Scouts advance at their own pace through the Scout ranks. Courts of Honor are held three times per year—in February, June, and October—to recognize achievements.
SCOUTS BSA RANKS
The Scouts BSA program is based on advancement through several ranks. Each scout progresses at their own rate. Some requirements are completed at Troop meetings, some at campouts, and some must be done independently. All advancements are earned individually.
In the Boy Scouts of America, a new Scout first earns the SCOUT badge after a Scout passes some basic requirements, like knowing the Scout Law and Oath, and the meaning of each (basically what they learned to earn the Webelos Arrow of Light Award).
The first basic rank, on what we call the Trail to Eagle, is TENDERFOOT, in which the Scout learns a variety of things like basic first aid, safe hiking, and the basics of camping, and takes part in troop activities. The next ranks are SECOND CLASS and FISRT CLASS, where they learn camping and cooking skills in more detail, more first aid, more knots and lashings, and other skills that will be useful throughout scouting.
The next three ranks are STAR, LIFE, and EAGLE. For these ranks, Scouts earn a certain number of merit badges for each rank, hold troop leadership offices, and perform a certain number of service hours. Some of the merit badges for Eagle are specifically required, while other merit badges can be selected by the Scout based on their interests. For Eagle candidates, besides earning merit badges, an Eagle service project must be performed for a charity, church, school, or community.
When do I work on Rank Advancement?
Rank advancement requirements can be worked on before or after Troop meetings and during Patrol Time at the meetings. There is also time available on most campouts to work on rank advancement requirements.
Who can sign off requirements?
Patrol Leaders and above can sign off on advancements for the Ranks of Scout through First Class. Adult Leaders can also sign-off on requirements.
Scoutmaster Conference & Board of Review
Before receiving each Rank, a Scout must demonstrate Scout Spirit, complete a Scoutmaster’s Conference, and pass a Board of Review.
Scout Spirit
Scout spirit means active participation in Scout activities, including regularly scheduled meetings and campouts.
Scoutmaster’s Conference
Once all the requirements for a Rank have been completed, the Scout will need to schedule a Scoutmaster’s conference. A Scoutmaster’s conference is a discussion with the Scoutmaster about your scouting accomplishments, school, family activities, and future scouting goals.
Board of Review
Once you have passed your Scoutmaster’s conference, you are ready for a Board of Review. The Board of review is conducted by three adult leaders. The Board will ask questions about what the Scout has learned in working on his next rank. Once a Scout has passed their Board of Review, they have achieved the Rank at that moment. They will receive the Rank badge at the Troop’s next Court of Honor (typically held in October, February and June).