Scouts BSA Tenderfoot Rank for 2024

The Tenderfoot rank is an early step on the path to becoming a skilled Scout. It helps Scouts learn the basics of camping, first aid, and teamwork. This rank is important because it lays the foundation for all future Scouting skills. By working on the Tenderfoot rank, Scouts gain confidence and start to understand what it means to be part of a troop.

Scouts learn practical skills during their Tenderfoot journey. They set up tents, cook meals, and practice first aid. These activities teach responsibility and self-reliance. Scouts also learn the importance of working together and helping each other. These experiences are valuable both in Scouting and in everyday life.

The Tenderfoot rank also focuses on physical fitness. Scouts track their progress in exercises like push-ups and running. They set goals and work to improve their strength and endurance. This not only makes them healthier but also teaches them about setting and achieving personal goals.

By earning the Tenderfoot rank, Scouts develop a sense of accomplishment. They see how their hard work pays off and learn that they can achieve great things. The skills and lessons learned at this stage stay with them and help them as they continue to grow in Scouting and in life.

Tenderfoot comes after the Scout Rank.

Download the Tenderfoot Rank Requirements

Tenderfoot Rank Workbook / Worksheet

Tenderfoot Rank Check Off Sheet

Help with Answers for Tenderfoot Rank Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the Tenderfoot rank requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.

Getting Ready for Your First Campout

Before heading out on your first campout, it’s important to be prepared. This requirement is about making sure you have everything you need for a safe and fun trip. You will need to gather your personal and camping gear, such as a sleeping bag, tent, clothes, and cooking supplies. Pack these items properly so they are easy to carry and don’t get damaged. Show your leader that you are ready and organized. This helps you learn how to plan ahead and be responsible for your own gear.

Download a Camping Packing List.

Spending a night on a campout is a key part of the Tenderfoot rank. You will join your patrol or troop and help set up the campsite. This includes pitching a tent where you will sleep. Working together with your fellow Scouts to set up the camp teaches teamwork and cooperation. Sleeping in the tent you helped pitch gives you a sense of accomplishment and helps you feel more confident in your camping skills. This experience is a great way to start your Scouting adventure and learn important outdoor skills.

Practicing the Outdoor Code

For the Tenderfoot rank, you need to show that you understand and follow the Outdoor Code. The Outdoor Code is a guide for protecting nature and being responsible outdoors. It helps you learn to respect the environment and take care of it during your activities.

Here are some ways you can practice the Outdoor Code on a campout:

1. Be Clean: Pick up all trash, even if it isn’t yours. Leave the campsite better than you found it.
2. Be Careful with Fire: Only use designated fire pits. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving.
3. Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance. Do not feed them or disturb their habitat.
4. Be Considerate of Others: Keep noise levels down so everyone can enjoy the peace of nature. Follow the rules of the campsite.

Practicing the Outdoor Code shows that you care about nature and are a responsible Scout. For more details, visit The Outdoor Code.

Camping Log: Scouts will need to know how many nights they have camped for later merit badges and rank advancements, so they should start keeping track from the beginning.

Keeping It Clean on a Campout

For the Tenderfoot rank, you need to show that you know how to clean cooking and eating items safely. This is important because it keeps everyone healthy and prevents the spread of germs.

Here are some steps to clean items properly on a campout:

• Scrape Off Food: Remove any leftover food from plates, pots, and utensils.
• Wash with Hot, Soapy Water: Use hot water and biodegradable soap to wash the items. Make sure to scrub all surfaces.
• Rinse with Clean Water: Rinse the items in clean water to remove soap residue.
• Sanitize: Use a sanitizing solution or a bleach rinse (1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water) to kill any remaining germs.
• Air Dry: Let the items air dry completely before putting them away. This prevents bacteria from growing.

Cleaning items properly ensures that everyone stays healthy and meals are safe to eat. It also helps keep the campsite clean and organized. Practicing these steps on a campout shows that you are responsible and care about the well-being of your patrol.

The Value of Eating Together

For the Tenderfoot rank, understanding the importance of eating together as a patrol is key. Sharing meals is more than just eating; it helps build a strong sense of community and teamwork within your patrol.

• Strengthens Bonds: Sharing a meal gives Scouts a chance to talk and get to know each other better. It helps build friendships and trust.
• Promotes Teamwork: Preparing, serving, and cleaning up meals together teaches cooperation. Everyone has a role, and working together makes the tasks easier.
• Encourages Communication: Mealtime is a good opportunity to discuss the day’s activities, plan for upcoming events, and share ideas or concerns.
• Creates a Sense of Belonging: Eating together makes everyone feel included. It reinforces that each Scout is a valued member of the patrol.

Eating together as a patrol helps create a supportive and connected group. It makes the camping experience more enjoyable and helps Scouts learn the value of teamwork and camaraderie.

Help for Grubmasters: When first asked to be in charge of meals, a common response is “But I don’t know what to do!”. Here are some basic instructions.

Easy Recipes for Camp Cooking: Camp cooking can offer some challenges, but it can also be very rewarding. Go beyond hotdogs and hamburgers with these simple recipes.

Dutch Oven Cooking: Put the ingredients in, put some charcoal on the top and bottom, come back later, and voila! you have a delicious dish. See some recipes.

Foil Pack Dinners: The most typical foil pack ingredients are ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions. But don’t get stuck in a rut! Try some new combinations.

Using Two Half-Hitches

For the Tenderfoot rank, you need to know how to tie and use two half-hitches. This knot is useful for securing a rope to a post, tree, or another object. It’s simple to tie and very reliable.

See how to tie two half-hitches

Here are some practical uses for two half-hitches:

• Setting Up a Tent: Use two half-hitches to secure guy lines to tent stakes, keeping your tent stable and in place.
• Hanging a Clothesline: Tie a rope between two trees or posts to create a line for drying clothes or gear.
• Tying Up Boats: Secure a boat to a dock or tree to keep it from drifting away.
• Making a Shelter: Fasten a rope to a tree when building a temporary shelter with a tarp.

Knowing how to tie two half-hitches and understanding their uses helps you be prepared and effective in various outdoor activities. It’s a valuable skill for camping and many other situations.

Mastering the Taut-Line Hitch

For the Tenderfoot rank, you need to know how to tie and use the taut-line hitch. This knot is adjustable, making it very useful for situations where you need to change the tension of a rope without retying the knot.

See how to tie the taut-line hitch

Here are some practical uses for the taut-line hitch:

• Securing Tent Guy Lines: Adjust the tension on tent guy lines to keep your tent stable, especially in windy conditions.
• Hanging a Tarp Shelter: Use the taut-line hitch to easily tighten or loosen the ropes holding up a tarp shelter.
• Clotheslines: Create an adjustable clothesline where you can tighten or loosen the line as needed.
• Securing Loads: When securing a load to a vehicle or pack, the taut-line hitch allows you to adjust the tension to keep everything snug and secure.

Knowing how to tie the taut-line hitch and understanding its uses helps you manage your gear more effectively on campouts and other outdoor activities. This knot is essential for making quick adjustments and ensuring stability.

Knot Terminology: It is helpful to go over the terminology with Scouts before learning the knots for Tenderfoot requirement 3. That way we have a common vocabulary to start with.

First Aid Basics for Scouts

For the Tenderfoot rank, you need to know how to provide basic first aid. This helps you take care of yourself and others in case of minor injuries.

Simple Cuts and Scrapes

• Clean the wound: Wash with soap and water.
• Apply antiseptic: Use an antiseptic wipe or cream.
• Cover the wound: Use a sterile bandage or adhesive bandage.

Blisters on the Hand and Foot

• Clean the area: Gently wash with soap and water.
• Protect the blister: Cover with a blister pad or moleskin.
• Avoid popping: Keep the blister intact to prevent infection.

Minor (Thermal/Heat) Burns or Scalds

• Cool the burn: Hold under cool running water for 10-15 minutes.
• Protect the burn: Cover with a clean, dry cloth or sterile gauze.
• Avoid ointments: Do not apply ointments or butter.

Bites or Stings of Insects and Ticks

• Remove the stinger (if present): Scrape it out with a card or use tweezers.
• Clean the area: Wash with soap and water.
• Apply a cold pack: Reduce swelling with a cold pack or cloth.
• First Aid for Tick Bites: While most tick bites won’t cause more than minor irritation, if treated incorrectly complications may occur. Learn more about treating tick bites.

Venomous Snakebite

• Stay calm: Keep the person still to slow the spread of venom.
• Call for help: Seek immediate medical attention.
• Keep the bite below heart level: Avoid applying a tourniquet or cutting the wound.

Nosebleed

• Lean forward: Prevent swallowing blood.
• Pinch the nostrils: Hold for 10-15 minutes.
• Apply a cold pack: Place on the nose and cheeks.

Frostbite

• Warm the area: Use warm (not hot) water or body heat.
• Protect the area: Avoid rubbing and cover with a dry cloth.

Sunburn

• Cool the burn: Use cool, damp cloths.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids.
• Apply aloe vera: Soothe the skin with aloe vera gel.

Choking

• Encourage coughing: If the person can breathe and talk.
• Perform back blows and abdominal thrusts: If the person cannot breathe or talk, deliver 5 back blows followed by 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver).

Knowing these basic first aid steps helps you be prepared and confident in handling minor injuries during your Scouting activities.

Identifying and Treating Poisonous Plants

For the Tenderfoot rank, you need to know about common poisonous plants and how to treat exposure to them. This knowledge helps you stay safe while enjoying the outdoors.

Here are some common poisonous plants and how to treat exposure:

Poison Ivy

• Identification: Look for three shiny green leaves on a single stem. Leaves can turn red in the fall.
• Treatment: Wash the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible. Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching. Avoid scratching to prevent infection.
• Poison Ivy Fact and Fiction: See more information about Poison Ivy

Poison Oak

• Identification: Similar to poison ivy, it has three leaflets but with rounded or lobed edges. Found mainly in the western United States.
• Treatment: Wash with soap and water immediately. Use over-the-counter creams to ease itching. Seek medical help if the rash is severe.

Poison Sumac

• Identification: Grows as a tall shrub or small tree with clusters of 7-13 leaflets. Found in wet, swampy areas.
• Treatment: Clean the skin with soap and water. Apply anti-itch creams or take antihistamines. See a doctor if the rash spreads or becomes severe.

Stinging Nettle:

• Identification: Has serrated leaves with tiny, hair-like structures that inject irritants. Found in moist, wooded areas.
• Treatment: Rinse the skin with cold water and avoid scratching. Apply a paste of baking soda and water or use calamine lotion to relieve itching.

Wild Parsnip

• Identification: Looks like a yellow-flowered Queen Anne’s lace with grooved stems. Found in open fields and along roadsides.
• Treatment: Wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water. Keep the area out of sunlight to prevent a reaction. Use soothing creams for relief.

Giant Hogweed:

• Identification: Can grow up to 14 feet tall with large, white umbrella-shaped flowers. Leaves are sharply divided and spiky.
• Treatment: Avoid sunlight on the affected area. Rinse with cold water and apply sunscreen to reduce further reaction. Seek medical attention for severe reactions.

Knowing how to identify and treat exposure to these plants keeps you safe during your Scouting adventures. Always stay aware of your surroundings and learn about the plants in your local area or campsite.

Staying Safe on a Campout

For the Tenderfoot rank, it’s important to know how to stay safe and avoid injuries or exposure to harmful plants. Preventing problems is always better than having to treat them.

Simple Cuts and Scrapes

• Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves and pants can protect your skin.
• Be careful with tools: Use knives, saws, and axes safely and correctly.
• Keep your campsite tidy: Remove any sharp objects from the ground.

Blisters on the Hand and Foot

• Wear proper footwear: Make sure your shoes fit well and are suitable for hiking.
• Use gloves: Wear gloves when doing tasks that might cause blisters.
• Take breaks: Rest your feet often and check for hot spots.

Minor Burns or Scalds

• Be cautious around fires: Keep a safe distance and never leave a fire unattended.
• Use cooking gear safely: Handle hot pots and pans with care.
• Have a first aid kit ready: Be prepared to treat burns immediately.

Bites or Stings of Insects and Ticks

• Use insect repellent: Apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing.
• Wear long sleeves and pants: This reduces skin exposure to insects.
• Check for ticks: Inspect your body and clothing for ticks regularly.

Venomous Snakebite

• Stay on marked trails: Avoid tall grass, piles of leaves, and rocky areas.
• Be alert: Watch where you step and use a stick to poke around in dense brush.
• Know the local snakes: Learn which venomous snakes are in your area.

Nosebleeds

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially in dry conditions.
• Avoid picking your nose: This can irritate the nasal passages.
• Keep cool: Don’t overexert yourself in hot weather.

Frostbite and Sunburn

• Dress appropriately: Wear layers in cold weather and use sunscreen in sunny conditions.
• Stay dry: Wet clothing can lead to frostbite, so keep dry and change wet clothes quickly.
• Seek shade: Take breaks in the shade to prevent sunburn.

Choking

• Chew food thoroughly: Take your time eating and chew food well.
• Avoid talking or laughing while eating: This reduces the risk of choking.
• Know the Heimlich maneuver: Be prepared to help someone who is choking.

Exposure to Poisonous Plants

• Learn to identify plants: Know what poison ivy, oak, and sumac look like.
• Stay on trails: Avoid walking through areas with dense vegetation.
• Wear long clothing: Cover your skin to prevent contact with harmful plants.

By following these safety tips, you can prevent or reduce the risk of injuries and exposure during campouts and outdoor activities. Being prepared and cautious helps ensure a fun and safe Scouting experience.

Building Your Personal First-Aid Kit

For the Tenderfoot rank, you need to assemble a personal first-aid kit. Having a well-stocked first-aid kit is essential for treating minor injuries and being prepared for emergencies.

Here are some suggested items to include in your kit and how each is used:

• Adhesive Bandages (Band-Aids): Cover small cuts, blisters, or scrapes to keep them clean and protected.
• Sterile Gauze Pads: Cover larger wounds or burns. They help stop bleeding and protect the area.
• Adhesive Tape: Secure gauze pads or bandages in place.
• Antiseptic Wipes: Clean wounds to prevent infection before applying bandages or gauze.
• Antibiotic Ointment: Apply to cuts and scrapes to prevent infection and promote healing.
• Tweezers: Remove splinters, ticks, or debris from wounds.
• Scissors: Cut tape, gauze, or clothing away from a wound.
• Non-Latex Gloves: Protect yourself and others from blood and bodily fluids when treating injuries.
• Elastic Bandage (Ace Wrap): Wrap sprains or strains to provide support and reduce swelling.
• Moleskin: Protect against blisters and relieve pressure on sore spots.
• Instant Cold Pack: Reduce swelling and numb pain from sprains, strains, or insect bites.
• Hydrocortisone Cream: Relieve itching from insect bites, rashes, or allergic reactions.
• Pain Relievers (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Acetaminophen): Reduce pain, fever, or inflammation.
• Medical Information Card: Include your personal medical information and emergency contacts.
• Small Flashlight: Provide light when treating injuries in low-light conditions.

Having these items in your personal first-aid kit ensures you are ready to handle minor injuries during campouts and hikes. Knowing how to use each item is crucial for effective first aid and can make a big difference in an emergency.

First Aid Baseball Game: First aid baseball is a fun way to review first aid skills with Scouts. There are instructions for the game and a set of question cards.

Fake Wounds for First Aid Demonstrations: For a more elaborate demonstration for Tenderfoot requirement 4, try this method of making a fake wound on a “victim” or two.

The Importance of the Buddy System

For the Tenderfoot rank, understanding and using the buddy system is essential for your safety. The buddy system means you always have a partner with you during activities. This system helps ensure that everyone stays safe and accounted for.

• Safety in Numbers: Having a buddy means there is always someone to help if you get hurt or need assistance. You can look out for each other and respond quickly in an emergency.
• Preventing Getting Lost: With a buddy, you are less likely to get lost. If you do get separated from the group, you can work together to find your way back.
• Assistance in Emergencies: If one of you gets injured or has an emergency, the other can provide first aid or go for help. This immediate support can be crucial.
• Encouragement and Support: Having a buddy provides moral support. You can encourage each other to keep going during tough activities and share the experience together.

Using the buddy system on outings and in your neighborhood helps you develop teamwork and trust. It ensures that you are never alone and always have someone to rely on. This practice is a key part of Scouting and helps keep everyone safe during activities.

What to Do If You Get Lost

For the Tenderfoot rank, it is important to know what to do if you get lost. Getting lost can happen to anyone, but staying calm and knowing the right steps can help you stay safe and be found quickly.

Here are some steps to follow if you become lost:

• Stay Calm: Don’t panic. Take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Panicking can make it harder to think clearly and make good decisions.
• Stop and Stay Put: Stop walking and stay where you are. Moving around can make it harder for rescuers to find you. Staying in one place increases your chances of being found quickly.
• Think: Look around and try to remember where you came from. Think about any landmarks you passed or trails you were following. This can help you figure out your location.
• Use the Buddy System: If you have a buddy, stay together. Two people are easier to find than one, and you can support each other.
• Signal for Help: Use a whistle, flashlight, or brightly colored clothing to signal for help. Make noise and try to attract attention. Three short blasts on a whistle is a universal distress signal.
• Build a Shelter: If you are going to be in one place for a while, build a simple shelter to protect yourself from the weather. Use branches, leaves, or a tarp if you have one.
• Stay Warm and Hydrated: Keep yourself warm and drink water to stay hydrated. Avoid eating wild plants or berries unless you are sure they are safe.
• Mark Your Spot: Make your location visible by marking it with rocks, sticks, or a bright piece of clothing. This makes it easier for rescuers to see you from a distance.

The STOP acronym will help you remember the basics:

• S: Stay Put
• T: Think
• O: Observe
• P: Plan

Read more about the STOP acronym

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of being found quickly and staying safe if you get lost. Knowing what to do in this situation is a crucial part of earning the Tenderfoot rank and being a responsible Scout.

Rules for Safe Hiking

Requirement 5c: Explain the rules of safe hiking, both on the highway and cross-country, during the day and at night.

For the Tenderfoot rank, knowing the rules for safe hiking is important. Hiking can be fun, but you need to stay safe by following some basic rules.

Safe Hiking on the Highway

• Walk Facing Traffic: Always walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming cars. This way, you can see vehicles coming toward you.
• Stay on the Shoulder: If there is no sidewalk, walk on the edge of the road or on the shoulder. Stay as far from traffic as possible.
• Wear Bright Clothes: During the day, wear bright colors so drivers can see you easily. At night, wear reflective clothing or use a flashlight.
• Use Crosswalks: Always cross streets at designated crosswalks or intersections. Look both ways before crossing.
• Be Aware of Traffic: Pay attention to traffic signs and signals. Listen for cars and be alert to your surroundings.

Safe Hiking Cross-Country

• Stay on Marked Trails: Follow marked trails to avoid getting lost and to protect the environment.
• Travel with a Buddy: Always hike with a buddy or a group. This ensures you have help in case of an emergency.
• Carry a Map and Compass: Know how to use them and bring them with you. They can help you navigate and find your way back.
• Tell Someone Your Plans: Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Stay Hydrated: Bring enough water and drink regularly to avoid dehydration.
• Dress Appropriately: Wear suitable clothing and shoes for the weather and terrain. Bring extra layers if needed.

Safe Hiking at Night

• Use a Flashlight or Headlamp: Always carry a flashlight or headlamp to see where you are going and to make yourself visible to others.
• Stay Together: Stay close to your group or buddy. It’s easy to get separated in the dark.
• Be Extra Cautious: Watch your step and move more slowly. It’s harder to see obstacles and uneven ground at night.
• Avoid Hazardous Areas: Stay away from steep cliffs, rivers, or other dangerous areas that are hard to see in the dark.
• Make Noise: If you are hiking in an area with wildlife, make some noise to alert animals of your presence and avoid startling them.

By following these rules, you can enjoy hiking safely during the day and at night, whether you are on the highway or cross-country. These safety tips are an important part of earning the Tenderfoot rank and being a responsible Scout.

Tracking and Improving Your Fitness

For the Tenderfoot rank, you need to measure your current fitness level in these activities. This helps you see where you start and track your progress.

Pushups

• Start Position: Hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, body straight from head to heels.
• Lower: Bend your elbows, lowering your chest until it’s just above the ground.
• Raise: Push back up to the starting position, keeping your body straight.
• Plan: Do pushups every other day, starting with 3 sets of as many as you can do. Gradually increase the number in each set.

Situps or Curl-Ups

• Start Position: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Hands can be behind your head or crossed on your chest.
• Raise: Curl your upper body toward your knees, lifting your shoulders off the ground.
• Lower: Slowly lower back down to the starting position.
• Plan: Do situps or curl-ups three times a week. Start with 3 sets and increase gradually.

Back-Saver Sit-and-Reach

• Start Position: Sit with one leg straight and the other bent so the foot is flat against the inner thigh of the straight leg.
• Reach: Slowly reach forward toward your toes on the straight leg. Measure how far you can reach.
• Plan: Stretch daily, focusing on hamstrings and lower back. Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds.

1-Mile Walk/Run

• Warm-Up: Start with a light jog or brisk walk to warm up.
• Pace: Keep a steady pace that you can maintain throughout the mile.
• Cool Down: After finishing, cool down with a light walk.
• Plan: Run or walk three times a week. Start with a mix of walking and running, gradually increasing the running time.

Keeping a journal or log of your activities and improvements helps you see your progress. Practicing regularly and sticking to your plan will help you improve in each area and meet the Tenderfoot rank requirements.

See a personal fitness log

Honoring the U.S. Flag

For the Tenderfoot rank, you need to know how to properly handle the U.S. flag. This shows respect for the flag and the country it represents. Knowing how to display, raise, lower, and fold the flag is an important part of being a Scout.

Displaying the Flag

• Proper Position: The U.S. flag should be displayed with the union (the blue field with stars) at the top left when hanging vertically or horizontally on a wall.
• Higher Than Others: When displayed with other flags, the U.S. flag should be higher or to the right (from the observer’s perspective).

Read more details about displaying the US flag.

Raising the Flag

• Preparation: Ensure the flag is properly attached to the halyard (the rope used to raise and lower the flag).
• Hoist Briskly: Raise the flag quickly and smoothly to the top of the flagpole.

Lowering the Flag

• Slow and Respectful: Lower the flag slowly and with respect.
• Catch the Flag: Have someone ready to catch and support the flag as it comes down to prevent it from touching the ground.

Read more details about raising and lowering the US flag

Folding the Flag

• Two People: It’s easiest to fold the flag with two people. One person holds the flag at the ends, while the other folds.
• Triangular Fold: Start by folding the flag in half lengthwise twice. Then, fold it into a triangle starting at the striped end, continuing until only the blue field is visible.

Read about folding the US flag, with diagrams.

Knowing these steps helps you handle the U.S. flag with respect and care, which is an important part of earning the Tenderfoot rank. It also shows your respect for the country and its symbols.

Flag Ceremonies

• Flag Retirement Ceremony
• Opening Flag Ceremony
• Closing Flag Ceremony
• More Ceremonies

What Can Scouts Use as Service Hours? What “counts” when it comes to service? Read some thoughts and add your own.

Living the Scout Spirit

For the Tenderfoot rank, showing Scout spirit means living by the values in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. It’s about being a good person in your daily life.

Scout Oath

The Scout Oath is based on the promise originally introduced by Baden-Powell in 1908. Read more.

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.

Scout Law

A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, Reverent.

Learn more about what the 12 points of the Scout Law mean.

What Is Scout Spirit?

Scout Spirit is more than just saying the Scout Oath and Law at meetings. It means living by their ideals in your actions, thoughts, and how you treat others. Living by the Scout Oath and Law means keeping your promises and working to make a positive impact on the world around you.

For more information on what Scout spirit means, visit What Is Scout Spirit?.

Living the Scout Oath and Scout Law every day helps you build strong character and sets a positive example for others.

Scoutmaster Conference – Adding Requirements: A Scoutmaster may not add or take away requirements for advancement.

Board of Review Questions: Sometimes committee members struggle to come up with good Board of Review questions. Here are some examples for adults who will be participating in a Tenderfoot Board of Review.

What is the Tenderfoot rank?

The Tenderfoot rank is one of the early ranks you earn in Scouts BSA. It comes after the Scout Rank. It is still the beginning of your Scouting journey and involves learning basic skills and knowledge.

What do I need to do to earn the Tenderfoot rank?

To earn the Tenderfoot rank, you need to complete various requirements. These include camping, first aid, fitness, knots, and demonstrating Scout spirit. You also need to have a Scoutmaster conference and a board of review.

How do I show Scout spirit for the Tenderfoot rank?

To show Scout spirit, live by the Scout Oath and Law in your daily life. Be trustworthy, helpful, friendly, and other points of the Scout Law. You can give examples of how you have done this in everyday situations.

What is a Scoutmaster conference for the Tenderfoot rank?

A Scoutmaster conference is a meeting with your Scoutmaster. You discuss what you have learned and your experiences. It helps you set goals and plan your next steps in Scouting.

What is a board of review for the Tenderfoot rank?

A board of review is a meeting with a group of adult leaders. They ask you questions about your Scouting experiences and what you have learned. It is the final step in earning the Tenderfoot rank.

Do I need to know how to tie knots for the Tenderfoot rank?

Yes, you need to know how to tie a square knot, two half-hitches, and a taut-line hitch. These knots are useful for camping and other Scouting activities.

How important is physical fitness for the Tenderfoot rank?

Physical fitness is important. You need to complete fitness tests like pushups, situps, and a 1-mile walk/run. You also need to create a plan to improve your fitness over 30 days and show progress.

What kind of service project is required for the Tenderfoot rank?

You need to participate in at least one hour of service in a project approved by your Scoutmaster. This can be anything that helps others, like a community clean-up or helping at a local event.

The Tenderfoot rank is an early milestone in a Scout’s journey. It marks the beginning of learning and adventure in Scouts BSA. To earn the Tenderfoot rank, Scouts learn basic skills that are the foundation for later ranks. These skills include camping, first aid, and knot tying. Each skill prepares Scouts for more advanced activities and challenges.

A key part of the Tenderfoot rank is learning to live by the Scout Oath and Law. Scouts practice being trustworthy, loyal, and helpful. They show Scout spirit by living these values every day. This helps Scouts grow into responsible and caring individuals.

Physical fitness is also important for the Tenderfoot rank. Scouts complete fitness tests like pushups, situps, and a 1-mile walk/run. They create a plan to improve their fitness and track their progress. This encourages healthy habits and perseverance.

The Tenderfoot rank also involves participating in a Scoutmaster conference and a board of review. These meetings help Scouts reflect on what they have learned and set goals for the future. By completing the Tenderfoot rank, Scouts build a strong foundation for their Scouting journey.