Ranks
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.
The first badge that scouts can get is the scout badge. This is simply a
badge that boys get when they have gotten the basics of Boy Scouting down, such as the Scout law and the Outdoor
code. It is not an actual rank. After earning the scout badge, 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. For example, you could be a
Tenderfoot scout working on the next rank up, which is second class. While
you are working on that rank, you can also work on requirements from first
class 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.
