Scout Ranks
Rank Advancement
Scouts have 7 Ranks that are earned, independently, by each Scout and in the following order: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. Rank advancement is not dependent on the Scout's age. However, Scouts do age out of Scouting at age 18 and will not be able to earn any more Rank advancements after aging out. A Scout may continue to Scout beyound age 18 through Venturing and Sea Scouts.
The Four Steps of Advancement
The Scout Learns (skill development, leadership experience, and volunteer hours), The Scout is Tested (mentors like the patrol leader and merit badge counselor, or other designated leader test the Scout on their newly learned skills), The Scout is Reviewed (Board of reviews the Scouts knowledge), and The Scout is Recognized (Scout is presented their new rank--typically at a troop meeting).
Rank Requirements | Guide to Advancement | Advancement and Awards | Power Points Instructions
The Scout: This is the first rank a Scout will earn. The Scout rank is earned when a future Scout has learned and demonstrated the basic information every future Scout need to know. To demonstrate the future Scouts understanding they will be asked to recite the: Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout Motto, and Scout Slogan.
Scout Oath: On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight
Scout Law: A Scout is: Trustworthy Loyal Helpful Friendly Courteous Kind Obedient Cheerful Thrifty Brave Clean Reverent
Scout Motto: Be Prepared.
Scout Slogan: Do a good turn daily.
Scout Mission: The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks are earned through practical skills training. This helps the Scout gain confidence as they develop these skills and abilities. While learning they will be challenged in fitness and learning something new. They will also have the Scout Oath and Scout Law reinforced by pracitcing good citizenship and responsibility. As they are being mentored through these ranks they will also help to guide and mentor younger Scouts through there Scouting experience.
Star, Life, and Eagle requirements,except for those related to merit badges, must be fulfilled after the successful completion of a board of review for the previous rank.
In Scouts BSA, advancement requirements must be passed as written. If, for example, a requirement uses words like “show,” “demonstrate,” or “discuss,” then that is what Scouts must do. Filling out a worksheet, for example, would not suffice.
The Eagle Palms A Scout is entitled to earn Eagle Palms for each additional 5 merit badges earned beyond the required badges for Eagle. A Scout may also earn Eagle Palms after earning the Eagle Rank.
5 Merit Badges--The Bronze Palm
10 Merit Badges--The Gold Palm
15 Merit Badges--The Silver Palm
Additional Information on Eagle Palms