Levels of Boy Scouts

The Boy Scouts of America is an organization available to any boy at least 11 years old who has completed the fifth grade. Younger boys may join the Boy Scouts' brother organization, the Cub Scouts, and advance to Boy Scouting when they reach the required age. Demonstration of tasks as well as merit badges allow Boy Scouts to advance in order through the ranks of Boy Scouting.

Scouts and Tenderfoot

A Boy Scout who has just joined is simply called a Scout. To advance to the first rank, Tenderfoot, a Scout is required to go on an overnight camping trip, properly attired. He must demonstrate beginning first aid as well as camping etiquette and basic knot-tying, and must recite the Scout oath, law, motto and slogan from memory.

Second Class

To advance to Second Class, a Scout must demonstrate a greater knowledge of outdoor survival and first aid. Participation in at least one service project is also among the requirements to advance to Second Class.

First Class

First Class rank requires deeper knowledge of camping, first aid and knots. A First Class Scout must demonstrate that he is better able to understand the outdoors and the world around him.

Star Scouts

A Star Scout rank requires the Scout to have completed six merit badges, four from the qualifying list for Eagle Scouts. He must also serve in a leadership role in the troop and must log at least 6 hours on community service projects.

Life Scouts

Life Scouts must fulfill further leadership and community service requirements. Five more merit badges must be earned, including three from the required list for Eagle Scout. Life Scout is the last rank before Eagle Scout.

Eagle Scouts

Eagle Scout is the highest rank that a Boy Scout can attain. At least 21 total merit badges must have been earned, and the Scout must plan and execute a community service project, using volunteers, within the Scout's community. Project documentation, an application and an Eagle Board of Review are required. Everything except the Board of Review must be completed before the Scout's 18th birthday.

References

• Boy Scouts of America
• US Scouting Service Project - Rank Requirements