Teach a Scout using EDGE

1. Tenderfoot 4a and 4b (first aid)
2. Second Class 2b, 2c, and 2d (cooking/tools)
3. Second Class 3a and 3d (navigation)
4. First Class 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d (tools)
5. First Class 4a and 4b (navigation)
6. Second Class 6a and 6b (first aid)
7. First Class - 7a and 7b (first aid)
8. Three requirements from one of the required for Eagle merit badges, as approved by your Scoutmaster

Understanding the Teaching EDGE Method

The Teaching EDGE is Scouting America’s official four-step instructional framework. It is designed to take a learner from complete unfamiliarity with a skill to confident, independent execution:

1. Explain (The Cognitive Phase):
   • Introduce the skill clearly and describe its real-world purpose and safety considerations.
   • Break the skill down into logical, easy-to-understand steps.
   • Use clear terminology and encourage questions before touching any equipment.
2. Demonstrate (The Visual & Auditory Phase):
   • Perform the skill yourself in front of the Scout, moving slowly and deliberately.
   • Narrate your actions step-by-step as you perform them.
   • Highlight key techniques, common pitfalls, and safety checks.
3. Guide (The Hands-On Coaching Phase):
   • Place the tools, materials, or equipment directly into the learner’s hands.
   • Have the Scout perform the skill while you coach, prompt, and provide immediate, encouraging feedback.
   • Correct errors gently and have the Scout repeat challenging steps until they feel comfortable.
4. Enable (The Autonomous Execution Phase):
   • Step back completely and allow the Scout to perform the entire skill independently from start to finish without assistance.
   • Assess their performance to confirm they have truly mastered the skill and understand the underlying concepts.

Comprehensive Breakdown of the Eight Skill Choices

You must select ONE of the following eight options to teach. Whichever choice you select, you must teach all requirement components listed in that option:

Choice 1: Tenderfoot 4a & 4b (First Aid)

• Tenderfoot 4a: First aid for poisonous plants (poison ivy, oak, sumac), venomous snakebites, insect stings, tick bites, minor cuts and scrapes, minor burns and scalds, and nosebleeds.
• Tenderfoot 4b: First aid for someone who is choking (abdominal thrusts / Heimlich maneuver).

Choice 2: Second Class 2b, 2c, & 2d (Cooking & Fire Safety)

• Second Class 2b & 2c: Selecting, preparing, and lighting tinder, kindling, and fuel wood for a cooking fire; managing fire safety and camp stoves.
• Second Class 2d: Safe handling, sharpening, cleaning, and maintenance of a pocketknife, ax, and saw.

Choice 3: Second Class 3a & 3d (Navigation)

• Second Class 3a: Demonstrating compass orientation, map symbols, and finding direction on a map using a compass.
• Second Class 3d: Finding direction on a sunny day (using shadow-stick method) and on a clear night (locating the North Star / Polaris using the Big Dipper).

Choice 4: First Class 3a, 3b, 3c, & 3d (Pioneering & Lashings)

• First Class 3a & 3b: Tying timber hitch, clove hitch, square lashing, diagonal lashing, and shear lashing.
• First Class 3c & 3d: Designing and constructing a useful camp gadget using proper lashings.

Choice 5: First Class 4a & 4b (Topographic Navigation)

• First Class 4a: Orienting a topographic map using a compass and identifying terrain features (contour lines, elevation, ridgelines, valleys).
• First Class 4b: Measuring compass bearings, calculating magnetic declination, and navigating a designated cross-country course by pacing.

Choice 6: Second Class 6a & 6b (First Aid)

• Second Class 6a: First aid for object in the eye, puncture wounds, animal bites, second-degree burns, heat exhaustion, and shock.
• Second Class 6b: Prevention and first aid for heatstroke, dehydration, hypothermia, and hyperventilation.

Choice 7: First Class 7a & 7b (Advanced First Aid)

• First Class 7a: Bandaging with cravat bandages, managing open chest wounds, and stabilizing fractures and sprains using splints.
• First Class 7b: Safely transporting an injured person from a smoke-filled room or building using proper carries (one-person and two-person carries).

Choice 8: Three Requirements from an Eagle-Required Merit Badge

• Teach three specific requirements from an Eagle-required merit badge (such as First Aid, Camping, Cooking, or Emergency Preparedness), as approved in advance by your Scoutmaster.

The “Prepared to Pass” Standard

The goal of Requirement 6 is not for you to sign off the Scout’s rank in their record. Rather, you are preparing the learner so that they can demonstrate the skill to the Scoutmaster’s (or designated tester’s) complete satisfaction.