Boy Scout Ranks

Boys join the troop and then advance through the ranks in the following order: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and then Eagle.

During the first year Scouts can achieve the rank of First Class if they actively participate in troop activities. If they are not First Class by the time of attending summer camp, they can often achieve it during camp, if they conscientiously work at it. Click here for a series of videos (which may also be downloaded as podcasts) which demonstrate how to fulfill each and every requirement for the first three ranks of Boy Scouting.

Advancement During Troop Meetings
Scouts are encouraged to complete advancement requirements during the troop meeting. It is the Scout's responsibility to speak with an adult leader, if he needs instruction on a given skill or tested, once he feels he has mastered that skill requirement. Assistant Scoutmasters are readily available at all troop meetings and activities to test Scouts and sign off the requirement in his handbook.

Star, Life, and Eagle
After the rank of First Class the Scouts work on merit badges. Other requirements for advancement include tenure in rank (time interval at a given rank to acquire Scouting experience), leadership experience, service hours or project, a conference with the Scoutmaster and a Board of Review. A summary of the complete requirements for each rank can be found in the Boy Scout Handbook.

Downloadable requirements checklists for all ranks and videos to guide the Scout may be found on the Handbook Website.

Scoutmaster's Conference

When Scouts have completed all of their requirements for ANY rank they must make an appointment with the Scoutmaster for a Scoutmaster's Conference. During the Scoutmaster's Conference the Scoutmaster will verify that all requirements for the rank have been completed, discuss their troop and patrol participation, how scouting influences their life, and how they are doing in general. Scouts will also make a personal growth agreement with the Scoutmaster towards their next rank. Scouts should be able to recite the Scout Oath and the Scout Law at their Scoutmaster Conference. Scouts MUST BRING THEIR SCOUT HANDBOOK to the conference.

At times, it is possible to have a Scoutmaster Conference for more than one rank at a time. A Scoutmaster Conference may also be held to discuss concerns the Scoutmaster has with a Scout or anytime a Scout has a concern and requests a Scoutmaster Conference.

Scoutmaster's Conferences may be scheduled before, during, or after a troop or patrol meeting or at another time.