Joining   Tenderfoot   2nd Class   1st Class   Star   Life     Eagle   Palm

A boy is invited to “join” the Boy Scouts, if he has completed the fifth grade, is 11 years old, or has earned the Cub Scout “Arrow of Light Award.” He must be younger than 18 years. 

The Joining Requrements are simple and are summarized on page 4 of the Boy Scout Handbook.  They cover application, finding a troop, knowing the Pledge of Allegiance, the joining (square)knot, the Scout sign, badge, salute, handshake, values and a Scoutmaster’s conference.

     The following are Boy Scout Rank advancement requirements:

Tenderfoot rank, on pgs. 32-33 of the Boy Scout Handbook, requires    knowledge of: the uniform and its proper wear; some knot basics; hiking safety; camping and camping procedures; flag etiquette; memory of oath; law; motto; slogan; buddy system; and a light physical conditioning test; knowledge of poisonous plants; choking maneuver; and basic first aid. It is followed by Scoutmaster’s conference and board of review.

Second Class Rank,on pgs. 64-65 of the Boy Scout Handbook, requires demonstration of: compass use; map orienteering; using same on a five mile hike; patrol; and troop camping activity; tent pitching; fire building; camp-fire cooking; use of lightweight stoves; safety precautions for both; food cooking on same while demonstrating good nutrition; United States flag ceremony; one hour service project; wildlife identification; serious first aid condition for stopped breathing; serious bleeding; and internal poisoning; prepare personal first aid kit; demonstrate first aid techniques; safe swimming precautions; water rescue methods; participate in drug awareness program; demonstrate Scout spirit; participate in Scoutmaster’s conference and board of review.

First Class Rank, on pages 112-113 of the Boy Scout handbook, requires demonstration of: direction finding; day or night; with or without a compass; participation in activities and camping; cooking and meal planning; utensil use; safe handling of food products; supervise cooking; interview an elected official; identify native plants;  know the timber hitch; clove hitch; and their use in lashing; the bowline and its uses; bandaging and first aid; rescue and transport; signs of heart attack; safety afloat; BSA swimming test; water survival skills; line rescue methods; Scout spirit; Scoutmaster’s conference; and board of review.

Star Scout Rank, on page 177 of the Boy Scout Handbook, requires: four months active First Class Scout troop participation; troop leadership service, a six hour service project; completion of six merit badges; four of which are required for Eagle Scout; Scout spirit; Scoutmaster’s conference; and board of review.

Life Scout Rank, on page 178 of the Boy Scout Handbook, requires: six months active Star Scout troop participation; troop leadership service, a six hour service project; completion of five merit badges; three of which are require for Eagle Scout; Scout spirit; Scoutmaster’s conference; and board of review.

Eagle Scout Rank,on page 180 of the Boy Scout Handbook, requires: six months active Life Scout troop participation; troop leadership service; as a Life Scout, planning, developing, and leading others in a service project; completion of ten additional merit badges for a total of 21 including the remaining merit badges for Eagle Scout as found on page 188 of the Boy Scout Handbook; Scout spirit; Scoutmaster’s conference; and Eagle Scout board of review.

Eagle Palm Ranks, Bronze, Gold and Silver, on page 182 and 183 of the Boy Scout Handbook requires: three months active Eagle Scout troop participation for each Palm; continued Eagle Scout troop leadership; Scout spirit; Scoutmaster’s conference and boards of review.

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