Rank

Scout was previously a joining badge, but is now considered the first rank, and is earned by completing certain requirements. As of January 2016, the Scout badge has a gold fleur-de-lis on a tan background.

The badge is awarded when the youth demonstrates a rudimentary knowledge of Scouting skills and ideals like being able to repeat the Pledge of Allegiance, demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handshake, tie a square knot, and describe the Scout badge.

He must also understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan, and the Outdoor Code. In a sense, you're gathering Scouting knowledge you'll need for all other ranks.

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. The badge is similar to that of the Scout rank, with it adding an eagle and two stars. Finally, the Scout must pass a Scoutmaster conference, and Board of Review.

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 additional requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth, and Scout Spirit. Finally, the Scout must pass a Scoutmaster conference, and Board of Review.

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 methods to start developing leadership skills. Finally, the Scout must pass a Scoutmaster conference, and Board of Review.

Originally, First Class was the all-around Scout and the final and highest rank. Later ranks were originally recognitions of earning Merit Badges beyond First Class, and not properly ranks.

Now, these additional ranks form a second tier where Scouts can further develop leadership skills and explore potential vocations and avocations through the merit badge program.

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). Finally, the Scout must pass a Scoutmaster conference, and Board of Review.

Initially, the Life badge was awarded for five merit badges and the Star badge was awarded for ten. The order was reversed in the 1920s when it was decided that the five-pointed star of Star Scout better represented the five merit badges required for the first rank above First Class.

That symbolism disappeared when the number of merit badges required for Star was increased to six in 1990. A Star Scout is a responsible scout. A scout that not only follows the Scout Oath and Law but also is a role model for younger scouts.

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. Finally, the Scout must pass a Scoutmaster conference, and Board of Review.

Life was originally lower than Star and originally required earning five specific merit badges concerned with health and fitness (First Aid, Lifesaving, Public Health, Personal Health, and Athletics).

The ranks were switched in the 1920s, following a decision to recognize the five-pointed star as a symbol of the five badges needed to earn that rank. The Life heart came to symbolize achievement in health and fitness, as the First Aid merit badge was required for both Life and Eagle until 1972 when it became required for all ranks above First Class.

Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Scouts BSA division of the Boy Scouts of America. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million young men.

Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges. The Eagle Scout must demonstrate Scout Spirit, an ideal attitude based upon the Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership.

This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes their accomplishments of the Scout. Additional recognition can be earned through Eagle Palms, awarded for completing additional tenure, leadership, and merit badge requirements (read more below!).