Rank Advancement

Rank Advancement

If your goal is to get to first class quickly, then you must do some thinking about the requirements and plan out the next year to 18 months. Set some intermediate goals, and have some backups to the harder requirements. If you would like to take it slowly, that's ok too. Many of the requirements can be earned by simply attending the outings and troop meetings, learning what is being taught, doing a bit of homework, and demonstrating it to the adult leadership. It may take a bit longer, but you will get there.

To advance in rank you must learn a requirement, and be able to demonstrate it to the scoutmaster or assistant scoutmaster. You will need to ask the scoutmaster to sign off requirements, they will not be asking to sign your book. Rank advancement is your responsibility.

For example, start out with the swimming merit badge. Contact the scoutmaster for the swimming merit badge counselor. You (as a scout) will contact the counselor and make an appointment. You will need to read the merit badge book, and complete the merit badge worksheet. If you don't know how to swim, then start with some lessons. Many of the requirements for the first few ranks involve swimming or first aid.

Plan to attend summer camp. Summer camps offer a special session to help scouts get to first class.

The trail to first class rank is full of skill and participation requirements, and ranks beyond first class focus on leadership and merit badges. These skills are summarized below, along with suggestions on when you might be working on these requirements:

Example progress chart; Every scout is different

Scout

Tenderfoot

Second Class

First Class