Advancement
Scouts BSA Ranks
Scouts BSA Ranks
Scouts BSA Ranks
The ranks in Scouts BSA are as follows:
Every new Scout begins their Scouting journey by working through the requirements to earn the rank of Scout. This is where you begin your scouting journey by earning and proudly wearing the first rank in Scouting.
All members of the Troop are here to help you reach your Scouting objectives.
Scout and Tenderfoot Ranks are the building blocks every Scout works from until they are First Class Scouts. When a Scout has earned the First Class Rank they will enjoy every benefit of having proven by demonstrating their knowledge while out in nature.
Keep in mind, the requirements for the Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class may be (and should be) worked on simultaneously; however, these ranks must be earned and awarded in sequence.
For Scouts desiring to develop their leadership skills further, the Leadership Proving Ground begins with the Star Rank and can take you on to becoming an Eagle Scout.
Scouts "age out" on their 18th birthday at which time they may be considered for an adult leadership position within the troop.
Scout
Scouts BSA Ranks
Scouts BSA Ranks
All requirements for the Scout rank must be completed as a member of a troop. If a Scout has already completed these requirements as part of Webelos, he must simply demonstrate his knowledge or skills to his Scoutmaster or other designated leader after joining the troop.
1a
Repeat from memory the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan. In your own words, explain their meaning.
1b
Explain what Scout spirit is. Describe some ways you have shown Scout spirit by practicing the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan.
1c
Demonstrate the Boy Scout sign, salute, and handshake. Explain when they should be used.
1d
Describe the First Class Scout badge and tell what each part stands for. Explain the significance of the First Class Scout badge.
1e
Repeat from memory the Outdoor Code. In your own words, explain what the Outdoor Code means to you.
1f
Repeat from memory the Pledge of Allegiance. In your own words, explain its meaning.
2
After attending at least one Boy Scout troop meeting, do the following:
2a
Describe how the Scouts in the troop provide its leadership.
2b
Describe the four steps of Boy Scout advancement.
2c
Describe the Boy Scout ranks and how they are earned.
2d
Describe what merit badges are and how they are earned.
3a
Explain the patrol method. Describe the types of patrols that are used in your troop.
3b
Become familiar with your patrol name, emblem, flag, and yell. Explain how these items create patrol spirit.
4a
Show how to tie a square knot, two half-hitches, and a taut-line hitch. Explain how each knot is used.
4b
Show the proper care of a rope by learning how to whip and fuse the ends of different kinds of rope.
5
Demonstrate your knowledge of pocketknife safety.
6
With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide and earn the Cyber Chip Award for your grade.
7
Since joining the troop and while working on Scout rank, participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
Tenderfoot
Scouts BSA Ranks
Tenderfoot
Camping and Outdoor Ethics
1a
Present yourself to your leader, prepared for an overnight camping trip. Show the personal and camping gear you will use. Show the right way to pack and carry it.
1b
Spend at least one night on a patrol or troop campout. Sleep in a tent you have helped pitch.
1c
Tell how you practiced the Outdoor Code on a campout or outing
Cooking
2a
On the campout, assist in preparing one of the meals. Tell why it is important for each patrol member to share in meal preparation and cleanup.
2b
While on a campout, demonstrate an appropriate method of safely cleaning items used to prepare, serve, and eat a meal.
2c
Explain the importance of eating together as a patrol.
Tools
3a
Demonstrate a practical use of the square knot.
3b
Demonstrate a practical use of two half-hitches.
3c
Demonstrate a practical use of the taut-line hitch.
3d
Demonstrate proper care, sharpening, and use of the knife, saw, and ax, and then describe when each should be used.
First Aid and Nature
4a
Show first aid for the following:
- Simple cuts and scrapes
- Blisters on the hand and foot
- Minor (thermal/heat) burns or scalds (superficial, or first-degree)
- Bites or stings of insects and ticks
- Venomous snakebite
- Nosebleed
- Frostbite and sunburn
- Choking
4b
Describe common poisonous or hazardous plants; identify any that grow in your local area or campsite location. Tell how to treat for exposure to them.
4c
Tell what you can do while on a campout or other outdoor activity to prevent or reduce the occurrence of injuries or exposure listed in Tenderfoot requirements 4a and 4b.
4d.
Assemble a personal first-aid kit to carry with you on future campouts and hikes. Tell how each item in the kit would be used.
Hiking
5a
Explain the importance of the buddy system as it relates to your personal safety on outings and in your neighborhood. Use the buddy system while on a troop or patrol outing.
5b
Describe what to do if you become lost on a hike or campout.
5c
Explain the rules of safe hiking, both on the highway and cross-country, during the day and at night.
Fitness
6a
Record your best in the following tests:
- Push-ups (60 seconds)
- Sit-ups or curl-ups (60 seconds)
- Back-saver sit-and-reach, measure distance
- 1-mile walk/run (Record the time.)
6b
Develop and describe a plan for improvement in each of the activities listed in Tenderfoot requirement 6a. Keep track of your activity for at least 30 days.
6c
Show improvement (of any degree) in each activity listed in Tenderfoot requirement 6a after practicing for 30 days.
- Push-ups (60 seconds)
- Sit-ups or curl-ups (60 seconds)
- Back-saver sit-and-reach, measure distance
- 1-mile walk/run (Record the time.)
Citizenship
7a
Demonstrate how to display, raise, lower, and fold the U.S. flag.
7b
Participate in a total of one hour of service in one or more service projects approved by your Scoutmaster.
Explain how your service to others relates to the Scout slogan and Scout motto.
Leadership
8. Describe the steps in Scouting’s Teaching EDGE method. Use the Teaching EDGE method to teach another person how to tie the square knot.
Scout Spirit
9. Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God and how you have lived four different points of the Scout Law in your everyday life.
10
While working toward the Tenderfoot rank, and after completing Scout rank requirement 7, participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
11
Successfully complete your board of review for the Tenderfoot rank.
Footnote
Alternative requirements for this rank are available for Scouts with physical or mental disabilities, if they meet the criteria listed in the Scouts BSA Requirements book.