Advancement
Rank
The Scout rank is the joining rank. It must be completed as part of a new scout joining the troop. Its requirements are simple but important. Learn the square knot, understand the Scout Oath and Law, and how to properly wear the uniform.
Tenderfoot
Second Class
First Class
Star
Life
Eagle
Tenderfoot
The Tenderfoot rank starts us on the Trail to Eagle. It requires learning some basic camping skills, first aid skills, demonstrating personal fitness, and becoming an active member of your patrol. Now you must not only understand the Scout Oath and Law, you must know them from memory.
Second Class
The Second Class rank continues the Trail to Eagle. It requires learning more outdoor skills, more knots, participating in at least 5 troop outings, compass work, plant identification, basic swimming skills, and more first aid skills.
First Class
The First Class rank continues the Trail to Eagle. It requires learning even more outdoor skills, and more knots, lashings, participating in at least 10 troop outings, compass work, learning how to find directions without a compass, planning and directing patrol meals on a campout, more swimming skills, and more first aid skills. When you become a First Class Scout, you are expected to have learned all the basic scouting skills.
Star
Now the Trail to Eagle starts to get steeper. It requires earning 6 merit badges, at least 4 of them Eagle required badges, holding a troop leadership position, and being an active troop member. Star Scouts are expected to be helping other scouts on the Trail to Eagle.
Life
The Trail to Eagle continues to get steeper. It requires earning 5 more merit badges, for a total of at least 10, some of them Eagle required, holding a troop leadership position, and being an active troop member. Life Scouts are expected to be helping other scouts on the Trail to Eagle. The Scoutmaster relies on these scouts to run the troop. They set the example for younger scouts. They have scouting in their hearts.
Eagle
The Eagle rank is the highest award in scouting. It requires earning at least 21 merit badges, including 11 required badges, holding a troop leadership position, planning and leading a community service project, and being an active member of the troop.
Merit Badges
You can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers as you earn merit badges. There are more than 135 merit badges, and any Scout, or any qualified Venturer or Sea Scout may earn any of these at any time.
Awards
There are many awards that may be earned in addition to rank. Here are some details.
Launched in September 2011, Messengers of Peace is a global initiative designed to inspire millions of young men and women in more than 220 countries and territories to work toward peace. Using social media and other Scouting networks the initiative lets Scouts from around the world share what they’ve done and inspire fellow Scouts to undertake similar efforts in their own communities. The initiative is inspired by the World Scout Committee, administered by the World Scout Bureau, and driven by youth volunteers worldwide.
Do you enjoy camping under the stars, rafting a whitewater river, or hitting the trail afoot, on a bike, or even on a horse? Can you pitch a tent, find your way, and bandage an ankle using only materials in your pack? Are you prepared to do any of these in rain, snow, sleet, or heat? If so, the National Outdoor Awards are for you. There is nothing virtual about these awards—you can earn them only by demonstrating knowledge and experience in the outdoors. So, if you are a member of Scouts BSA, Sea Scout, or Venturer, and think you are tough and disciplined enough to hike or ride the miles, camp the nights, run the rivers or lakes, or do the work to conserve the land, then read on and see if the National Outdoor badges or possibly the National Medal for Outdoor Achievement could be for you!
Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.) is a non-profit organization aimed at fostering the Christian growth of children, youth, and families through churches and youth serving agencies. Our national board of directors includes representatives from Protestant and Independent Christian Churches and the national youth agencies.
Religious emblems exist for every major religion.
STEM is part of an initiative the Boy Scouts of America has taken on to encourage the natural curiosity of youth members and their sense of wonder about these fields through existing programs. From archery to welding, Scouts can’t help but enjoy the wide range of STEM-related activities. To support this initiative, the BSA developed the STEM Nova Awards program so that youth members have fun and receive recognition for their efforts.
This certification grants a Scout the right to carry and use woods tools. The Scout must show their Scout leader, or someone designated by their leader, that the Scout understands their responsibility.
To encourage all youth members to think globally and act locally to preserve and improve our environment. Involves advancement and project work.
To recognize members who cover the trail or canoe or boat route of not less than 50 consecutive miles; take a minimum of five consecutive days to complete the trip without the aid of motors.
To recognize Scouts BSA members and Venturers age 15 and older, and adult volunteers who have successfully completed the BSA Lifeguard course and demonstrated the ability to perform each of the skills taught in the course.