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Boy Scout Troop 91
(Plainfield, Illinois)
 
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Scout Ranks



The information below is for general reference purposes only and may not be current with the requirements in the Boy Scout Handbook. In the case of discrepancies or conflicting information,the Boy Scout Handbook is the official reference.

Scout


The first step on theBoy Scout Advancement trail is the rank of Scout. To earn the rank ofScout, a boy will have to meet at least the following requirements, aswell as all requirements detailed in the Boy Scout handbook:
  • Be at least 11 years old or be at least 10 years old and earned the Arrow of Light
  • Repeat the Pledge of Allegiance and demonstrate the Scout sign, salute and handshake
  • Demonstrate tying a square knot
  • Understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath, motto, slogan and Outdoor Code

Tenderfoot


Scouts may work on their Tenderfoot rank simultaneously with SecondClass or First Class requirements, but they must earn the actual rankadvancements in order. Some of the requirements for the rank ofTenderfoot include:
  • Spend at least one night on a patrol or troop campout and sleep in a tent you helped pitch
  • On a campout, assist in preparing and cooking one of your patrol's meals
  • Demonstrate tying two half-hitches and the taut-line hitch knots
  • Demonstrate how to display, raise, lower and fold the American flag
  • Demonstrate simple first aid procedures
  • Participate in a Scoutmaster conference and Board of Review

Second Class


Some of the requirements for the rank of Second Class include:
  • Since joining, have participated in five separate troop / patrol activities, two of which include overnight camping
  • Demonstrate how to light a fire and a lightweight stove
  • Participate in an approved service project of at least one hour
  • Demonstrate your ability to jump feet first into water over your head in depth, level off and swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming, then return to your starting place
  • Demonstrate water rescue methods
  • Participate in a Scoutmaster conference and Board of Review

First Class


Some of the requirements for the rank ofFirst Class include:

  • Demonstrate how to find directions with and without a compass
  • Since joining, have participated in ten separate troop / patrol activities, three of which include overnight camping
  • On one campout, serve as patrol cook
  • Use lashing to make a useful camp gadget
  • Tell the five most common signs of a heart attack
  • Tell someone who is eligible to join Boy Scouts, or an inactive Boy Scout, about the Troop's activities. Invite him to a troop outing, activity, service project or meeting.
  • Participate in a Scoutmaster conference and Board of Review

Star


As Scouts progress past First Class the requirements and expectationsbecome more demanding. To earn the rank of Star, a scout will have todo at least all of the following:
  • Be an active member of the troop and patrol for four months as a First Class
  • Must take part in a majority of troop functions
  • Earn six merit badges, four of which must be from the list of those Merit Badges required for Eagle Scout
  • Must take part in at least six hours of work on a service project
  • While First Class, must serve at least four months in a leadership position
  • Must demonstrate Scout Spirit on campouts, meetings and in everyday life
  • Complete the Star Scout evaluation form and pass a Scoutmaster conference and Board of Review

Life


Life Scout is the final step before Eagle Scout, and in order toachieve this rank the Scout has to do the all of the following:
  • Be an active member of the troop and patrol for six months as a Star Scout
  • Must take part in a majority of troop functions
  • Earn five additional merit badges, three of which must be from the list of those Merit Badges required for Eagle Scout
  • Must take part in at least six hours of work on a service project
  • While Star, must serve at least six months in a leadership position
  • Must demonstrate Scout Spirit on campouts, meetings and in everyday life
  • Complete the Life Scout evaluation form, have a Scoutmaster conference and Board of Review

Eagle Scout


While we encourage all boys to achieve the Eagle Scout award, we wantto ensure that the boys truly earn and understand what it means to bean Eagle Scout. They need to posses a maturity level equal to the ranksof Star and especially Life Scout. They need to do more than just do allthe activities; they need to demonstrate what it means to be a BoyScout. They need to be able to complete the Scoutmaster-Committee reviewform and be able to answer questions on how they live and demonstratethe Scout spirit. As a Scoutmaster team, we reserve the right to not"pass" a scout to the level of Life if we feel that he is not showinginitiative, helpfulness, and maturity and not living the scout oath andmotto. We realize that boys are boys, and don't expect perfection. If aScout is not promoted, the Scoutmaster team must provide in writingtheir reasons for denial, and more importantly, a plan that details whatthe Scout needs to do to, and how long he needs to work to achieve therank. In addition, if the scout does not pass his board of review, thenthe committee is also responsible for the same. This way the Scout has aclear understanding and is motivated to keep growing.

Eagle Scout is the level that all scouts should aspire to reach.Eagle scouts are well known as motivated, energetic and successful young men. While all boys are capable of obtaining this rank, few have the maturity, desire and self-direction to see it through. Ideally we would love to see all of our boys earn this rank, however we want to ensure that the boys are of the proper maturity to understand the true meaning of what it means to be an Eagle Scout. It is with this in mind that we put forth the following requirements:
  • Must be an active member of the Troop and attend a majority of Troop events
  • Be active member of troop and patrol for six months as a Life Scout
  • Earn a total of 21 merit badges, 12 of which are specifically required
  • While a Life Scout, must serve at least six months in a leadership position
  • While a Life Scout, plan, develop, and give leadership in a service project
  • Submit proper application to BSA District
  • Must demonstrate Scout Spirit
  • Have a Scoutmaster conference and Eagle Board of Review

Special Considerations in Advancements

Scouting is meant to be an enjoyable activity that all young mencan take part in, regardless of disabilities of any kind. The spirit ofScouting is to prepare young men for the future, by building theirself-esteem and helping them to accomplish as many of the requirementson their own. Boy Scouts of America allow for exceptions to be madebased on special needs and challenges. According to BSA guidelines,ONLY the Troop Committee can approve alternative activities in advance.Parents need to bring these petitions to the Scoutmaster who willpresent the request to the committee for approval.