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Early Ranks
Beginning scouts — such as 11-year-old scouts or the New Scout Patrol — generally focus on earning the First Class rank.
Although the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class must be earned in order, the requirements for these ranks can be worked on in any order. For example, a Tenderfoot Scout can work on First Class requirements, but he can't be awarded the rank of First Class until he has completed all of the Second Class requirements. Many scouts benefit from adult advice when it comes to prioritizing and planning requirement signoffs for advancement. It's recommended that each troop have one or more Assistant Scoutmasters who help scouts navigate the trail to First Class.
Many first-year scouts are eager to begin working on merit badges. A first-year scout should not be discouraged from earning merit badges, but his main focus should be on rank advancement. Working through the rank requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class will keep a new scout interested in the program and will teach him many important skills that he will be able to use on campouts, hikes, and other outdoor activities.
The National BSA organization encourages troops to advance new scouts to First Class within their first year. The following are some of the significant steps in the requirements for the first few ranks. (Be sure to follow the official and complete requirements.)
- Scout campout in a tent the boy helps pitch.
- Prepare and cook patrol meal at a patrol campout.
- Three overnight scout campouts.
- Attend ten scout activities (beyond regular meetings).
- For a campout, plan the patrol menu for three meals and serve as the patrol cook.
- Complete the BSA swimmer test. (See page [Summer Camp].)
As a scout progresses through rank advancement, he might want to start work on merit badges that are related to some of his special interests or hobbies. This should be encouraged since he is more likely to complete a badge when he's interested in the subject matter.
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