Scouts BSA

Scout Rank

As the starting point for a young person's involvement in Scouts BSA, the Scout rank establishes the groundwork for their journey. It emphasizes teaching understanding of the fundamentals of scouting, such as the Scout Law, Motto, and Oath, as well as the meaning behind the Scout emblem. Essential skills taught to scouts include how to tie knots, use the buddy system, and behave appropriately during meetings and ceremonies. With an emphasis on comprehending and upholding scouting ideals, this rank encourages new Scouts to embrace the values of community, leadership, and service. In the Scout BSA, obtaining the Scout rank is the first step toward adventure and personal development.

Tenderfoot Rank

The fundamental abilities taught at the Scout rank are expanded upon in the Tenderfoot rank, which is the second stage of a Scout's BSA development path. Scouts are challenged to improve their first aid, outdoor abilities, fitness, and navigation at this level. Scouts are expected to exhibit practical skills including using a map and compass, trekking safely, and setting up a simple tent. Tenderfoot standards also promote personal development via citizenship activities, physical activities, and learning and adhering to Scout values. Attaining this level demonstrates a Scout's increasing dedication to the Scouting path and denotes a substantial improvement in their abilities, self-assurance, and preparedness for more difficult tasks.

Second Class Rank

A Scout's journey is marked with a substantial advancement with the Scouts BSA Second Class rank, which emphasizes outdoor skills, self-reliance, and community service. In order to demonstrate their proficiency with a map and compass, cooking outdoors, and administering first aid in situations more complicated than those at the Tenderfoot level, scouts must engage in camping and trekking. This rating emphasizes the value of physical fitness by adding swimming requirements. Scouts at this level strengthen their commitment to the Scouting principles by completing service projects, participating in meetings, and exhibiting Scout spirit. A Scout who has attained the Second Class rank is prepared to take on increasingly difficult missions and leadership responsibilities.

First Class Rank

In the Scouts BSA, earning the First Class rank is a significant achievement that signifies the Scouts' mastery of the core abilities required for scouting. Scouts aspiring to this rank must be proficient in advanced outdoor skills such as aquatic safety, first aid procedures for lifesaving, and orienteering. In order to demonstrate their adherence to civic duty and the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives, scouts are also required to perform community service. A Scout who earns First Class is considered to have a solid foundation in leadership, self-sufficiency, and the willingness to pursue more specialized knowledge and merit badges. It signifies a change in emphasis from mastering fundamental skills to exploring merit badges and leadership development.

Star Rank

In the Scouts BSA, the Star rank denotes a Scout's advancement into advanced leadership and personal growth. In order to get to this rank, scouts must show leadership within their troop, do six hours of community service, and obtain six merit badges in total, four of which must come from the Eagle requirements list. This rank places a strong emphasis on the Scout's adherence to the Scout Law and Oath, volunteer work, and personal development. Scouts must establish and work toward personal fitness, morality, and civic objectives. Attaining the Star rank demonstrates a Scout's commitment to the Scouting principles and their willingness to take on increasingly important tasks and responsibilities.

Life Rank

In the Boy Scouts of America, earning the Life rank is a noteworthy accomplishment that primes Scouts for the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Scouts must take on leadership responsibilities within their troop, perform community service, and obtain additional merit badges emphasizing personal growth and community involvement in order to achieve the Life rank. Scouts at this rank are encouraged to continue expanding their knowledge and expertise in scouting, strengthen their dedication to service, and hone their leadership abilities. A Scout who achieves the Life rank has proven their commitment to the Scouting values, their capacity for motivating and leading others, and their readiness to start the Eagle Scout journey.

Eagle Scout

The highest rank in the Scouts BSA is Eagle Scout, which denotes extraordinary accomplishment in scouting, leadership, and service. In order to attain this esteemed rank, Scouts must fulfill a significant service project that showcases their leadership abilities and dedication to bettering their community, obtain a minimum of 21 merit badges, out of which 13 are specifically needed, and exhibit Scout Spirit, which is the embodiment of the Scout Oath and Law in their day-to-day activities. Attaining the Eagle Scout rank is evidence of a Scout's commitment, tenacity, and leadership skills. Eagle Scouts will always be leaders and role models in their communities and beyond, so this is not the end, but rather a new beginning.