Scouts BSA (AKA Boy Scouts) for 2025

Scouts BSA, formerly known as Boy Scouts, is a program of the Boy Scouts of America for youth aged 11 through 17. It aims to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The program offers a unique mix of adventure, leadership development, and service to others, fostering a sense of community and personal growth.

Members participate in a wide range of outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, and backpacking, which are integral to the program’s emphasis on character development, citizenship, and physical fitness. Scouts BSA is structured around a patrol system, promoting teamwork and leadership through peer-led activities and decision-making processes. Through advancement opportunities, Scouts are encouraged to learn various skills, earn merit badges, and progress through ranks, culminating in the prestigious Eagle Scout rank.

Scouts BSA is committed to inclusivity, welcoming members from diverse backgrounds and beliefs. The program is designed to be adaptable, supporting Scouts in achieving their full potential, whether through high adventure experiences, community service projects, or personal growth initiatives. By participating in Scouts BSA, youth gain confidence, resilience, and skills that benefit them throughout their lives.

Scout Rank

The Scout rank lays the foundation for a young person’s journey in Scouts BSA, serving as the entry point into the program. It focuses on teaching the basics of scouting, including the Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan, as well as the significance of the Scout emblem. Scouts learn essential skills such as knot tying, the buddy system, and how to conduct themselves at meetings and ceremonies. This rank emphasizes understanding and committing to the principles of scouting, encouraging new Scouts to embrace the values of leadership, service, and community. Achieving the Scout rank is the first step towards personal growth and adventure in Scouts BSA.

Tenderfoot Rank

The Tenderfoot rank, the second step in a Scout’s advancement journey in Scouts BSA, builds upon the foundational skills introduced at the Scout rank. This rank challenges Scouts to develop further in fitness, navigation, outdoor skills, and first aid. Scouts must demonstrate practical abilities such as map and compass use, safe hiking principles, and basic campsite setup. Additionally, Tenderfoot requirements foster personal growth through fitness exercises, citizenship tasks, and understanding and living by Scout principles. Achieving this rank signifies a Scout’s growing commitment to the Scouting path, marking significant progress in their skills, confidence, and readiness for more complex challenges.

Second Class Rank

The Second Class rank in Scouts BSA marks a significant advancement in a Scout’s journey, emphasizing outdoor skills, self-reliance, and community service. Scouts are required to participate in camping and hiking, demonstrating their ability to use a map and compass, prepare meals outdoors, and apply first aid in scenarios more complex than those at the Tenderfoot level. This rank also introduces swimming requirements, reinforcing the importance of physical fitness. Through fulfilling service projects, attending meetings, and demonstrating Scout spirit, Scouts at this level deepen their commitment to the values of Scouting. Achieving the Second Class rank signifies a Scout’s readiness to tackle more challenging adventures and leadership roles.

First Class Rank

The First Class rank in Scouts BSA represents a pivotal milestone, where Scouts have mastered the fundamental skills necessary for scouting. This rank requires Scouts to demonstrate proficiency in advanced outdoor skills, including orienteering, lifesaving first aid techniques, and aquatic safety. Scouts must also engage in community service, showcasing their commitment to civic responsibility and the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. Achieving First Class signifies that a Scout has developed a strong foundation in leadership, self-sufficiency, and the readiness to explore more specialized skills and merit badges. It marks a transition from learning basic skills to focusing on leadership development and merit badge exploration.

Star Rank

The Star rank in Scouts BSA signifies a Scout’s transition into advanced leadership and personal development. To achieve this rank, Scouts must demonstrate leadership within their troop, participate in at least six hours of community service, and earn a total of six merit badges, including four from the required list for Eagle. This rank emphasizes the Scout’s commitment to the Scout Oath and Law, community service, and personal growth. It requires Scouts to set and pursue personal goals in fitness, character, and citizenship. Achieving the Star rank showcases a Scout’s dedication to the Scouting values and their readiness to accept more significant challenges and responsibilities.

Life Rank

The Life rank in Scouts BSA is a significant achievement that prepares Scouts for the pinnacle rank of Eagle Scout. To attain the Life rank, Scouts must fulfill leadership roles within their troop, engage in community service, and earn additional merit badges, focusing on personal development and community involvement. This rank encourages Scouts to refine their leadership skills, deepen their commitment to service, and continue their advancement in scouting knowledge and skills. Earning the Life rank demonstrates a Scout’s dedication to the Scouting principles, their ability to lead and inspire others, and their readiness to embark on the journey to Eagle Scout.

Eagle Scout

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest achievement in Scouts BSA, symbolizing exceptional achievement in leadership, service, and scouting skills. To earn this prestigious rank, Scouts must complete an extensive service project that demonstrates leadership and commitment to improving their community, earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, including 13 specifically required badges, and demonstrate Scout Spirit, an embodiment of the Scout Oath and Law in their daily life. Achieving the Eagle Scout rank is a testament to a Scout’s dedication, perseverance, and leadership abilities. It marks not the end, but rather a beginning, as Eagle Scouts continue to serve as leaders and role models in their communities and beyond.

Scouts BSA Merit Badges

Merit badges are a cornerstone of the Scouts BSA program, designed to foster exploration, learning, and mastery in over 135 subjects ranging from outdoor activities, science, trades, business, and arts to future careers. Earning merit badges allows Scouts to discover their interests and talents, develop useful skills, and gain knowledge in diverse areas. To earn a merit badge, Scouts must complete specific requirements and demonstrate their understanding to a merit badge counselor. This process encourages independence, goal-setting, and personal growth. Merit badges not only contribute to rank advancement but also inspire lifelong hobbies and career paths.

Scouts BSA Merit Badges Video

Eagle Palms

Eagle Palms are a recognition given to Eagle Scouts for continuing their journey in Scouting by earning additional merit badges beyond the 21 required for the Eagle Scout rank. For every five additional merit badges earned, an Eagle Scout can receive a bronze, silver, or gold palm, each representing five, ten, or fifteen additional badges, respectively. These Palms signify a Scout’s ongoing commitment to personal development, leadership, and the spirit of Scouting. Earning Palms encourages Eagle Scouts to stay active and engaged in their Troops, serving as leaders and mentors while exploring new interests and challenges.

Youth Leadership Positions

Youth leadership is a fundamental aspect of the Scouts BSA program, empowering Scouts to take on various leadership roles within their troops. This hands-on approach allows Scouts to develop critical life skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. Through positions like Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, and Quartermaster, Scouts plan activities, lead meetings, and manage resources, fostering a sense of responsibility and service. The program’s emphasis on youth-led patrols and troops creates an environment where Scouts learn by doing, grow in confidence, and prepare for leadership roles in their communities and future endeavors.

Scouts BSA Youth Leadership Positions Video

What Does a Scoutmaster Do?

The Scoutmaster is a key mentor and leader within the Scouts BSA program, serving as the primary adult guide for Scouts in their journey. This role involves teaching Scouting values, facilitating the advancement program, and ensuring the implementation of a youth-led troop system. The Scoutmaster encourages Scouts to take on leadership roles, supports them in planning and executing activities, and promotes a culture of learning by doing. By fostering a supportive, inclusive environment, the Scoutmaster helps Scouts develop into confident, responsible, and well-rounded individuals, prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

What Does a Scouts BSA Troop Committee Do?

The Troop Committee plays a crucial role in the Scouts BSA program, functioning as the backbone that supports the troop’s operations. Composed of adult volunteers, this committee is responsible for ensuring that the troop is well-managed, financially sound, and operates smoothly. They handle administrative tasks, fundraising, equipment procurement, and event planning, allowing the Scoutmaster and youth leaders to focus on program delivery and leadership development. The Troop Committee also supports the troop’s efforts to adhere to the policies and guidelines of the Boy Scouts of America, providing a safe, enriching environment for Scouts to learn, grow, and thrive.

What Is a Scoutmaster Conference?

The Scoutmaster Conference is an essential element of the Scouts BSA program, serving as a one-on-one meeting between a Scout and the Scoutmaster. This conference is an opportunity for personal growth and reflection, allowing Scouts to discuss their progress, set goals, and address any challenges they may face. It’s conducted at various stages of a Scout’s advancement, including before earning a rank. The conference reinforces the values of Scouting, ensures that the Scout understands and lives by the Scout Oath and Law, and provides mentorship and support. It’s a pivotal moment for encouragement and guidance on the Scout’s journey.

What Is a Board of Review?

The Board of Review is a fundamental component of the Scouts BSA advancement process, designed to evaluate a Scout’s experience and development within the program. Comprising members of the Troop Committee and other appointed leaders, this panel meets with Scouts at each rank advancement to ensure they have completed all requirements, understand and live by the Scout Oath and Law, and have developed both in skill and character. It serves not only as a final approval for advancement but also as a reflective process, encouraging Scouts to discuss their achievements, challenges, and goals, promoting personal growth and confidence in their Scouting journey.