Troop Program Resources
Essentials
- Sleeping Bag: Necessary for warmth and comfort. Choose one suitable for the temperature range expected on your trips.
- Sleeping Pad: Provides insulation and cushioning. Foam roll pads are a starter option, but air pads are preferred for their light weight and compactness.
- Backpack: Essential for carrying all gear. Ensure it fits well and is properly adjusted to the Scout’s body.
- Tent: While troops often provide tents, personal lightweight and easy-to-set-up tents are beneficial as Scouts engage in more backpacking.
- Cooking Gear: Includes lightweight cookware and utensils for meal preparation.
- Clothing: Appropriate for weather conditions, including rain gear, warm layers, and sturdy hiking boots.
- Personal Items: Such as insect repellent, sunscreen, and toiletries.
- 10 Essentials: Includes navigation tools, headlamp, sun protection, first aid kit, knife, fire starter, extra clothing and food, and water treatment.
- Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: To protect from sunburns and insect bites.
- Flashlights with Extra Batteries and Whistle: For light during nighttime and signaling for help.
- Compass: Crucial for navigation to prevent getting lost.
- Disposable Camera: For capturing memories without digital distractions.
- Frisbees or Board Games: For leisure activities during downtime.
- Dry-fit Clothing: For comfort and ease in drying.
- Strong Rope (At least 30 ft): Useful for securing tents, creating clotheslines, or during emergencies.
- Toiletries Kit: Including dental care, hygiene items, and headache medicine.
- Quick-Drying Towel: Versatile for drying off or sitting on the grass.
- Firestarter (Flint&Steel, Matches, or Lighter): Essential for campfires, especially if the Scout has earned their Firem’n Chit.
- Heavier items should be closer to your back/hips inside the backpack for balance and comfort.
- Don’t overpack, especially for hiking trips. Consider what the troop provides to avoid unnecessary items.
Toten Chip
Journey to Eagle
Scout Rank Requirements Guide
Welcome to the exciting journey of earning your Scout rank! This guide is designed to provide you with easy-to-follow instructions to complete each requirement successfully.Requirement 1: Repeat from Memory the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout Motto, and Scout Slogan.
Step-by-Step Guide:- Memorize the Scout Oath: Memorize the following words: On my honor, I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
- Memorize the Scout Law: Memorize the twelve points of the Scout Law: Trustworthy Loyal Helpful Friendly Courteous Kind Obedient Cheerful Thrifty Brave Clean Reverent
- Memorize the Scout Motto and Slogan: Scout Motto: Be Prepared Scout Slogan: Do a Good Turn Daily
Requirement 2: Explain What Scout Spirit Is.
Step-by-Step Guide:- Understand Scout Spirit: Scout spirit means living according to the values of Scouting in your everyday life.
- Provide Examples: Think about times when you’ve helped others, been honest, or shown kindness. These are all examples of Scout spirit in action.
Requirement 3: Demonstrate the Scout Sign, Salute, and Handshake.
Step-by-Step Guide:- Learn the Scout Sign: Hold your right arm up at a 90-degree angle with your fingers in the Scout Sign position (thumb holding the little finger).
- Practice the Scout Salute: Hold your right hand in the same position as the Scout Sign but with your thumb holding down your little finger.
- Master the Scout Handshake: Offer a firm handshake with your left hand. Why? Find out more here.
Requirement 4: Describe the First Class Scout Badge and Its Significance.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Understand the Badge: The Boy Scout Badge is in the shape of the fleur de lis (French for Iris Flower). It is also in the shape of an old compass pointing north. The top three points (same as the three fingers in the scout sign) represent Duty to God and Country, Duty to Others, and Duty to Self. The stars on the badge are always constant like the North Star, bringing truth and knowledge. The Eagle with the shield represent the freedoms of America and the Eagle ready to defend those freedoms. The goal of every Boy Scout is to become an Eagle. The scroll and knot are to remind us to do our duty with a smile and to always do a Good Turn Daily.
- Know Its Significance: Earning the First Class rank shows that you’ve mastered essential Scouting skills and are a dedicated Scout.
Requirement 5: Repeat from Memory the Outdoor Code and List the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.
Step-by-Step Guide:- Memorize the Outdoor Code: Memorize the following words: As an American, I will do my best to be clean in my outdoor manners, be careful with fire, be considerate in the outdoors, and be conservation-minded.
- Learn the Leave No Trace Principles: Study and understand each of the following seven Leave No Trace principles for outdoor ethics:
- Plan ahead and prepare.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Leave what you find.
- Minimize campfire impacts.
- Respect wildlife.
- Be considerate of other visitors.
Requirement 6: Repeat from Memory the Pledge of Allegiance and Explain Its Meaning.
Step-by-Step Guide:-
- Memorize the Pledge: Memorize the following words: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
- Understand Its Meaning: Think about what the words of the Pledge mean and why they are important.
Requirement 7: Attend at Least One Scout Troop Meeting.
Step-by-Step Guide:- Attend a Meeting: Go to a Scout troop meeting and observe how it’s run.
- Learn about Leadership: Notice how older Scouts lead activities and help younger Scouts.
- Understand Advancement: Listen for discussions about rank advancements and merit badges.
- Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about anything.
Requirement 8: Understand the Patrol Method.
Step-by-Step Guide:- Learn About Patrols: Understand what a patrol is and why it’s important in Scouting.
- Know the Types of Patrols: Traditional patrols, new Scout patrols, and venture patrols all serve different purposes.
Requirement 9: Learn About Your Patrol Identity.
Step-by-Step Guide:- Know Your Patrol: Familiarize yourself with your patrol’s name, emblem, flag, and yell.
- Understand Patrol Spirit: Learn how these items create a sense of unity and pride within your patrol.
Requirement 10: Practice Knot Tying.
Step-by-Step Guide:- Start with the Square Knot: Learn how to tie a square knot by practicing with a piece of rope.
- Master Two Half-Hitches: Practice tying two half-hitches to secure a rope to a pole or tree.
- Finish with the Taut-Line Hitch: Learn how to tie a taut-line hitch for adjusting tension on a line.
Requirement 11: Learn Proper Rope Care.
Step-by-Step Guide:-
- Understand Whipping: Learn how to whip the ends of a rope to prevent fraying. Practice using twine or tape to secure the ends.
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- Learn Fusing: Explore methods for fusing the ends of synthetic ropes to prevent unraveling. Practice with adult supervision.
Requirement 12: Understand Pocketknife Safety.
Step-by-Step Guide:- Handle with Care: Always treat a pocketknife with respect and caution. Avoid using it recklessly or inappropriately.
- Learn Cutting Safety: Practice using a pocketknife safely under adult supervision. Always cut away from yourself and others.
Requirement 13: Personal Safety Awareness.
Step-by-Step Guide:- Complete the Exercises: Work through the exercises in the pamphlet “How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide” with your parent or guardian.
- Watch the Videos: With your parent or guardian’s permission, watch the Personal Safety Awareness videos. Pay attention to the safety tips provided.
Requirement 14: Participate in a Scoutmaster Conference.
Step-by-Step Guide:- Schedule the Conference: Speak to your Scoutmaster to schedule a Scoutmaster conference.
- Prepare for the Discussion: Think about your experiences in Scouting so far and what you’ve learned.
- Attend the Conference: Participate actively inthe discussion. Be open and honest about your experiences and goals in Scouting.
Tenderfoot Requirements Guide
Requirement 1: Outdoor Skills and Camping
1a. Present yourself to your leader, prepared for an overnight camping trip. Show the personal and camping gear you will use. Show the right way to pack and carry it. (Pages 267-273)
1b. Spend at least one night on a patrol or troop campout. Sleep in a tent you have helped pitch. (Pages 276-279)
1c. Explain how you demonstrated the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace on campouts or outings. (Pages 223-235)
Requirement 2: Cooking and Campsite Management
2a. On the campout, assist in preparing one of the meals. Tell why it is important for each patrol member to share in meal preparation and cleanup. (Pages 304-305 and 310-324)
2b. While on a campout, demonstrate the appropriate method of safely cleaning items used to prepare, serve, and eat a meal. (Pages 307-308)
2c. Explain the importance of eating together as a patrol. (Pages 325)
Requirement 3: Knot Tying and Tool Use
3a. Demonstrate a practical use of the square knot. (Page 365)
3b. Demonstrate a practical use of two half-hitches. (Page 366)
3c. Demonstrate a practical use of the taut-line hitch. (Page 367)
3d. Demonstrate proper care, sharpening, and use of the knife, saw, and ax. Describe when each should be used. (Page 378-387)
Requirement 4: First Aid and Safety
4a. Show first aid for various injuries including:
Simple cuts and scrapes (Page 125)
Blisters on the hand and foot (Pages 125-126)
Minor Burns (Pages 136-137)
Bites or stings of insects and ticks (Pages 131-132)
Venomous snakebites (Pages 129-130)
Nosebleed (Pages 126-127)
Frostbite and sunburn (Pages 136-137 and 140-141)
Choking (Pages 120-121)
4b. Describe common poisonous or hazardous plants; identify any that grow in your local area or campsite location. Tell how to treat exposure to them. (Pages 127 and 191-192)
4c. Explain what you can do while on a campout or other outdoor activity to prevent or reduce the occurrence of injuries or exposure listed in Tenderfoot requirements 4a and 4b. (Pages 150-151)
4d. Assemble a personal first-aid kit to carry with you on future campouts and hikes. Explain how each item in the kit would be used. (Page 108)
Requirement 5: Personal Safety and Awareness
5a. Explain the importance of the buddy system as it relates to your personal safety on outings and in your community. Use the buddy system while on a troop or patrol outing. (Pages 29 and 252)
5b. Describe what to do if you become lost on a hike or campout. (Pages 254-255)
5c. Explain the rules of safe and responsible hiking, both on the highway and cross-country, during the day and at night. (Pages 252-253)
5d. Explain why it is important to hike on trails or other durable surfaces, and provide examples of durable surfaces you saw on your outing.
Requirement 6: Physical Fitness
6a. Record your best in various fitness tests including pushups, situps, back-saver sit-and-reach, and a 1-mile walk/run. (Page 81)
6b. Develop and describe a plan for improvement in each of the activities listed in Tenderfoot requirement 6a. Keep track of your activity for at least 30 days. (Pages 76-77)
6c. Show improvement (of any degree) in each activity listed in Tenderfoot requirement 6a after practicing for 30 days. (Page 81)
Requirement 7: Citizenship and Service
7a. Demonstrate how to display, raise, lower, and fold the U.S. flag. (Pages 58-60)
7b. Participate in a total of one hour of service in one or more service projects approved by your Scoutmaster. Explain how your service to others relates to the Scout slogan and Scout motto. (Pages 16-17 and 68)
Requirement 8: Scout Spirit and Leadership
8. Describe the steps in Scouting’s Teaching EDGE method. Use the Teaching EDGE method to teach another person how to tie the square knot. (Pages 38-39 and 365)
Requirement 9: Scout Spirit
9. Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God and how you have lived four different points of the Scout Law in your everyday life. (Pages 11-16 and 23)
Requirements 10-11: Scout Advancement Process
10. While working toward the Tenderfoot rank, and after completing Scout rank requirement 7, participate in a Scoutmaster conference. (Page 418)
11. Successfully complete your board of review for the Tenderfoot rank. (Page 414)
Second Class Rank Requirements
Requirement 1: Camping and Outdoor Ethics
1a. Since joining Scouts BSA, participate in five separate troop/patrol activities, at least three of which must be held outdoors. Of the outdoor activities, at least two must include overnight camping. These activities do not include troop or patrol meetings. On campouts, spend the night in a tent that you pitch or other structure that you help erect, such as a lean-to, snow cave, or tepee. (Pages 260, 276-277)
1b. Recite the principles of Leave No Trace from memory. Explain how you follow them on all outings. (Pages 260, 276-277)
1c. On one of these campouts, select a location for your patrol site and recommend it to your patrol leader, senior patrol leader, or troop guide. Explain what factors you should consider when choosing a patrol site and where to pitch a tent. (Pages 260, 276-277)
Requirement 2: Cooking and Tools
2a. Explain when it is appropriate to use a fire for cooking or other purposes and when it would not be appropriate to do so. (Pages 303-304, 387-393)
2b. Use a pocketknife, and a saw or axe if needed, to prepare tinder, kindling, and fuel wood for a cooking fire. (Pages 303-304, 387-393)
2c. Using a minimum-impact method at an approved outdoor location and time, use the tinder, kindling, and fuel wood from Second Class requirement 2b to demonstrate how to build a fire. Unless prohibited by local fire restrictions, light the fire. After allowing the flames to burn safely for at least two minutes, safely extinguish the flames with minimal impact to the fire site. Properly dispose of the ashes and any charred remains. (Pages 303-304, 387-393)
2d. Explain when it is appropriate to use a lightweight stove and when it is appropriate to use a propane stove. Set up a lightweight stove or propane stove. Light the stove, unless prohibited by local fire restrictions. Describe the safety procedures for using these types of stoves. (Pages 303-304, 387-393)
2e. On one campout, plan and cook one hot breakfast or lunch, selecting foods from MyPlate or the current USDA nutritional model. Explain the importance of good nutrition. Demonstrate how to transport, store, and prepare the foods you selected. (Pages 303-304, 387-393)
2f. Demonstrate tying the sheet bend knot. Describe a situation in which you would use this knot. (Pages 303-304, 387-393)
2g. Demonstrate tying the bowline knot. Describe a situation in which you would use this knot. (Pages 303-304, 387-393)
Requirement 3: Navigation
3a. Demonstrate how a compass works and how to orient a map. Use a map to point out and tell the meaning of five map symbols. (Pages 332-345)
3b. Using a compass and map together, take a 5-mile hike (or 10 miles by bike) approved by your adult leader and your parent or guardian. (Pages 332-345)
3c. Describe some hazards or injuries that you might encounter on your hike and what you can do to help prevent them. (Pages 332-345)
Requirement 4: Nature
4. Identify or show evidence of at least 10 kinds of wild animals (such as birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, or mollusks) found in your local area or camping location. You may show evidence by tracks, signs, or photographs you have taken. (Pages 199-212)
Requirement 5: Aquatics
5a. Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe swim. (Pages 158-181)
5b. Demonstrate your ability to pass the BSA beginner test: Jump feetfirst into water over your head in depth, level off and swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming, then return to your starting place. (Pages 158-181)
5c. Demonstrate water rescue methods by reaching with your arm or leg, by reaching with a suitable object, and by throwing lines and objects. (Pages 158-181)
5d. Explain why swimming rescues should not be attempted when a reaching or throwing rescue is possible. Explain why and how a rescue swimmer should avoid contact with the victim. (Pages 158-181)
Requirement 6: First Aid and Emergency Preparedness
6a. Demonstrate first aid for various injuries and medical emergencies. (Pages 114-155)
6b. Show what to do for “hurry” cases of stopped breathing, stroke, severe bleeding, and ingested poisoning. (Pages 114-155)
6c. Tell what you can do while on a campout or hike to prevent or reduce the occurrence of the injuries listed in Second Class requirements 6a and 6b. (Pages 114-155)
6d. Explain what to do in case of accidents that require emergency response in the home and backcountry. Explain what constitutes an emergency and what information you will need to provide to a responder. (Pages 114-155)
6e. Tell how you should respond if you come upon the scene of a vehicular accident. (Pages 114-155)
Requirement 7: Fitness
7a. After completing Tenderfoot requirement 6c, be physically active at least 30 minutes each day for five days a week for four weeks. Keep track of your activities. (Pages 76-81)
7b. Share your challenges and successes in completing Second Class requirement 7a. Set a goal for continuing to include physical activity as part of your daily life and develop a plan for doing so. (Pages 76-81)
7c. Participate in a school, community, or troop program on the dangers of using drugs, alcohol, and tobacco and other practices that could be harmful to your health. Discuss your participation in the program with your family, and explain the dangers of substance addictions. (Pages 76-81)
Requirement 8: Citizenship
8a. Participate in a flag ceremony for your school, religious institution, chartered organization, community, or Scouting activity. (Pages 56-62, 14-15, 68)
8b. Explain what respect is due the flag of the United States. (Pages 56-62, 14-15, 68)
8c. With your parents or guardian, decide on an amount of money that you would like to earn, based on the cost of a specific item you would like to purchase. Develop a written plan to earn the amount agreed upon and follow that plan; it is acceptable to make changes to your plan along the way. Discuss any changes made to your original plan and whether you met your goal. (Pages 56-62, 14-15, 68)
8d. At a minimum of three locations, compare the cost of the item for which you are saving to determine the best place to purchase it. After completing Second Class requirement 8c, decide if you will use the amount that you earned as originally intended, save all or part of it, or use it for another purpose. (Pages 56-62, 14-15, 68)
8e. Participate in two hours of service through one or more service projects approved by your Scoutmaster. Tell how your service to others relates to the Scout Oath. (Pages 56-62, 14-15, 68)
Requirement 9: Personal Safety Awareness
9a. Explain the three R’s of personal safety and protection. (Pages 400-408)
9b. Describe bullying; tell what the appropriate response is to someone who is bullying you or another person. (Pages 400-408)
Requirement 10: Scout Spirit
10. Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God and how you have lived four different points of the Scout Law (not to include those used for Tenderfoot requirement 9) in your everyday life. (Pages 11-16, 23, 418)
Requirement 11: Scout Advancement Process
11. While working toward the Second Class rank, and after completing Tenderfoot requirement 10, participate in a Scoutmaster conference. (Pages 418)
12. Successfully complete your board of review for the Second Class rank. (Pages 414)
First Class Rank Requirements
Requirement 1: Camping and Outdoor Ethics
1a. Since joining Scouts BSA, participate in 10 separate troop/patrol activities, at least six of which must be held outdoors. Of the outdoor activities, at least three must include overnight camping. Spend the night in a tent that you pitch or other structure that you help erect. (Page 221)
1b. Explain the potential impacts of camping on the environment and other outdoor users. Explain why the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace principles are important for protecting the outdoors. (Page 221)
Requirement 2: Cooking
2a. Help plan a menu for one of the above campouts that includes at least one breakfast, one lunch, and one dinner, and that requires cooking at least two of the meals. (Page 290)
2b. Make a budget and a list of food amounts needed to feed three or more youth based on the planned menu. (Page 296)
2c. Show which pans, utensils, and other gear will be needed to cook and serve these meals. (Page 302)
2d. Demonstrate safe handling and storage of perishable food products and proper disposal of camp garbage. (Page 306)
2e. Serve as cook on one campout, preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and supervising cleanup. (Page 304)
Requirement 3: Tools
3a. Discuss when to use lashings. (Page 371)
3b. Demonstrate tying the timber hitch and clove hitch. (Page 367)
3c. Demonstrate tying the square, shear, and diagonal lashings by joining two or more poles or staves together. (Page 373)
3d. Use lashings to make a useful camp gadget or structure. (Page 371)
Requirement 4: Navigation
4a. Complete an orienteering course using a map and compass. (Page 328)
4b. Demonstrate how to use a handheld GPS unit, GPS app on a smartphone, or other electronic navigation system. (Page 345)
Requirement 5: Nature
5a. Identify or show evidence of at least 10 kinds of native plants found in your local area or campsite location. (Page 188)
5b. Identify two ways to obtain a weather forecast for an upcoming activity. Describe at least three natural indicators of impending hazardous weather. (Page 212)
5c. Describe extreme weather conditions you might encounter in the outdoors in your local geographic area. (Page 212)
Requirement 6: Aquatics
6a. Successfully complete the BSA swimmer test. (Page 168)
6b. Explain precautions for a safe trip afloat. (Page 172)
6c. Identify the basic parts of a boat and proper body positioning. (Page 174)
6d. Show a line rescue as tender and rescuer. (Page 180)
Requirement 7: First Aid and Emergency Preparedness
7a. Demonstrate bandages for various injuries and methods to transport a person from a smoke-filled room or with a sprained ankle. (Page 142)
7b. By yourself and with a partner, show how to transport a person from a smoke-filled room and transport a person with a sprained ankle for at least 25 yards. (Page 149)
7c. Tell the five most common signals of a heart attack and explain CPR procedures. (Page 116)
7d. Describe utility services in your home or meeting place and respond to emergency situations. (Page 154)
7e. Develop an emergency action plan for your home and explain how to obtain potable water in an emergency. (Page 153)
Requirement 8: Fitness
8a. Be physically active for 30 minutes each day for five days a week for four weeks. (Page 76)
8b. Share challenges and successes in completing physical activity requirements and set goals for continued activity. (Page 76)
Requirement 9: Citizenship
9a. Discuss constitutional rights and obligations of a U.S. citizen with a selected individual approved by your leader. (Page 54)
9b. Investigate an environmental issue affecting your community and share what you learned with your patrol or troop. (Page 55)
9c. Take note of the trash and garbage produced on outings and plan to reduce, recycle, or repurpose items on future outings. (Page 55)
9d. Participate in three hours of service through one or more service projects approved by your Scoutmaster. Explain how your service relates to the Scout Law. (Page 13)
Requirement 10: Leadership
10. Tell someone eligible to join Scouts BSA about your activities and invite them to join or encourage an inactive Scout to become active. (Page 13)
Requirement 11: Scout Spirit
11. Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God and lived four different points of the Scout Law in your everyday life. (Page 11)
Requirement 12: Scout Advancement Process
12. Participate in a Scoutmaster conference (Page 418)
13. Successfully complete your board of review for the First Class rank. (Page 414)