Scout - Scout was previously a joining badge, but is now considered the first rank, and is earned by completing certain requirements. The badge is awarded when the youth demonstrates a rudimentary knowledge of Scouting skills and ideals such as tying a square knot and knowing the Scout oath, law, motto, and slogan.

Tenderfoot - Tenderfoot is the second rank a Scout can earn. A Scout can work on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks at the same time, but each rank must be earned in sequence. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth, and Scout Spirit. 

Second Class - Second Class is the rank above Tenderfoot and below First Class. A Scout can work on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks at the same time, but must be earned in sequence. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit.

First Class - First Class is the rank above Second Class and below Star Scout. A Scout can work on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks at the same time, but must earn them in sequence. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit. At this point, Scouts shift focus from learning physical Scouting method to start developing leadership skills.

Star - Star is the rank above First Class and below Life Scout. It is the third-highest rank. Star is awarded when the Scout serves actively in the troop, team or crew in a position of responsibility for at least 4 months; performs at least six hours of community service; and earns six merit badges (four of which must be among the 13 required for Eagle Scout rank).

Life - Life is the second-highest rank attainable, above Star and below Eagle. Life is awarded when the Scout serves actively in the troop, team or crew, serves in a position of responsibility for six months, and performs six hours of community service. A Scout must also earn five merit badges (at least three of which must be required for the rank of Eagle) for a total of 11, including the six previously earned. 

Eagle - Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Eagle Scout (Scouts BSA) division of the BSA. Requirements include earning a minimum total of 21 merit badges, including all required badges that were not previously earned, and demonstration of Scout Spirit, service and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages.

ADVANCEMENTS

When it comes to advancing in Scouting, follow the Scout Motto and "Be Prepared." It will carry you far. Here's some other hints:

The Scout Handbook should be brought to each meeting and camping activities. Keep it safe, as the Book is fragile, and it holds your Scouting life within its pages! Be sure to get activities and/or requirements signed off as soon as possible.

Scouts are responsible for earning merit badges required for advancement. Our leadership had a list of Merit Badge Counselors in our area. Please remember, it is necessary to first obtain a blue card from the Scoutmaster or Advancement Chairperson before contacting any Merit Badge Counselor and/or beginning any merit badge work. The blue card is your permission to work on that Merit Badge. The Scout is to be the only one to contact any Merit Badge Counselor.

It is very important to keep the completed Merit Badge blue cards. Plastic "Baseball Card" holders work well to keep them all together. Also, remember to write in the margins of the Scout Handbook any Scout activities done- service projects, troop activities, hikes, camps, etc. This will help in keeping track of hours for advancement, as well as Eagle records.

Troop 312 has our own "Life to Eagle Policy" Click here to read