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Scouts BSA
After Arrow of Light comes a troop. The work changes shape: ranks are earned by skills and service rather than adventures, merit badges open up, and from First Class on it is mostly about leading other scouts.
Sign in to track progress
Ticking things off saves against your own account, so it is here next time and on your phone at the meeting.
Sign inSeven ranks
The steps under each rank are a plain English summary. The official wording is in the handbook, and the handbook is what gets signed.
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Scout
The joining rank. Learn what scouting is and how the troop works.
- Repeat and explain the Scout Oath, Law, motto and slogan.
- Explain the Scout sign, salute and handshake.
- Tie a square knot and explain the Outdoor Code.
- Show you know the buddy system and how to be safe.
- Talk with your Scoutmaster.
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Tenderfoot
First real camping rank. A night outdoors and the basics that go with it.
- Camp overnight with the troop and help pitch your tent.
- Cook a meal on a campout.
- Whip and fuse rope ends.
- Take a fitness test, then improve on it after 30 days.
- Show first aid for the injuries you actually get outdoors.
- Serve the troop and take part in a service project.
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Second Class
Navigation, more camping, and starting to handle yourself outdoors.
- Five separate troop activities, three of them outdoors.
- Use a map and compass, and find your way on a five mile hike.
- Cook over a fire you built.
- Identify wild animals and plants where you camp.
- Swimming, or the alternative if you cannot swim.
- Use a knife, saw and axe safely.
- Take part in a service project.
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First Class
The rank that says a scout can look after themselves and help others.
- Ten troop activities, six of them outdoors, including three campouts.
- Plan and cook a full menu for a patrol on a campout.
- Orienteering course, and estimate distance and height.
- Lashings and a useful camp gadget.
- Swimming and rescue skills.
- More advanced first aid, including moving a hurt person.
- Invite somebody to a troop meeting.
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Star
The first rank about leading rather than learning. Badges start counting.
- Four months as a First Class scout.
- Six merit badges, four of them Eagle required.
- Six hours of service.
- Four months in a position of responsibility.
- Scoutmaster conference and a board of review.
6 merit badges, 4 of them Eagle required, plus 4 months in a position of responsibility.
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Life
The rank before Eagle. More badges, more service, more leading.
- Six months as a Star scout.
- Eleven merit badges, seven of them Eagle required.
- Six more hours of service, at least three toward conservation.
- Six months in a position of responsibility.
- Teach a younger scout something from an earlier rank.
- Scoutmaster conference and a board of review.
11 merit badges, 7 of them Eagle required, plus 6 months in a position of responsibility.
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Eagle Scout
The top rank. A project you plan and lead yourself, and all 14 required badges.
- Six months as a Life scout.
- Twenty one merit badges, all 14 Eagle required ones among them.
- Six months in a position of responsibility.
- Plan, develop and LEAD a service project. Not just do it: lead it.
- Scoutmaster conference, then a board of review.
- Finish it all before your 18th birthday.
21 merit badges, 14 of them Eagle required, plus 6 months in a position of responsibility.