Ranks

As a boy goes through scouting, he earns ranks that match his level of skills and his proficiency at learning them. There are six ranks on the path to eagle, and each boy must ascend this ladder step by step before he can accept scouting’s highest honor:

Ranks

Click on the name of a rank to see it in further detail

Scout: A rank that a boy starts at when joining scouting

Tenderfoot: Shows that a boy knows basic skills, including tying knots

Second Class: Slightly more advanced, boy knows first aid and cooking

First Class: A transition rank, where the boy accepts more responsibility

Star: Earns merit badges and holds a position of service to the troop

Life: Proficient in scout skills and teaching them to others, holds several merit badges

Eagle: The highest award in scouting, earned after completing all 21 merit badges, holding several positions of service, and carrying out a service project that benefits the community, known as the Eagle Project

• Eagle Project – a step-by-step process of the Leadership Service Project from start to finish
• Life To Eagle – a timeline showing the steps from the Life Board of Review to National Approval for the Eagle Rank

Eagle Palms: Three significant awards for those who go above and beyond. The bronze, gold, and silver show those who are commited to Scouting and pursued additional service to the community and the troop all while earning more merit badges.

*** FOR NEWER SCOUTS – You may be interested in viewing the Trail to 1st Class (PDF) which may help you complete requirements and advance ranks faster. You can print this out and use it to keep track of your progress.***

Description: (An in-depth view of what it takes to accomplish each rank)

Traditionally, a scout should be able to attain Tenderfoot by going to a few campouts and showing knowledge of basic scouting skills, such as tying knots, folding the flag, and poisonous plants. Second class consists of requirements that measure participation and slightly advanced knowledge. These can include first aid, emergency preparedness, nature, etc. First Class is when a scout shows leadership and has proven himself capable to manage others rather than following others. As a scout becomes first class, people will expect more of him. First Class also enables a Scout to hold positions such as Patrol Leader. The rank of Star is purely a leadership rank. There are no more requirements that gauge a scout’s comprehension of skills or activities, rather their ability to manage a whole group of people. Requirements include active participation for a number of months, showing scouting spirit, completing service hours, and earning Merit Badges. Life is similar, if not the same. Life requirements include more service hours than before and more merit badges in addition to holding a leadership position and fulfilling it to the Scoutmaster’s satisfaction. When a scout is Star or Life, he is then able to hold leadership positions such as SPL or ASPL. Eagle is the most challenging of all the ranks. When you are ready to become Eagle, you must have at least 21 merit badges, including all 12 of the Eagle required sort. In essence, it is the same as the Life requirements but with one big difference: the Eagle Project. A scout may choose to do an Eagle Project in any way that benefits the general public. Better Eagle Projects are unique and long lasting. Finally, Eagle Palms are for those who have attained Eagle at a young age (16-17). Eagle Palms require further active participation in troop events in addition to five merit badges.

Workbooks:

• Click “PDF” or “DOC” to download the workbook for that rank in the corresponding format
• Workbooks are not required, they are optional
• Workbooks are extremely useful tools that you can use to help plan out how you will complete each rank. In addition, it would be useful at your scoutmaster conference & board of review

Rank Requirements	Workbooks
Scout Badge	PDF DOC
Tenderfoot Rank	PDF DOC
Second Class Rank	PDF DOC
First Class Rank	PDF DOC
Star Rank	PDF DOC
Life Rank	PDF DOC
Eagle Rank	DOC
Eagle Palms	DOC

Timeline: (In what time you should complete each rank)

Scout- 1-2 weeks upon joining

Tenderfoot- 4-5 months after joining

Second Class- 7-9 months after joining (3-5 months after becoming Tenderfoot)

First Class- 12-18 months after joining (3+ months after becoming Second Class)

Star- 2 years after joining (6+ months after becoming First Class)

Life- 3 years after joining (10+ months after becoming Star)

Eagle- 4-5 years after joining (12+ months after becoming Life)

Eagle Palms- Upon obtaining Eagle if time permits (3-4 months [per] after Eagle)