# Complete 6 hours of service

Part of the Star Scout guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://scouting.university/scouts-bsa/ranks/star/guide/index.md)

> **4.** While a First Class Scout, participate in six hours of service through one or more service projects approved by your Scoutmaster.

Service is a core principle of Scouting, embodying the Scout slogan to "Do a Good Turn Daily." While Tenderfoot required one hour, Second Class required two, and First Class required three, Star raises the standard to **six hours of service**.

## Rules and Standards for Service Hours

To count toward Requirement 4, your service must satisfy specific criteria established by Scouting America:

1. **Earned While a First Class Scout**: The hours must be completed *after* your First Class board of review date. Hours performed prior to earning First Class cannot be carried forward.
2. **Scoutmaster Approval**: The project must receive Scoutmaster approval *before* you participate. Retroactive approval is at the discretion of the Scoutmaster, so always verify beforehand.
3. **Eligible Beneficiaries**: Projects may benefit your chartered organization, place of worship, school, local municipality, food bank, community park, conservation group, or an older Scout's Eagle Scout Service Project.
4. **Ineligible Projects**: Service cannot benefit commercial, for-profit businesses, cannot involve personal favors for friends or family, and cannot be routine fundraising for your own troop (such as popcorn sales or car washes for unit funds).

## Options for Completing Your Six Hours

You are not required to complete all six hours in a single day or project. You can combine hours across multiple activities:

- **Assist an Eagle Scout Project**: Helping a fellow Scout carry out their Eagle Scout Service Project is an excellent way to earn hours while observing project leadership in action.
- **Troop-Organized Service Days**: Participate in unit community cleanups, tree plantings, trail building, or holiday food drives (such as Scouting for Food).
- **Civic and Faith-Based Service**: Volunteer at a local shelter, clean up grounds at your chartered organization, or assist with a library literacy drive.

> **Did You Know?**
>
> Hours spent working on your own service requirement cannot be "double counted" toward school or other club requirements unless both your Scoutmaster and the other organization explicitly approve the dual reporting.

## Accurate Record-Keeping

Whenever you participate in a service project, maintain a detailed record so your Scoutmaster can sign off on your advancement without delay.

**Service Project Log** — Information to record for each project

- [ ] Date of service.
- [ ] Name of the organization or beneficiary served.
- [ ] Specific description of the tasks performed.
- [ ] Total number of hours worked.
- [ ] Name and contact information of the project supervisor or Scoutmaster.

> **Tip**
>
> Always check with your Scoutmaster before starting an independent project outside of troop events. A quick conversation or email ensures the beneficiary and activity qualify under Scouting standards.

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