as well as how to tie a square knot, and what the Scout
badge represents.
The requirements for the rank of Scout can be found here.
Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class Ranks
Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks teach Scouts foundations skills that they will need throughout their
Scout journey. They learn camping, first aid, cooking, and orienteering skills and also participate in service projects, fitness
exercises, and much more. Each of these ranks requires a scout to do a bit more than the one before it. These ranks are designed
so that a Scout in an active troop can complete them all within his first year of joining.
The requirements for the rank of Tenderfoot can be found here.
The requirements for the rank of Second Class can be found here.
The requirements for the rank of First Class can be found here.
Star and Life Ranks
After First Class, the Star then Life Ranks turn away from foundation skills toward service, leadership, and more
advanced skills. A Scout must hold a leadership position in his unit for a least six months for each rank, must take part
in a service project totaling at least six hours for each rank, and must earn a number of "required" and "optional"
merit badges for each rank.
The requirements for the rank of Star can be found here.
The requirements for the rank of Life can be found here.
Eagle and Eagle Palms
The highest rank in the Boy Scout Program, the Eagle Scout is a great honor. Of every 100 boys who join the program,
only three will achieve the Eagle Rank. For this honor, a Scout must earn a total of twenty-one merit badges, twelve of which
are from a specific list of fifteen eagle required merit badges. The Scout must also plan, develop, and give leadership to
others in a significant service project for the community. All of this must be completed before a Scout turns eighteen. If
a Scout reaches the Eagle Rank before eighteen and wishes to remain active as part of his Troop, he can earn Eagle Palms for
earning more merit badges and continuing to serve in a leadership position. These Palms however do not denote a "higher
rank of Eagle." Palms simply recognize a boy who has continued to be an active Scout. Eagle is the highest rank of Boy
Scouting.
The requirements for the rank of Eagle can be found here.
The requirements for earning Eagle Palms can be found here.
