The Boy Scout advancement program is subtle.
It places a series of challenges in front of a Scout in a manner that is fun and educational.
As Scouts meet these challenges, they achieve the aims of Boy Scouting.
One of the greatest needs of young men is confidence and there are three kinds of confidence that they need: in themselves, in peers, and in leaders.
Educators and counselors agree that the best way to build confidence is through measurement.
Self-confidence is developed by measuring up to a challenge or a standard.
Peer confidence develops when the same measuring system is used for everyone -- when all must meet the same challenge to receive equal recognition.
Confidence in leaders comes about when there is consistency in measuring -- when leaders use a single standard of fairness.
A Boy Scout badge recognizes what a young man is able to do; it is not a reward for what he has done.
Standards for joining a Boy Scout troop and for advancement are listed in the latest printing of the Boy Scout Handbook and in the current Boy Scout Requirements book.
Advancement accommodates the three aims of Scouting: citizenship, growth in moral strength and character, and mental and physical development.
As a Scout advances, he is measured and grows in confidence and self-reliance.
The ranks of Scouting are shown below.
To view the specific requirements for each rank, click on the image.
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Scout
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The Scout Badge is not considered a rank.
Instead, it symbolizes a boy who has either earned the Arrow of Light from Cub Scouts or completed the 5th grade and is at least the age of 10 years old.
This is the beginning of the Scout's journey through Boy Scouts.
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Tenderfoot
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The Tenderfoot rank symbolizes that a Scout has met all of the requirements listed in the Scout Handbook.
He has gained camping skills as well as learned about the Scout Oath, Law, Slogan, and Motto.
The Scout has even learned about basic First Aid skills that could assist him in his journey through Scouting.
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Second Class
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The Second Class rank symbolizes that a Tenderfoot Scout has met all of the requirements listed in the Scout Handbook.
He has learned how to use a map and compass and the proper way to use and care for a knife, saw, and ax.
The Scout has continued to participate in Troop activities as well as learn even more about safety, nutrition, and service to the community.
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First Class
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The First Class rank symbolizes that a Second Class Scout has met all of the requirements listed in the Scout Handbook.
He has participated in campouts and learned how to plan meals and shopping trips as well as the proper way to store food.
The Scout has learned about camp gadgets, lashings, and advanced First Aid techniques.
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Star
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The Star rank symbolizes that a First Class Scout has met all of the requirements listed in the Scout Handbook.
He has continued to stay active within the Troop as well as earned the required number of merit badges needed.
The Scout has also been involved in service projects and has actively served in a leadership position.
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Life
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The Life rank symbolizes that a Star Scout has met all of the requirements listed in the Scout Handbook.
He has continued to stay active within the Troop as well as earned the required number of merit badges needed.
The Scout has also been involved in service projects, actively served in a leadership position, and used the EDGE (Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable) method to teach younger scouts.
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Eagle
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The Eagle rank symbolizes that a Life Scout has met all of the requirements listed in the Scout Handbook.
It is the highest rank in Boy Scouts and it indicates that the Scout has achieved the aims of Scouting.
He has continued to stay active within the Troop as well as earned the required number of merit badges needed.
The Scout has actively served in a leadership position as well as planned, develop, and lead scouts in a service project that benefits the community.
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Eagle Palm(s)
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The Eagle Palm symbolizes that an Eagle Scout has continued to be active within the Troop for three months after he qualified for the Eagle Scout Award.
In order to earn these palms, the Eagle Scout must be under the age of 18 and earn an additional five merit badges every three months.
There are three types of Eagle Palms: the Bronze Palm (5 merit badges), the Gold Palm (10 merit badges), and the Silver Palm (15 merit badges).
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