Rank Advancement
Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him 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
The first rank of Boy Scouting can be earned as soon as a boy joins a troop, especially if he has earned his Arrow of Light as a Webelos Scout. This first rank is earned by applying and memorizing some important scouting basics. Some troops have Webelos Scouts bridge over from the Pack to the Troop in February at their Cub Scout Pack Blue and Gold dinner and then have a Court of Honor in March or April where they are presented with their Scout badge.
Tenderfoot Rank
Tenderfoot is the first rank earned as a Boy Scout. The requirements of becoming a Tenderfoot provide basic skills to begin preparing the Scout for higher adventure outings. Earning badges and receiving recognition can be very satisfying to boys. However, keep in mind that the badge is only a representation of a valuable set of skills that a scout has learned and demonstrated. The skills, wisdom, and experience gained through the activities of the scouting program are of much more value than a small badge.
View Tenderfoot Rank Advancement Videos
Be sure to click on the Tenderfoot icon then Requirement #1 to start the videos.
Go here to see available Advancement Helps for Tenderfoot
Second Class Rank
Second Class Scouts work on building their outdoor survival and camping skills. Compass work, nature observation, camp tools, and swimming are areas where new skills are mastered and demonstrated. A Second Class Scout, having completed all the requirements, should be able to lead a hike, care for his own equipment, set up a campsite, and perform basic first aid.
View Second Class Rank Advancement Videos
Be sure to click on the Second Class icon then Requirement #1 to start the videos.
Go here to see available Advancement Helps for Second Class
First Class Rank
When the First Class rank is attained, a Scout has learned all the basic camping and outdoors skills of a scout. He can fend for himself in the wild, lead others on a hike or campout, set up a camp site, plan and properly prepare meals, and provide first aid for most situations he may encounter. A First Class Sscout is prepared.
View First Class Rank Advancement Videos
Be sure to click on the First Class icon then Requirement #1 to start the videos.
Go here for to see available Advance Helps for First Class
Star Rank
Up through First Class rank, a scout was busy learning skills and becoming a self-sufficient scout. He now moves from being a learner to being a leader. The Star rank is attained with participation, leadership, service, and self-directed advancement through merit badges.
Life Rank
Continuing to develop leadership skills, the Life Scout rank is earned by fulfilling additional leadership positions, service hours, and merit badges. A Life Scout is expected to be a role model and leader in the troop, providing guidance to new scouts and helping the troop however he can. Being a good leader can only be learned by doing and troop leadership positions allow the scout to make decisions, lead discussions, and encourage others.
- Here's a great website dedicated to helping Scouts advance from the Life rank to to Eagle! www.Eaglescout.org
Eagle Rank
Attaining the Eagle rank is often the end goal of a Scout and his parents. It shows commitment to a program over an extended span of time. But, just like each rank advancement before it, the Eagle rank is a major advancement milestone, but not the culmination of scouting. After reaching Eagle, a Scout can continue to earn merit badges and be rewarded with an Eagle Palm for each 5 additional merit badges. He can also continue to lead and guide the troop or he can change his focus to helping Cub Scouts become Boy Scouts. He may become a Junior Assistant ScoutMaster, helping the ScoutMaster with projects to improve the troop. Or, he can look for worthwhile endeavors outside of scouting to which he can apply his scouting background. There are many ways an Eagle Scout can continue to contribute to and receive from the Scouting program.
