Rank Advancement in Scouting is a progressive journey designed to help Scouts develop skills, build character, and take on leadership responsibilities. Each rank includes a set of requirements that challenge Scouts in areas like outdoor skills, personal fitness, citizenship, and community service. As Scouts advance, they demonstrate increased proficiency in practical skills—such as camping, navigation, and first aid—while also growing in teamwork and leadership. They are encouraged to live by the values of the Scout Oath and Law, fostering a sense of responsibility and dedication to service.
With each rank, Scouts are expected to mentor younger members, participate in troop activities, and take on roles that contribute to the troop’s success. Rank advancement provides a clear, structured pathway that motivates Scouts to set and achieve goals, build confidence, and mature as leaders. This journey not only marks their individual accomplishments but also prepares them with life skills, resilience, and a dedication to making a positive impact in their communities.
Ranks (in order)
Scout
The Scout rank is the entry-level rank in Scouting, introducing new members to the basic principles, values, and practices of the program. To earn this rank, a Scout learns foundational skills, such as the Scout Oath and Law, the Scout sign, salute, and handshake, as well as the significance of the Scout motto and slogan. They’re also introduced to the patrol method, personal safety rules, and the Scouting spirit, which emphasizes respect, honesty, and kindness.
In working toward the Scout rank, new members become familiar with troop structure and expectations, developing a sense of belonging and teamwork within the troop. This first rank sets the groundwork for future advancement, equipping Scouts with the essential knowledge needed to begin their Scouting journey and fully engage in troop activities.
Tenderfoot
The Tenderfoot rank is the first level of advancement in Scouting beyond the initial Scout rank, where Scouts begin building foundational skills in the Scouting America program. To earn Tenderfoot, Scouts practice essential camping skills, like setting up a tent, preparing a camp menu, and safely lighting a fire. They also learn first aid basics, including treating simple injuries and practicing emergency procedures, which helps them develop confidence in managing challenges outdoors.
Tenderfoot also emphasizes personal growth and fitness, requiring Scouts to set and work toward specific fitness goals over a 30-day period. Additionally, Scouts start learning about the importance of helping others, practicing acts of service, and showing Scout Spirit by living according to the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Achieving Tenderfoot represents a Scout’s commitment to learning new skills, developing discipline, and contributing to their troop, setting the stage for future growth and advancement in Scouting.
Second (2nd) Class
The Second Class rank builds upon the skills and knowledge acquired in the first two ranks, further developing a Scout’s outdoor abilities, leadership skills, and understanding of Scouting principles. To earn this rank, Scouts must demonstrate proficiency in various new outdoor skills, including using a map and compass, identifying plants and animals, and preparing for and participating in outdoor hikes.
Second Class also emphasizes personal growth and community involvement. Scouts are required to complete service hours, showing their commitment to helping others and making a positive impact in their community. Additionally, they learn about the dangers of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, gaining awareness of the effects these substances can have on health and well-being, and how to make informed choices in accordance with the Scout Oath and Law.
Furthermore, Second Class encourages Scouts to demonstrate Scout Spirit, by participating in troop meetings and activities, and mentoring younger Scouts. Achieving the Second Class rank signifies a Scout’s progression in leadership, outdoor competence, and dedication to the values of Scouting.
First (1st) Class
The First Class rank represents a significant milestone in a Scout’s journey, building upon the basic skills learned in the previous ranks while emphasizing personal development and leadership potential. To achieve First Class, Scouts must demonstrate advanced outdoor skills, such as cooking over an open fire, tying lashings to make useful camp gadgets, and completing a camping trip that showcases their ability to plan and execute an outdoor experience safely.
First Class also requires Scouts to show leadership by participating in troop activities and mentoring younger Scouts, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and community within the troop. It also emphasizes citizenship and personal responsibility, with Scouts learning about the rights and obligations of being a citizen of the United States. The rank also discusses the Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly! principles, as Scouts must research and report on environmental issues in their community.
Achieving the First Class rank not only signifies a Scout’s readiness to take on more significant challenges but also represents their commitment to the values of Scouting, attaining the title of being a “Complete Scout“.
Star
The Star rank is a key advancement in a Scout’s journey, signifying an even deeper commitment to the principles of Scouting. To earn the Star rank, Scouts must complete a series of requirements that include earning 6 merit badges, 4 of them coming from the Eagle Required category. This encourages Scouts to explore a wide range of interests and skills.
In addition, Scouts are required to take on leadership roles within the troop, serving as a Patrol Leader, for example, or in another position of responsibility. This experience helps them develop essential leadership and communication skills, fostering their ability to guide and mentor younger Scouts.
Community service is also a significant component of the Star rank, as Scouts must complete a certain number of hours performing service (approved by the Scoutmaster) that benefits others outside the troop. This project reinforces the importance of giving back to the community and demonstrates a Scout’s commitment to making a positive impact.
Achieving the Star rank not only marks progress in a Scout’s personal journey but also highlights their growth as a leader and a responsible member of the community.
Life
The Life rank is a pivotal step in a Scout’s journey, reflecting a high level of commitment to the Scouting program and personal development. To earn the Life rank, Scouts must meet specific requirements, including completing another 6 merit badges, 4 coming from the Eagle Required category, much like the requirement in the Star Scout rank.
Life Scouts are expected to serve in higher positions of responsibility, such as Troop Guide or Senior Patrol Leader, where they can mentor younger Scouts and demonstrate effective troop-wide leadership. These eperiences help them expand further into the important skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Achieving the Life rank signifies a Scout’s readiness to take on greater challenges as they prepare for the ultimate goal of becoming an Eagle Scout. It represents their dedication to personal growth, leadership, and service, laying a strong foundation for future success in Scouting and beyond.
Eagle Scout
For more details, please visit the Eagle Scout page
You’ve completed your requirements! Now what?
1. Sign-Off on Requirements
Rank advancement requirements are only to be signed off by 2 people in your official Scout Handbook:
- Scouts with the rank of Life or above
- Adult leaders that have been position-trained
Once you have recieved their signatures, you are ready for the next step:
2. Scoutmaster Conference (for ALL ranks)
A Scoutmaster conference is an important one-on-one meeting between a Scout and the Scoutmaster that occurs during the rank advancement process. It provides an opportunity for the Scout to discuss their progress, goals, and experiences in Scouting. During the conference, the Scoutmaster can assess the Scout’s understanding of the Scout Oath and Law, leadership skills, and personal growth. The conference also serves as a time for the Scout to reflect on their journey, ask questions, and receive guidance or encouragement. This is not a test, but rather a chance for the Scout to share their experiences, demonstrate what they’ve learned, and ensure they’re ready to advance to the next rank.
Your current Scoutmaster is: Paul Flessner
If the Scoutmaster is unavaliable, please find and speak to:
- Richard Dragicevich, Assistant Scoutmaster
- Adhamh Black, Assistant Scoutmaster
- Gabriel Gloria, Assistant Scoutmaster
- Richard Wackerle, Assistant Scoutmaster
- Baden Wackerle, Assistant Scoutmaster
3. Board of Review (for Tenderfoot – Life)*
A Board of Review is a formal meeting that takes place after a Scout has completed their Scoutmaster conference and is ready to advance to the next rank. The Board is typically made up of several adult leaders, including position-trained members of the Troop Committee, who review the Scout’s progress and achievements. During the review, the Scout is asked to discuss their experiences, the skills they’ve learned, and their understanding of the Scout Oath and Law. The board also evaluates the Scout’s readiness to move forward based on their personal development, leadership, and service contributions. The Board of Review serves as a final check to ensure the Scout is prepared and has demonstrated the required skills and knowledge for the rank they are pursuing. It is an opportunity for the Scout to reflect on their journey and for the leaders to offer feedback and encouragement.
* Eagle Scouts also have a BoR, but is more specialized and requires approval by the District/Council Advancement Committee