WhAT ARE THE SCOUT Ranks?

The first rank, SCOUT, is earned by demonstrating a basic knowledge of Scouting ideals and symbolism along with several commonly used knots.

The second rank, TENDERFOOT, recognizes new skills in Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth, and Scout Spirit. To earn the Tenderfoot rank, you’ll spend the night in a tent you help pitch, begin learning first aid, assist in preparing a camp meal, and begin learning to use and care for camp tools like a knife, saw, and ax.

To earn the SECOND CLASS rank, you’ll expand your Scoutcraft skills, spending more nights outdoors, building a campfire, planning and cooking camp meals, the using a compass and map, identifying wild animals and plants, and developing swimming and water rescue skills. You’ll also perform community service and begin learning about things like earning and saving money.

Requirement for the FIRST CLASS rank include continuing to build on the Scoutcraft skills learned for the Second Class rank, plus learning about weather, the use of a GPS unit, canoeing or kayaking, more advanced first aid and rescue techniques, and civic concerns like constitutional rights and obligations.

The third-highest rank, STAR SCOUT, is awarded when you have served actively in your unit in a position of responsibility for at least four months, performed at least six hours of community service, and earned six merit badges.

The second-highest rank, LIFE SCOUT, is awarded when you have served in a position of responsibility for six months and performed at least six hours of community service. You must also earn five more merit badges.

The highest rank attainable is EAGLE SCOUT. To become an Eagle Scout, you must earn a total of 21 merit badges and demonstrate Scout Spirit, service and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that you will plan, organize, lead, and manage.