Scouting Program

          Boy Scouting advancement

The Boy Scout advancement program is divided into three main areas. The first and primary advancement area is a series of Ranks that the Scout progresses through known as the Eagle Scout trail. The rank system occurs in two distinctly different phases.

After earning the Scout badge (which is simply the way boys join Boy Scouts, not a rank), boys work on the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. During this phase, all three ranks may be worked on at the same time. These ranks focus on Scouting skills - the outdoors, physical fitness, citizenship, patrol/troop participation, and personal development. After completing these ranks, a Scout should be adept at participating in all of the activities in the Boy Scout program, literally a First Class Scout.

During the second phase, Scouts work on the Star Scout, Life Scout, and Eagle Scout ranks. These ranks are worked on one at a time and must be earned in order. Here the focus of advancement switches from Scouting skills to personal development and community service. Merit badges are an integral part of this part or rank advancement.

After earning the Eagle Scout Award, a Scout still has the opportunity for advancement recognition by earning Eagle Palms.

Completion of requirements for advancement along the Eagle trail may be earned at any time, but ranks and palms are received in sequence and according to time and leadership requirements.

Scout badge - Not a rank, the Scout badge sets forth the joining requirements for Boy Scouts.

Boy Scout lower ranks

These three ranks may be worked on simultaneously, however, they must be completed in order.

Tenderfoot - Overnight camping, knots, American flag, Scout ideals, physical fitness, and first aid requirements.

Second Class - Orienteering; overnight camping and cooking; knife, saw and ax tools; flag ceremony; service; animal identification; first aid; swimming; and drug abuse dangers requirements.

First Class - Orienteering, patrol activities, overnight camping and cooking, U.S. rights and obligations, plant identification, knots and lashings, first aid and rescue, swimming and safety afloat, and joining invitation requirements.

Boy Scout higher ranks

Star Scout - Time, leadership, service, merit badges, and position of leadership requirements.

Life Scout - Time, leadership, service, merit badges, and position of leadership requirements.

Eagle Scout Award - Boy Scouting's highest award. Time, leadership, service, merit badges, position of leadership, and leadership service project requirements.  The Eagle Scout Award may be worn on a uniform of Venturers and Sea Scouts. The Star, Life and Eagle patch may be worn on the uniform of Venturers.

Eagle Palms - Recognition for further service, growth, and tenure.