Scout Rank

So, you have joined Scouts BSA! Now what…?

When I first started with the Boy Scouts of America, I had no idea that there were 7 separate ranks to be earned on the Scouting journey… I knew about the rank of Eagle… and that was about it! Here is a quick rundown on how to go about earning your first rank on your journey as a Scout, because every epic journey begins with the decision to take the first step, and then continues with the decision to take each step after that!

The first rank you can earn in Scouts BSA is the “Scout” rank. This rank shows you, your fellow Scouts, and your leaders that you know and understand Scouting’s basic premises. It all starts with being able to recite the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto and Scout slogan, and showing that you know what each one means. This is important, as these are the underlying guidelines to doing the right thing and the “North Stars” for Scouts.

Next, to earn the Scout rank, you need to be able to explain what Scout spirit is and also be able to show how you have demonstrated Scout spirit! At Boy Scouts of America, we believe that knowing something is one thing, but really knowing something and embodying it? That is something altogether different, and it is what makes Scouts stand out from the crowd.

You will need to be able to give the Scout sign, salute, and handshake and also explain when each should be used. You will also need to be able to describe the elements and significance of the First Class badge. Each feature on it has meaning – from the basic shape, all the way to the shape of the scroll and the knot underneath the scroll showing the Scout motto!

Up next, being able to explain the patrol method and the types of patrols used in your troop. Of course, that means also being able to describe your patrol emblem, flag and being able to demonstrate the yell!

Understanding the four steps in Scout advancement and how the seven ranks of Scouting are earned comes next. As listed on the Mechanics of Advancement in Scouts BSA page and in the 14^th Edition of the Handbook (page 416), the four steps are as follows:

1. You learn: With learning, a Scout grows in the ability to contribute to the patrol and troop. As Scouts develop knowledge and skills, they are asked to teach others and, in this way, they learn and develop leadership.

2. You are Tested: The unit leader authorizes those who may test and pass the Scout on rank requirements. They might include the patrol leader, the senior patrol leader, the unit leader, an assistant unit leader, or another Scout. Merit badge counselors teach and test Scouts on requirements for merit badges.

3. You are Reviewed: After completing all the requirements for a rank, except Scout rank, a Scout meets with a board of review.

4. You are recognized: When a Scout has earned the Scout rank or when a board of review has approved advancement, the Scout deserves recognition as soon as possible. This should be done at a ceremony at the next unit meeting. The achievement may be recognized again later, such as during a formal court of honor.

One of the things I love about this process, is the emphasis on just that: the process. Each time a rank is earned, it is an opportunity to implement new skills, from how to lead fellow Scouts to how to plan and execute meetings and trips!

The last few pieces of knowledge that need to be demonstrated before earning the Scout rank are: understanding how the seven ranks of Scouting are earned, understanding what merit badges are and how they are earned, and finally, participating in a Scoutmaster conference while working on the Scout rank. So, as stated earlier, there are seven ranks: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. In a nutshell, the Scout rank gets you started… think of it as the foundation for you to build upon! The ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class really prepare you for anything Scouting can throw at you. These should take you about 1 year to 1.5 years to complete. The ranks of Star, Life, and Eagle allow you to take and implement what you have learned, so you can really use the skills to apply to your life! These ranks are focused on leadership, service and earning merit badges. You have until you are 18 years old to work on earning these ranks.

Merit badges are earned by selecting which topic you would like to earn, working with a merit badge counselor (your Scoutmaster will help you find one!), and then working through the requirements listed. Merit badges are a great way to explore your interests and to deepen your understanding of a certain skill, trade, or even career! To earn Star rank, you need to earn 6 merit badges (including 4 that are required for Eagle Scout rank). For Life rank, you need to earn 5 more merit badges (including 3 that are required for the Eagle Scout rank). Finally, to earn the Eagle Scout rank, you need to have earned a total of 21 merit badges (10 more than you earned for Life, and 13 total that are required).

Lastly, and maybe the part that looks the most intimidating, the Scoutmaster conference! So fun fact, this is not some big and scary meeting that you need to get nervous about! Think of the Scoutmaster conference as a success meeting. Like meeting with a guidance counselor at school, where they help you pick the subjects that work the best for you and what you want! Scoutmaster Conferences are meetings with your Scoutmaster that can happen at any time while you are working toward your next rank. You can’t “fail” a conference, you only need to schedule one, show up, and participate!

I know it gets repeated over and over again, but know that your journey in Scouting is your own! You get to decide what it looks like and what you accomplish. From all of us at Scout Shop, know that we are rooting for you, and we are excited to help out in any way we can! Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or comments on our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).

Happy Scouting!