Boy Scouts is for boys ages 11 through 17. (1st-5th Grade? Click Here) When the 18th birthday is reached, he can no longer be a Boy Scout, but he can continue to support a troop in an adult leader role. Many boys crossover into Boy Scouts from Cub Scouts.  While others begin Boy Scouts at age 11 or even older.  One of the biggest differences boys find coming from Cub Scouts is that Boy Scouts is boy led. Since 3/4 of Scouting is 'outing' Boy Scouts spend much of their time camping, hiking, and participating in other outdoor activities that Boy Scouts offers. Unlike Cub Scouts where the group is called a Pack and it is broken into Dens based on a Cub’s grade in school.  In Boys Scouts the group as a whole is called a Troop and it is broken into Patrols with a recommended size of from 6 to 8 scouts per patrol.

 There are 7 Ranks to Earn in Boy Scouts

Scout

This requires learning the basic scout knowledge.

Tenderfoot

While participating in activities a Scout learns safety and progresses naturally to Tenderfoot.

2nd Class

While participating in activities a Scout learns camping and progresses naturally to 2^nd Class.

1st Class

While participating in activities a Scout learns self-sufficiency and progresses naturally to 1^st Class.  At this point the Scout will have acquired enough skills to teach others and begins working on the merit badges and performing service deeds to earn higher ranks.

Star

The Star rank is attained with participation, leadership, service, and self-directed advancement through merit badges.

Life

The Life Scout rank is earned by fulfilling additional leadership positions, service hours, and merit badges.  A Life Scout is a role model for younger scouts.

Eagle

Once earned a scout has reached the ultimate scouting goal.