Advancement

Prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child

Advancement

Advancement is not a goal in Scouting. It is one of the eight methods used to deliver on the Aims of Scouting. Scout skills—what a young person learns to do—are important, but not as important as the primary goal of personal growth achieved through participation.

The concern is for total, well-rounded development. Age-appropriate surmountable hurdles are placed before members; as they face these challenges they learn self-reliance and gain confidence.

Learning Scout skills and concepts through participation is a vehicle for personal growth, but it is not the primary goal. For example, learning how to tie a knot, plan a menu, swim, or administer first aid may turn out to be critical in one’s life, but they are secondary to the goal of personal growth that comes with learning. As Scouts learn skills and are tested on them, and then reviewed and recognized, they develop confidence. They come to realize they can learn and do other similar things. The retention of Scouting skills and knowledge is important, of course; but for retention to take place, it will be because Scouting skills and knowledge are used in our programs.

Ranks are not a hierarchy the way they are in a military setting. They do not indicate status the way titles do in a corporate or academic setting. They are mementos of personal achievement.

Beyond First Class, there is no expectation that a Scout advance to a particular rank. A Scout who demonstrates good character, is an engaged citizen, is physically fit, and practices the qualities of servant leadership has had a successful Scouting career, regardless of what rank they attain.

Both adult leaders and youth leaders approve advancement in Scouts BSA. This permits greater emphasis on standards and more consistency in measurement, but it also places another level of importance on teaching and testing.

As Scouts work with one another, learning takes place on both sides. Parents or guardians are involved at home encouraging, mentoring, and supporting, but do not sign for rank advancement requirements unless they are registered leaders and have been authorized by the unit leader to approve advancement. Even then, it is preferable for an authorized person other than the Scout’s own parent to certify their accomplishments.

First Phase Ranks

These ranks focus on the fundamental skills of Scouting. A Scout may complete requirements for these ranks in virtually any order, but the ranks must still be earned in sequence: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class.

  • Scout Rank

    The Scout rank is the first rank of Scouting. To complete the rank, a new Scout be able to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, demonstrate the Scout sign, salute and handshake, tie a square knot, and describe the Scout badge.

    Finally, he must understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan, and the Outdoor Code.

    Full Requirements

  • Tenderfoot

    Tenderfoot is the second rank of Scouts.

    To earn the Tenderfoot rank, a Scout must complete requirements related to camping, hiking, and cooking. They must pack for and attend a campout, understand the patrol method and buddy system, and complete a physical fitness regimen. Tenderfoot Scouts master additional knots and basic first aid.

    Full requirements

  • Second Class

    The Second Class rank expands on a Scout’s outdoor and Scoutcraft skills, including building campfires, planning and cooking meals, using a map and compass, and swimming and water rescue skills.

    The Second Class rank also introduces topics dealing with personal safety, drug and alcohol use, and managing money.

    Full Requirements

  • First Class

    A First Class Scout is considered “fully Scout trained.”

    Requirements include Scoutcraft skills including the seven basic knots, learning about weather, how to use a GPS unit, canoeing or kayaking, more advanced first aid and rescue techniques, and civic issues like constitutional rights and obligations.

    Full Requirements

Second Phase Ranks

This phase of Scouting is designed to help Scouts develop leadership skills and to explore potential passions and careers. The requirements are fewer, but more difficult. To achieve these ranks, a Scout take on a position of responsibility within the troop.

FAQs

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.