Rank Advancement
A new boy first earns the Scout badge showing that he has joined and is participating in the program. The requirements for Scout are the similar to those of the Arrow of Light.

THE SCOUT

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1.     Meet Age Requirements. Be a boy who has completed the fifth grade and be at least 10 years old, or be 11 years old, or have earned the Arrow of Light Award and be at least 10 years old, and be under 18 years old.
2.   Complete a Boy Scout application and health history signed by your parent or guardian.
3.    Find a Scout Troop Near Your Home.
4.    Repeat the Pledge of Allegiance
5.    Demonstrate the Scout Sign, Salute, and handshake.
6.     Demonstrate tying the square knot (a joining knot).
7.    Understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath or Promise, Law, Motto, and Slogan, and the Outdoor Code.
8.    Describe the Scout badge
9.    With your parent or Guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet "How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide."
10. Turn in your Boy Scout application and health history form signed by your parent or guardian, then participate in a Scoutmaster conference

Some Notes on Advancement:

• The most important point about advancement is that it should be about the means, not just the end. All levels of Scouting are oriented toward the age appropriate personal growth and development of its youth members.
  
• Advancement is based on specific requirements for the ranks of Tenderfoot thru First Class. 
  
• There is no prescribed time-table for advancement, it is based on the Scouts initiative and facilitated by Troop activities.
  
• The Ranks of Star and Life are earned based on meeting several core requirements that are common to all ranks along with a mix of required and elective Merit Badges. 
  
• The Rank of Eagle Scout is earned based on similar requirements plus the successful completion of a significant service project, planned and led by the Eagle candidate.
  
• The Eagle Scout Rank is a significant lifetime achievement due in large part to the rigorous requirements that must be met to earn it and the fundamental nature of those requirements as they pertain to individual motivation and responsibility.
  
• Parents no longer play a role in advancement except to support the activities necessary to accomplish it. 
  
• They can play a role of mentor and coach but should not facilitate or drive the advancement process. 
  
• Some Scouts and/or their parents see advancement as the goal of Scouting rather than putting the emphasis on the personal growth and development that the program and requirements are meant to foster.
  

These links contain information for each of the ranks:

           Tenderfoot - safety & fitness

           2nd Class - basic camping skills

           1st Class - outdoor self-sufficiency

           Star - service focused

           Life - leadership focused

           Eagle - ultimate scouting

           Eagle Palms - additional merit badges