Scout is the first rank in Scouts BSA, earned by learning the Scout Oath and Law, the Scout motto and slogan, and the basics of patrol life — from a …
Rank Advancement
From learning the Scout Oath to the summit of Eagle Scout, the Scouts BSA advancement path builds lifelong outdoor competence, personal character, civic service, and youth leadership.
Phase 1
Ranks 1–4
Scoutcraft & Outdoor Foundations
Master core outdoor self-reliance: campcraft, navigation, knots and lashings, first aid, swimming, and physical fitness. Requirements across these four ranks may be worked on simultaneously.
Tenderfoot is the first rank earned through real time in the outdoors, requiring a Scout to demonstrate physical fitness, basic camping and cooking …
Second Class builds directly on Tenderfoot, asking a Scout to navigate with a map and compass, plan and cook a patrol meal, and demonstrate a deeper …
First Class has long been considered the rank that makes a ‘complete’ Scout: it rounds out core outdoor skills like cooking, camping, and swimming, …
Phase 2
Ranks 5–7
Youth Leadership & The Trail to Eagle
Shift focus from learning skills to leading peers: troop leadership roles of responsibility, active tenure, community service projects, and earning Eagle-required merit badges.
Star Scout is the first of the leadership ranks, opening the path toward Eagle. It requires sustained active membership, a position of responsibility in the …
Life Scout deepens the leadership and merit badge requirements first introduced at Star, asking a Scout to serve longer in a position of responsibility, earn …
Eagle Scout is Scouts BSA’s highest rank, earned through a required set of merit badges, sustained leadership in a position of responsibility, and a …