Scouts BSA Star Rank
The Scouts BSA Star Rank is an important step on your path to Eagle Scout. As you work on this rank, you show that you are growing as a leader. You also show your commitment to service and to living the Scout Oath and Law.
This rank is different from Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. Now you are expected to take a more active role in your troop. You will not just learn skills. You will start leading, helping others, and being part of planning and activities.
You will build on what you have already learned. You will focus on Scout Spirit, merit badges, service hours, leadership, safety, and your Scoutmaster conference. Each part helps you grow in responsibility and confidence.
As you work toward Star Rank, you will gain real experience. You will help lead your troop. You will work with other Scouts. You will also explore your interests through merit badges and learn new skills.
In the next sections, you will find help for each requirement. Use this as a guide as you work through the rank. Take it one step at a time, and keep moving forward.
Requirements and Workbook
- Be active in your troop for at least 4 months as a First Class Scout.
- As a First Class Scout, 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 the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your everyday life.
- Earn 6 merit badges, including any 4 from the required list for Eagle. You may choose any of the 18 merit badges on the required list for Eagle to fulfill this requirement. See Eagle rank requirement 3 for this list on Eagle Requirements page.
- While a First Class Scout, participate in six hours of service through one or more service project(s) approved by your Scoutmaster.
- While a First Class Scout, serve actively in your troop for four months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility (or carry out a Scoutmaster-approved leadership project to help the troop):
- Scout troop: Patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, troop guide, Order of the Arrow troop representative, den chief, scribe, librarian, historian, quartermaster, bugler, junior assistant Scoutmaster, chaplain aide, instructor, webmaster, or outdoor ethics guide.
- Venturing Crew: President, vice president, secretary, treasurer, den chief, historian, guide, quartermaster, chaplain aide, or outdoor ethics guide.
- Sea Scout Ship: boatswain, boatswain’s mate, purser, yeoman, crew leader, media specialist, specialist, den chief, or chaplain aide.
- Lone Scout: Leadership responsibility in your school, religious organization, club, or elsewhere in your community.
- With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide and view the Personal Safety Awareness videos (with your parent or Guardian’s permission)
- While a First Class Scout, participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
- Successfully complete your board of review for the Star rank.
Download the Star Rank requirements
Download the Star Worksheet / Workbook
Answers and Resources for the Scouts BSA Star Rank
Answers and Helps for the Star Rank
Find specific helps for some of the Star 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.
Requirement 1: Activity
Be active in your troop for at least four months as a First Class Scout.
Requirement 1 Helps and Answers
Requirement 1: Be Active In Your Troop
What You Need To Do
Be active in your troop for at least four months after earning First Class. Take part in meetings, activities, and events during that time.
Helpful Tips
- Go to troop meetings as often as you can.
- Join campouts and outings.
- Take part in service projects.
- Be on time and ready to help.
- Stay involved even when things feel busy.
- Help other Scouts during activities.
- Talk to your leaders if you will miss events.
Leader Tips
- Help Scouts set simple goals for attendance and participation.
- Give them chances to be involved in activities and planning.
- Check in if a Scout starts missing meetings.
- Encourage steady participation over time.
Requirement 2: Oath and Law
As a First Class Scout, 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 the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your everyday life.
Requirement 2 Helps and Answers
Requirement 2: Live The Scout Oath And Law
What You Need To Do
Show Scout Spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your daily life. Share how you do your duty to God and how you follow these values each day.
Helpful Tips
- Think of real examples from your daily life.
- Help others at home, school, or in your community.
- Be honest and keep your promises.
- Treat others with respect and kindness.
- Make good choices even when no one is watching.
- Take time for prayer or reflection in your own way.
- Be ready to talk about what you have done and learned.
Resources
Leader Tips
- Ask open questions to help Scouts share real experiences.
- Give them time to think before answering.
- Encourage honest and simple answers.
- Support growth by focusing on effort and progress.
Requirement 3: Merit Badges
Earn six merit badges, including any four from the required list for Eagle. You may choose any of the 17 merit badges on the required list for Eagle to fulfill this requirement. See Eagle rank requirement 3 for this list.
Requirement 3 Helps and Answers
Requirement 3: Earn Merit Badges
What You Need To Do
Earn six merit badges, including four from the Eagle-required list. You can choose any badges from that list to meet this requirement.
Helpful Tips
- Pick badges that interest you.
- Start with one or two Eagle-required badges.
- Contact a merit badge counselor early.
- Set small goals and work on them each week.
- Keep your notes and records organized.
- Ask for help if you get stuck on a requirement.
- Finish each badge before starting too many new ones.
Resources
Leader Tips
- Help Scouts choose a mix of required and elective badges.
- Connect them with approved merit badge counselors.
- Encourage steady progress instead of rushing.
- Check in and offer support when needed.
Requirement 4: Service
While a First Class Scout, participate in six hours of service through one or more service projects approved by your Scoutmaster.
Requirement 4 Helps and Answers
Requirement 4: Participate In Service
What You Need To Do
Complete at least six hours of service while you are a First Class Scout. Your Scoutmaster must approve the service projects.
Helpful Tips
- Ask your Scoutmaster about approved service projects.
- Join troop service activities when they are offered.
- Look for ways to help in your community.
- Keep track of your service hours as you go.
- Choose projects where you can work with others.
- Be ready to work hard and help where needed.
- Finish all your hours before your conference.
Resources
Leader Tips
- Provide a list of approved service opportunities.
- Help Scouts track their hours clearly.
- Encourage a mix of troop and community service.
- Support Scouts in finding projects that fit their schedule.
Requirement 5: Leadership
While a First Class Scout, serve actively in your troop for four months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility (or carry out a Scoutmaster-approved leadership project to help the troop):
- Scout troop. Patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, troop guide, Order of the Arrow troop representative, den chief, scribe, librarian, historian, quartermaster, bugler, junior assistant Scoutmaster, chaplain aide, instructor, webmaster, or outdoor ethics guide.
- Venturing crew. President, vice president, secretary, treasurer, den chief, historian, guide, quartermaster, chaplain aide, or outdoor ethics guide.
- Sea Scout ship. Boatswain, boatswain’s mate, purser, yeoman, storekeeper, crew leader, media specialist, specialist, den chief, or chaplain aide.
- Lone Scout. Leadership responsibility in your school, religious organization, club, or elsewhere in your community.
Requirement 5 Helps and Answers
Requirement 5: Serve In A Leadership Role
What You Need To Do
Serve actively in a position of responsibility for four months as a First Class Scout. You can also complete a Scoutmaster-approved leadership project to help the troop.
Helpful Tips
- Choose a role that fits your skills and interests.
- Ask what your job includes before you start.
- Show up ready to do your duties each time.
- Help other Scouts and guide them when needed.
- Stay organized and keep track of your tasks.
- Ask for help if you are unsure what to do.
- Stick with your role for the full four months.
Resources
- Scouts BSA Youth Leadership Positions
- Assistant Patrol Leader and Rank Advancement
- Youth Leadership Positions Video
Leader Tips
- Help Scouts pick roles where they can succeed.
- Give clear expectations for each position.
- Check in regularly and offer guidance.
- Encourage Scouts to take ownership of their role.
Requirement 6: Safety
With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide and view the Personal Safety Awareness videos (with your parent or guardian’s permission).
Requirement 6 Helps and Answers
Requirement 6: Complete Safety Exercises
What You Need To Do
With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the child abuse prevention pamphlet. Watch the Personal Safety Awareness videos with their permission.
Helpful Tips
- Set a time to go through the pamphlet together.
- Read each section and complete the activities.
- Watch the videos all the way through.
- Talk about what you learn with your parent or guardian.
- Ask questions if something is not clear.
- Think about how to stay safe in different situations.
- Remember what to do if you feel unsafe.
Resources
Leader Tips
- Remind Scouts this requirement must be done with a parent or guardian.
- Provide clear directions on how to access the pamphlet and videos.
- Encourage follow-up conversations at home.
- Respect privacy and keep discussions appropriate.
Requirement 7: Scoutmaster Conference
While a First Class Scout, participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
Requirement 7 Helps and Answers
Requirement 7: Scoutmaster Conference
What You Need To Do
Take part in a Scoutmaster conference while you are a First Class Scout. Meet with your Scoutmaster and talk about your progress.
Helpful Tips
- Schedule your conference when you are close to finishing the rank.
- Wear your uniform and be prepared.
- Think about your Scouting experiences ahead of time.
- Be ready to talk about leadership, service, and activities.
- Share what you enjoyed and what was challenging.
- Talk about your goals for the future.
- Be honest and take your time answering questions.
Resources
Scoutmaster Tips
- Create a relaxed and friendly setting for the conversation.
- Ask open questions to help the Scout share experiences.
- Focus on growth, not checking off requirements.
- Encourage the Scout to set goals for the next rank.
Requirement 8: Board of Review
Successfully complete your board of review for the Star rank.
Requirement 8 Helps and Answers
Requirement 8: Board Of Review
What You Need To Do
Complete your Board of Review for the Star rank. Meet with a group of adult leaders and talk about your Scouting experience.
Helpful Tips
- Schedule your Board of Review after finishing all requirements.
- Wear your full uniform and arrive on time.
- Be ready to talk about your activities and leadership.
- Share examples of service and Scout Spirit.
- Answer questions in your own words.
- Speak clearly and take your time.
- Stay calm and treat it like a conversation.
Resources
Board of Review Member Tips
- Create a welcoming and respectful setting.
- Use questions to help the Scout share experiences.
- Focus on growth and effort.
- Offer encouragement and helpful feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Star Rank in Scouts BSA?
The Star Rank is the fifth rank in the Scouts BSA advancement program. It represents a significant step in a Scout’s journey towards becoming an Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in Scouts BSA.
Can I work on multiple Star rank requirements at the same time?
Yes, Scouts can work on multiple requirements simultaneously. However, it is important to keep track of your progress and ensure that you have completed all the necessary tasks for each requirement before moving on to the next.
How many merit badges do I need for the Star Rank?
To earn the Star Rank, Scouts must earn a total of six merit badges. These badges should include the four required merit badges for the rank of Eagle.
Can I count service hours from outside of Scouts BSA towards the Star Rank?
Yes, Scouts can count service hours from outside of Scouts BSA towards the Star Rank. However, it is important to document and track these hours accurately, and they should be approved by your Scoutmaster or troop leadership.
What kind of leadership roles can I take on for the Star Rank?
For the Star Rank, Scouts are required to serve in a position of leadership in their troop for at least four months. This can include roles such as patrol leader, patrol leader, troop guide, or other leadership positions within the troop. The position of assistant patrol leader cannot be used for this requirement.
How can I ensure safety while working on the Star Rank requirements?
Safety is a top priority in Scouts BSA. When working on the Star Rank requirements, Scouts should always follow the guidelines and safety protocols set by their troop and the Scouts BSA organization. It is important to seek guidance from adult leaders and use proper safety equipment when necessary.
What is a Scoutmaster conference?
A Scoutmaster conference is a meeting between a Scout and their Scoutmaster to discuss their progress, achievements, and goals. It is an opportunity for the Scout to reflect on their experiences and receive guidance from their Scoutmaster. A Scoutmaster conference is required for the Star Rank.
How can I prepare for a Scoutmaster conference?
To prepare for a Scoutmaster conference, Scouts should review the Star Rank requirements and be ready to discuss their experiences, achievements, and growth within Scouts BSA. It is helpful to reflect on how the Scout Oath and Law have influenced your actions and decisions in your daily life.
Can I receive guidance and support during the Scouts BSA Board of Review?
Yes, the Scouts BSA Board of Review is meant to be a supportive conversation. The adult volunteers conducting the review are there to provide guidance, ask questions, and offer feedback. It is an opportunity for Scouts to share their accomplishments and receive suggestions for further growth.
How long does it take to earn the Star Rank?
The time it takes to earn the Star Rank can vary depending on the individual Scout’s commitment, participation, and progress. Some Scouts may earn the rank within a four months, while others may take longer. It is important to focus on personal growth and the journey rather than the timeline.
Can I work on the Star Rank requirements with other Scouts?
Yes, working on the Star Rank requirements with other Scouts can be a great way to learn and collaborate. Scouts can support and encourage each other, share experiences, and work together to complete certain requirements that involve group activities or projects. However you must still complete each requirement.
Can I earn merit badges for requirements other than the Star Rank?
Yes, merit badges can be earned for requirements other than the Star Rank. Merit badges are a key component of the Scouts BSA program and provide opportunities for Scouts to explore various subjects and develop new skills and interests.
What happens after I earn the Star Rank?
After earning the Star Rank, Scouts can work on Life Rank. The Star Rank serves as a stepping stone towards the ultimate goal of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
Continue the Journey
The Scouts BSA Star Rank is an important milestone in a Scout’s journey towards becoming an Eagle Scout. This rank represents a significant step in personal growth, leadership development, and becoming a responsible member of the Scouts BSA community. Throughout the requirements for the Star Rank, Scouts have the opportunity to engage in various activities, demonstrate Scout spirit, earn merit badges, contribute service hours, take on leadership roles, prioritize safety, and participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
By completing these requirements, Scouts not only gain valuable skills and knowledge but also develop important character traits such as responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance. The Star Rank serves as a stepping stone towards the ultimate goal of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, where Scouts can continue their journey of personal growth and make a positive impact in their communities.
As Scouts work towards earning the Star Rank, they should remember that it is not just about achieving a rank, but about the experiences, lessons, and friendships formed along the way. The journey towards the Star Rank is an opportunity for Scouts to challenge themselves, discover their strengths, and develop into well-rounded individuals.
In conclusion, the Scouts BSA Star Rank is a significant achievement that represents a Scout’s commitment to personal growth, leadership, and service. It is a testament to their dedication and perseverance. By earning the Star Rank, Scouts are well on their way to becoming Eagle Scouts and making a lasting impact in their communities.
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