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Troop 240, Bronx, N.Y. Individual Advancement Resources "The Eagle's Nest" |
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Troop 240, Bronx, N.Y. Individual Advancement Resources "The Eagle's Nest" |
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There are six ranks in U.S. Scouting. The first three - Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class - are geared toward mastering a set of basic skills including camping, cooking, first aid, swimming, and various knots/lashing useful in the outdoors. The second group - Star, life, and finally the highest rank in Scouting, Eagle - are based on earning merit badges, service, and leadership development. Some of these are required and deal with citizenship, personal development, and advanced outdoor skills. Others are elective and chosen from the 120 different merit badge topics which range from sports, hobbies, nature/conservation, and a host of others which can open to Scouts a life-long avocation or serve as an introduction to what can become a career. The most popular merit badge is First Aid. In 2001 (the last year where figures are available), over 96,000 scouts earned this badge. If you want to learn more about the BSA merit badge program, take a look at the National Council Factsheet.
These pages may help answer some question or serve as a resource for Scouts seeking to advance in rank or earn merit badges:
