Scouts BSA Life Rank

Download the Life Rank requirements

Download the Life Worksheet / Workbook

Check Off Sheet for the Scouts BSA Life Rank

Requirement 1: Activity

What You Need To Do
Be active in your troop for at least six months after earning Star rank.

Helpful Tips

• Stay involved in troop meetings and activities. Show up regularly and be ready to participate.
• Keep your registration current so you are an active member.
• Follow the Scout Oath and Law in your actions. This shows you are in good standing.
• Do your best to meet your troop’s expectations. This may include meetings, campouts, and service.
• Talk to your leaders if you cannot attend something. Communication matters.
• Look for ways to help your troop. Being active means contributing, not just showing up.
• Keep track of your participation so you know you meet the six-month requirement.

Leader Tips

• Explain what “active” means in your troop.
• Encourage regular participation in meetings and outings.
• Talk with Scouts about expectations early.
• Support Scouts who are trying to stay involved.

Requirement 2: Scout Spirit

What You Need To Do
Show Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Explain how you do your duty to God and how you live these values each day.

Helpful Tips

• Read more about Scout Spirit.
• Think about real examples from your life. Use situations from home, school, or Scouts.
• Show how you follow the Scout Law. Be honest, helpful, and respectful in your actions.
• Explain your duty to God in a way that fits your beliefs. Talk about prayer, service, or living your faith.
• Be consistent. Scout spirit is shown over time, not just once.
• Reflect on your choices. Think about how your actions match the Oath and Law.
• Be ready to talk about challenges. Share how you try to do better when things are hard.
• Speak in your own words. Make your explanation simple and honest.

Leader Tips

• Ask Scouts for clear, real-life examples.
• Encourage thoughtful reflection, not memorized answers.
• Respect each Scout’s beliefs about duty to God.
• Focus on growth and effort over perfection.

Requirement 3: Merit Badges

What You Need To Do
Earn five more merit badges for a total of 11. At least three of the new badges must be from the Eagle-required list.

Helpful Tips

• Check how many badges you already have so you know what you need.
• See the full list of merit badges.
• Choose at least three badges from the Eagle-required list.
• Pick two more badges that interest you. This makes the work more enjoyable.
• Talk to your Scoutmaster before starting a badge. Get approval and a counselor.
• Set a plan for each badge. Break the requirements into small steps.
• Keep track of your progress. Write down what you complete so nothing is missed.
• Meet with your counselor regularly. Ask questions and show your work.

Leader Tips

• Review each Scout’s current badges and progress.
• Help Scouts choose a mix of required and interest badges.
• Encourage steady progress, not last-minute work.
• Support Scouts in connecting with counselors.

Requirement 4: Service

What You Need To Do
Complete six hours of service as a Star Scout. At least three hours must be conservation-related and approved by your Scoutmaster.

Helpful Tips

• Plan ahead so you can spread your service hours over time.
• Choose projects that truly help others or improve the environment.
• Make sure your Scoutmaster approves the project before you start.
• Include conservation work like cleanups, planting trees, or habitat projects. See more ideas.
• Keep track of your hours. Write down dates, times, and what you did.
• Work hard during service. Stay focused and do your best.
• Be ready to explain what you did and what you learned from the experience.

Leader Tips

• Approve projects that meet service and conservation goals. See What Can Scouts Use as Service Hours?
• Encourage Scouts to plan and track their hours.
• Help Scouts find meaningful service opportunities.
• Reinforce the value of helping others and caring for the environment.

Requirement 5: Leadership

What You Need To Do
Serve in a position of responsibility for six months as a Star Scout, or complete a leadership project approved by your Scoutmaster.

Helpful Tips

• Choose a position that fits your skills and interests. Talk to your leaders about options. See Scouts BSA Youth Leadership Positions.
• Take your role seriously. Show up and do the duties of your position.
• Lead by example. Follow the Scout Oath and Law in your actions.
• Help other Scouts. Teach skills, answer questions, and support your patrol or troop.
• Stay organized. Keep track of tasks and responsibilities for your role.
• Communicate with leaders and other Scouts. Let them know what is happening.
• Ask for help if you are unsure. Learning is part of leadership.

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts understand the duties of each position.
• Check in regularly to support their progress.
• Encourage active leadership, not just holding a title.
• Guide Scouts in setting goals for their role.
• Remind them that the assistant patrol leader is not an approved position.

Requirement 6: Teach Using EDGE

What You Need To Do
Use the EDGE method to teach another Scout a set of skills from an approved list. Help them learn well enough to pass the requirement.

Helpful Tips

• Learn more about the EDGE method.
• Choose a skill you know well. Pick one from the approved options.
• Start with Explain. Tell what the skill is and why it matters.
• Demonstrate the skill slowly. Show each step clearly.
• Guide the Scout as they try it. Give simple tips and corrections.
• Enable them to do it alone. Let them practice until they are confident.
• Teach a younger Scout if possible. This helps you practice leadership.
• Check their understanding. Make sure they are ready before finishing.

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts choose a skill that fits their ability.
• Observe the teaching process and give feedback.
• Encourage patience and clear communication.
• Confirm the Scout being taught is ready to pass.

Requirement 7: Scoutmaster Conference

What You Need To Do
Take part in a Scoutmaster conference while you are a Star Scout.

Helpful Tips

• Understand the purpose. This is a conversation, not a test. See What Is a Scoutmaster Conference?
• Be ready to talk about your progress since earning Star.
• Think about your leadership role. Share what you did and what you learned.
• Reflect on Scout spirit. Give examples of how you live the Oath and Law.
• Talk about challenges. Explain what was hard and how you handled it.
• Be ready to discuss your goals for the future. Think about Eagle and beyond.
• Listen carefully to feedback. Use it to keep improving.

Scoutmaster Tips

• Keep the conversation relaxed and supportive.
• Ask open-ended questions about growth and leadership.
• Help Scouts reflect on their experiences.
• Guide them in setting goals for the next steps.

Requirement 8: Board Of Review

What You Need To Do
Take part in a board of review and be approved for the Life rank.

Helpful Tips

• Understand the purpose. This is a conversation, not a test. See What Is a Board of Review?
• Be ready to talk about your time as a Star Scout. Think about leadership, service, and activities.
• Share what you learned. Talk about skills, challenges, and growth.
• Give real examples. Explain how you lived the Scout Oath and Law.
• Be honest in your answers. There are no perfect responses.
• Speak clearly and take your time. Stay calm and respectful.
• Think about your future. Be ready to talk about your plans for Eagle.

Board of Review Member Tips

• Explain the process so Scouts feel prepared.
• Encourage honest and thoughtful answers.
• Use the review to understand the Scout’s growth.
• Offer feedback that supports the next step toward Eagle.
• See sample Board of Review questions.