Scout ranks
From Troop 439 MD
Introduction
In Scouting the are different ranks you can achieve. Each rank has different requirements. Eagle is the highest rank.
Contents |
Scout
The Scout badge is earned by a boy by completing the requirements to join the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). It is not a rank. The Scout badge has a brown fleur-de-lis on a tan background The badge is awarded when the boy demonstrates a rudimentary knowledge of the Scouting ideals.
Tenderfoot
Tenderfoot is the first rank of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). A Scout can work on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks at the same time, but each rank must be earned in sequence. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit.
- Rank Videos - All the tenderfoot videos
Second Class
Second Class is a rank attainable by a Scout in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), and ranks above Tenderfoot and below First Class. A Scout can work on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks at the same time, but must be earn in sequence. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit.
First Class
First Class is a rank attainable by a Scout in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), and ranks above Second Class and below Star Scout. A Scout can work on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks at the same time, but must earn them in sequence. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit. Originally, First Class was the all around Scout and the final and highest rank. Later ranks were originally recognitions of earning merit badges beyond First Class, and not properly ranks. Now these additional ranks form a second tier where Scouts can further develop leadership skills and explore potential vocations and avocations through the merit badge program. Although Eagle is the highest rank and one all Scouts should strive for, the number of Scouts achieving First Class within one year of joining is still one of the key measures of unit effectiveness. Studies have shown that if a Scout achieves First Class within a year of joining, he typically stays in the Scout program for at least three years. Scouts who do so are more likely to retain Scout values as an adult and achieve the BSA primary mission of "producing useful citizens".
Star Scout
Star is a rank attainable by a Scout in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), and ranks above First Class and below Life Scout. Star is awarded when the Scout serves actively in the troop, team or crew, serves in a position of responsibility, performs at least six hours of community service, and earns six merit badges (four of which must be required for Eagle Scout rank). Historically, Star was actually higher than Life. It was changed when it was decided that the five-pointed star of Star Scout better represented the five merit badges required for Life Scout, and the two were switched.
Life Scout
Life is second highest rank attainable by a Scout in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Life Scout ranks above Star Scout and below Eagle. Life is awarded when the Scout serves actively in the troop, team or crew, serves in a position of responsibility, and performs community service. Another thing a scout must do in order to achieve Life is earn an additional five merit badges (three of which are required for the rank of Eagle), to make a minimum total of eleven merit badges (including the six previously required for Star). Also the scout must be in the troop while in a leadership position for six months from his Star rank, also he must do six hours of community service. Finally, the scout must pass a scoutmaster conference, and board of review. Life was originally lower than Star. It was changed in the 1920's when it was decided that the five-pointed star better represented the five merit badges required for Star, and the two were switched.
Eagle Scout
Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than 1.8 million young men. Requirements include earning a number of merit badges and demonstration of Scout Spirit, service and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout. Additional recognition can be earned through Eagle Palms, awarded for completing additional tenure, leadership and merit badge requirements. Less than 3% of boys who join scouting achieve this rank. Click here to see Troop 439's eagle scouts.
