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A PLC (Patrol Leaders’ Council) Meeting is the youth-led leadership meeting in a Scouts BSA troop where Scout leaders plan troop activities, meetings, and outings. It is held regularly, usually monthly, and is led by the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) with guidance from the Scoutmaster.

Purpose of a PLC Meeting

• Plan troop meetings, campouts, and activities.

• Review past events and make improvements.

• Ensure the troop program aligns with the interests of Scouts.

• Develop youth leadership skills.

• Keep the troop organized and running smoothly.

Who Attends a PLC Meeting?

Required Attendees (Core Leadership)

1. Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) – Leads the meeting and troop.

2. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) – Supports the SPL.

3. Patrol Leaders (PLs) – Represent their patrols and bring patrol feedback.

4. Scribe – Takes notes and records decisions.

5. Scoutmaster – Advises but does not lead (adults guide, Scouts lead).

Optional Attendees (May Vary by Troop)

6. Assistant Patrol Leaders (if PL is absent) – Stands in for the PL.

7. Quartermaster – Reports on troop equipment.

8. Chaplain’s Aide – Helps with religious services and Scout spirit.

9. Troop Guide – Assists new Scout patrols.

10. Instructor(s) – Helps with training.

11. Other Leadership Positions (e.g., Webmaster, Historian, OA Representative) – Provide updates on their areas.

What Happens During a PLC Meeting?

1. Opening & Attendance

   • SPL starts the meeting.

   • Scribe records attendance.

2. Review of Previous Events

   • Discuss past troop meetings, campouts, or activities.

   • What went well? What can improve?

3. Plan Upcoming Troop Meetings & Activities

   • Decide themes and skills for troop meetings.

   • Assign responsibilities for troop events.

4. Plan Upcoming Campouts & Outings

   • Review logistics, equipment, and patrol responsibilities.

5. Patrol Reports

   • Each Patrol Leader shares patrol concerns or updates.

6. Scoutmaster & Adult Leader Guidance

   • Adults provide feedback and guidance (without taking over).

7. Closing

   • SPL summarizes key decisions and assignments.

How Often Does the PLC Meet?

• Typically once a month, before or after a troop meeting.

• Some troops hold extra meetings before big events (e.g., summer camp, high-adventure trips).

Key Principles of a PLC

✅ Scout-Led – SPL runs the meeting, not the adults.
✅ Teamwork & Responsibility – Scouts learn leadership by making real decisions.
✅ Open Communication – Patrol Leaders represent their patrol members' needs.
✅ Follow-Up – Scribe keeps records, and leaders ensure plans are carried out.

Resources

• PLC Meeting Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxsjXWfkZIU

• PLC Meeting Agenda: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vpfmdz7k059KEKr7xhQcbf0MQv4Sfy85/view

• Troop Meeting Agenda Template: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17IXPc5MRxOF0Ev845RkjHo8G5ttskv9G/view

Purpose of a Scoutmaster Conference

• Evaluate Progress: Discuss what the Scout has learned and experienced since the last rank.

• Encourage Growth: Provide feedback, guidance, and motivation.

• Develop Leadership: Discuss how the Scout is contributing to the troop.

• Foster a Relationship: Build trust and mentorship between the Scout and the Scoutmaster.

• Prepare for Board of Review: Ensure the Scout is ready for the next step.

What Happens During a Scoutmaster Conference?

1. Personal Reflection

   • "What was your favorite experience in Scouting so far?"

   • "What challenges did you face while working on this rank?"

2. Skill & Leadership Discussion

   • "What skills have you learned in this rank?"

   • "How have you demonstrated leadership and teamwork?"

3. Troop Participation

   • "How are you involved in the troop?"

   • "How do you help other Scouts?"

4. Goal Setting & Future Plans

   • "What merit badges or leadership roles do you want to take on next?"

   • "What is your plan to reach Eagle (if applicable)?"

5. Scout Oath & Law Discussion

   • The Scoutmaster may ask how the Scout applies Scout Oath and Law in daily life.

How Long Does a Scoutmaster Conference Take?

• Typically 10-30 minutes, depending on the rank and discussion depth.

• Eagle Scout conferences may take longer.

Final Step Before Rank Advancement

After the Scoutmaster Conference, the Scout is ready for the Board of Review, where committee members formally approve the rank advancement.

ScoutMaster Conference Guidelines: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/6/folders/1RI33DNJ6_mO22C-iPo0wtC7Xi584B3Y8

Purpose of a Board of Review

A periodic review of the progress of a Scout is vital in the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Scouting program in the unit. The unit committee can judge how well the Scout being reviewed is benefiting from the program. The unit leader can measure the effectiveness of his or her leadership. Scouts can sense that they are, or are not, advancing properly and can be encouraged to make the most of their Scouting experience.

Not only is it important to review those Scouts who have learned and been tested for a rank, but also to review those Scouts who have shown no progress in their advancement over the past few months.

Participants in a Board of Review must keep these objectives in mind:

• Ensure the Scout has completed requirements for the rank.

• Evaluate the experience the Scout is having in the unit.

• Encourage the Scout to progress further.

The Board also provides an opportunity for the Scout to develop and practice skills needed in an interview situation, and it is an opportunity for the Scout to review accomplishments.

The Board of Review is not a retesting of requirements - the Scout has already been tested on the skills and activities required for the rank. However, the chairman of the Board of Review should ensure that all the requirements have been signed off in the Scout's handbook. Additionally, the chairman should ensure that leadership and merit badge records are consistent with the requirements for the rank.

The Board of Review is a time to determine the Scout's attitudes, accomplishments, and acceptance of Scouting Ideals. Scout Spirit is defined as living the Scout Oath and Scout Law in a Scout's everyday life. The board should make sure that good standards have been met in all phases of the Scout's life. A discussion of the Scout Oath and Scout Law is in keeping with the purpose of the review, to make sure that the candidate recognizes and understands the value of Scouting in the home, unit, school, and community.

Members of a Board of Review

For all ranks (except Eagle), the Board of Review consists of three to six members of the Troop Committee. The Troop Advancement Chairperson typically acts as the chairperson of the Board of Review. The Scout and parents have no part in selecting any board of review members. Relatives or guardians may not serve as members of a Scout's Board of Review. Unit leaders (Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters) may not participate in a Board of Review.

The Boy Scouts of America has placed the Eagle Scout board of review in the hands of either the troop, district, or council committee responsible for advancement. The local council will decide which method or methods may be used within its units. For the rank of Eagle, the Board of Review consists of three to six members drawn from Scouting and the community. The members of the Board of Review are selected by the unit, district, or council, depending on the council guidelines. At least one member of the District Advancement Committee must be a member of the Board of Review for Eagle, and normally serves as chairperson of the Board of Review. Unit leaders from the Scout's unit, relatives, or guardians may not serve as members of a Scout's Board of Review for Eagle. A Board of Review for Eagle may contain members of the community who are not registered Scouters; however, they should be knowledgeable of the principles of Scouting. For example, a representative from a chartering organization, an adult Eagle Scout (even if not currently registered), or a religious leader are frequently asked to assist with an Eagle Board of Review. As a general rule, no more than one member of an Eagle Board should be associated with the Scout's unit.

Workings of a Board of Review

The Scout should be in full uniform.

The Chairperson of the board greets the Scout and introduces the Scout to the board members.

The chairman of the board should ask the Scout to recite one or more of the following:

• Scout Motto

• Scout Slogan

• Scout Law

• Scout Oath

• Outdoor Code

For Tenderfoot and Second Class ranks, typically just the Scout Oath and Law are asked. For higher ranks, more should be expected. One or two re-tries are appropriate, especially for younger Scouts.

The board members ask appropriate questions of the Scout. Open-ended questions are better, allowing the Scout to speak about opinions, experiences, activities, and accomplishments.
If an answer is too brief, a good tool is to follow with a "Why?" or "How?" type question to prompt for more details. Questions regarding home, church, school, work, athletics, etc. are all appropriate, as well as scouting experiences.

A Board of Review should take from 15 to 30 minutes, with shorter time for lower ranks. When all board members have asked their questions, the Scout is asked to leave the room. The board members then decide if the Scout is ready for the next rank; the board's decision must be unanimous.
The Scout is asked back into the room and the Chairperson informs the Scout of the board's decision. When the Scout is approved for the next rank, there are general congratulations, and the Scout is encouraged to continue advancing. If there are issues which prevent the Scout from advancing, the board must detail the deficiencies so the Scout can correct them. The Scout must be told specifically what must be done in order to be successful at the next Board of Review. The Chairperson sends a written follow up to both the Scout and the Scoutmaster, regarding the deficiencies and the course of action needed to correct them.

A Board of Review for Eagle is similar to other Boards of Review, except that it lasts longer with more questioning and discussion. The Eagle Scout Rank application, Letters of Recommendation, and Eagle Project notebook are reviewed by the board. Questions can include asking about these documents as well as areas used in lower rank reviews.

See BSA page for more details.

Questioning

The following sections contain typical Board of Review questions for each rank. The questions for the lower ranks tend to deal with factual information about the Scout's participation in the troop, and the Scout's approach to applying the skills the Scout has learned toward earning the next rank. The questions for the higher ranks explore how Scouting is becoming an integral part of the Scout's life. Questions like, "Where did you learn about ..." or "Why do you think it is important for a [rank] Scout to have this skill?" are valid, but don't retest skills.

If a Scout appears nervous or anxious about the Board of Review, it might be appropriate to ask one or two questions from the list for a lower rank, to make the Scout more at ease. In general, within a rank, the questions are arranged from "easiest" to "most difficult".

The Board of Review will need to select the questions which are appropriate for the particular Scout and the Scout's experiences.

What Every Scout Should Know

Scout Oath:

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.

Scout Motto:

Be Prepared.

Scout Slogan:

Do a good turn daily.

Outdoor Code:

As an American, I will do my best to be:

Clean in my outdoor manners,

Careful with fire,

Considerate in the outdoors, and

Conservation-minded.

Tenderfoot Rank

This is the Scout's first experience with a Board of Review. The process may require some explanation on the part of the Board of Review Chairperson.

The first few questions in the Board of Review should be simple. The Board of Review should try to gain a sense of how the Scout is fitting in to the Troop, and the Scout's level of enjoyment of the Troop and Patrol activities.

Encourage advancement to 2nd Class. Point out that the Scout may have already completed many of the requirements for 2nd Class.

The approximate time for this Board of Review should be 15-20 minutes.

Sample Tenderfoot Questions:

1. When did you join our Troop?

2. How many Troop meetings have you attended in the last two months?

3. What did you do at your last patrol meeting?

4. Tell us about your last Troop campout.

5. How would the first aid skills you must know for Tenderfoot help on a campout?

6. Where did you learn how to fold the American flag? Tell us about your first experience with this skill.

7. How would you avoid poison oak (poison ivy, sumac)?

8. Where did you go on your hike? How did you choose the location?

9. If you were on a hike and got lost, what would you do?

10. Why do we whip or fuse the ends of a rope?

11. What is the "Buddy System" that we use in Scouting? When do we use it?

12. Why do you think there are physical fitness requirements (push-ups, pull-ups, etc.), and a retest after 30 days, for the Tenderfoot rank?

13. What does it mean to a Tenderfoot Scout to "Be Prepared"?

14. Do you feel that you have done your best to complete the requirements for Tenderfoot? Why?

15. What "good turn" have you done today?

16. Please give us an example of how you obey the Scout Law at home (school, church)?

17. What do you like best about our Troop?

18. What does it mean for a Scout to be "Kind"?

19. Do you have any special plans for this summer? The Holidays?

20. When do you plan to have the requirements completed for 2nd Class?

More Tenderfoot Questions

• Personal Data

  1. 1. When did you join the Troop?

     2. What grade are you in? What school?

     3. What hobbies do you have?

     4. Why did you join Boy Scouts?

• What Do You Think

  1. 1. How do you live the Scout Oath and Law in your daily life? If you find it a challenge how do you overcome it?

     2. What is a good turn? What good turns have you done lately?

     3. What troop outings have you attended? What do you think of them?

     4. What does "On My Honor" mean to you?

     5. What do you think people expect from you as a Boy Scout?

• Teamwork

  1. 1. Have you been able to make it to most of the troop meetings so far?

     2. What is the name of your patrol? Do you have a flag?

     3. Do you feel that you and your patrol are getting along?

     4. Is there anything you would like to see changed in the patrol or troop meetings?

• The Big Picture

  1. 1. What do you like best about Scouting?

     2. How (or how not) has Scouting been what you thought it would be?

     3. Have you taken part in any recent service projects? Which ones?

     4. What are your long term plans in scouting?

     5. What are your plans for Second Class?

2nd Class Rank

This is the Scout's second Board of Review. The process should be familiar, unless it has been some time since the Board of Review for Tenderfoot.

Questions should focus on the use of the Scout skills learned for this rank, without retesting these skills. The Board of Review should try to perceive how the Scout's patrol is functioning, and how this Scout is functioning within the patrol.

Encourage work on the remaining requirements for 1st Class; many of the easier ones may have already been completed.

The approximate time for this Board of Review should be 15-20 minutes.

Sample 2nd Class Questions:

1. How many patrol meetings have you attended in the last 3 months?

2. What did your patrol do at its last meeting?

3. Tell us about a service project in which you participated.

4. Where did you go on your last Troop campout? Did you have a good time? Why?

5. Why is it important to be able to identify animals found in your community?

6. Tell us about the flag ceremony in which you participated.

7. What is in your personal first aid kit?

8. What have you learned about handling woods tools (axes, saws, etc.)?

9. How are a map of the area and a compass useful on a campout?

10. Have you ever done more than one "good turn" in a day? Ask for details.

11. Have you earned any merit badges?

    • If "Yes": Which ones? Why did you choose them? Who was your counselor?

    • If "No": Encourage getting started, and suggest one or two of the easier ones.

12. Did you attend summer camp with our Troop last summer?

    • If "Yes": What was your best (worst) experience at summer camp?

    • If "No": Why not?

13. Do you plan to attend summer camp with our Troop next summer?

    • If "Yes": What are you looking forward to doing at summer camp?

    • If "No": Why not?

14. What suggestions do you have for improving our Troop?

15. How do you help out at home, church, school?

16. What class in school is most challenging for you? Why?

17. One of the requirements for Second Class is to participate in a program regarding drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse. Tell us about the program in which you participated.

18. How is it possible to live the Scout Oath and Law in your daily life?

19. What does it mean to say, "A Scout is Trustworthy"?

20. When do you expect to complete the requirements for 1st Class?

More Second Class Questions

• Personal Data

  1. 1. How old are you?

     2. Do your friends at school know you're in Scouts?

     3. Do you ever take the time and just talk with members of your family? If so, who?

     4. Do you have a hero? If so, who and why?

• What Do You Think

  1. 1. In the Scout Oath, what does "I will do my best" mean to you?

     2. Do you ever do more than one Good Turn Daily? What kinds?

     3. What point of the Scout Law is the most important to you? Why?

     4. Do you have a favorite youth or adult leader? If so, what makes that person a good leader?

     5. The Scout Motto is "Be Prepared". What does it mean to you?

     6. What do you think it means to be a Second Class Scout? What should people expect of you?

• Teamwork

  1. 1. What did you do for you one (1) hour of service required for Second Class? What did you think of the project? What other service have you done?

     2. What type of service projects would you like to work on?

     3. Does your patrol have patrol meetings? Do you find them helpful? Is there something the troop can do to help your patrol have productive patrol meetings?

     4. Is there any part of the patrol program that you would like changed? How would you make these changes? What is the benefit of these changes?

• Your Progress

  1. 1. What requirement for this rank was the hardest? Easiest?

     2. Have you started earning any merit badges? Which ones interest you, and why?

     3. Do you have any difficulty setting goals for yourself?

     4. Have you had a chance to cook outdoors? What did you like about it?

     5. What outdoor skills do you like best?

• The Big Picture

  1. 1. What are your plans for First Class?

     2. Is there anything the troop can do to help you?

     3. What are your long term plans in scouting?

     4. What part of scouting interests you the most?

     5. Are you enjoying Scouting? Why or Why not?

     6. What is the first Patrol Leadership position you plan to run for?

1st Class Rank

By this point the Scout should be comfortable with the Board of Review process.

The Scout should be praised for the accomplishment of achieving 1st Class (particularly if the Scout joined Boy Scouts less than a year ago). In achieving the rank of 1st Class, the Scout should feel an additional sense of responsibility to the troop and patrol.

The 1st Class rank will produce additional opportunities for the Scout (Order of the Arrow, leadership, etc.).

Merit badges will begin to play a role in future advancement to the Star and Life ranks. Encourage merit badge work if it has not already begun.

The approximate time for this Board of Review should be 20 minutes.

Sample 1st Class Questions:

1. On average, how many Troop meetings do you attend each month?

2. What part of Troop meetings are most rewarding to you?

3. What is the Scout Slogan? What does it mean for a 1st Class Scout?

4. Tell us about your last campout with the Troop. Where did you go? How did you help with meal preparation? Did you have a good time? (If "No", why not?)

5. If you were in charge of planning and preparing a dinner for your next campout, what would you select?

6. As a 1st Class Scout, what do you think the Star, Life, and Eagle Scouts will expect from you on an outing?

7. Does your family do any camping? What have you learned in Scouts, that you have been able to share with your family to improve their camping experiences?

8. Why do you think that swimming is emphasized in Scouting?

9. Why is it important for you to know how to transport a person who has a broken leg?

10. Why is it important for you to be able to recognize local plant life?

11. What did you learn about using a compass while completing the orienteering requirement?

12. What does it mean to say, "A Scout is Courteous"?

13. Why are merit badges a part of Scouting?

14. How frequently do you attend religious services? Does your whole family attend?

15. What is your most favorite part of Scouting? Least favorite?

16. How does a Scout fulfill his "Duty to Country"?

17. How do you define "Scout Spirit"?

18. What is the Order of the Arrow? What is the primary function of OA?

19. Who was Lord Baden-Powell?

20. When do you think you might be ready for Star Scout?

More First Class Questions

• Personal Data

  1. 1. What grade are you in?

     2. What do you like about school? What is your favorite subject?

     3. What do you tell your friends about the things you learn and do in Scouts?

• What Do You Think

  1. 1. To you, what does it mean to "Do my duty to God"?

     2. What point of the Scout Law is the hardest for you to live up to?

     3. What more does "Be Prepared" mean to a First Class Scout, than to a Second Class Scout?

     4. What does "On my Honor" mean to you?

• Teamwork

  1. 1. How does your Patrol function as a team? What part do you take in helping your Patrol?

     2. What was the last project your patrol worked on as a unit?

     3. How do you apply teamwork in your home? With friends?

     4. Have you had a chance to teach the younger Scouts any of your recently earned scout skills? What did you teach?

     5. What do you think Shared Leadership is?

• Your Progress

  1. 1. What merit badges do you have?

     2. Which merit badge was the most valuable to you? Why?

     3. For this rank you met with a civil employee and discussed your constitutional rights and obligations. Who did you meet with, and what (if anything) did you get from your talk?

     4. What was the most challenging requirement (rank or merit badge)?

     5. Do you think that your first aid knowledge will actually help you? How? Have you had an opportunity to use any of it?

• The Big Picture

  1. 1. What are your plans for your progress toward Star? Do you have a goal date when you would like to make Star by?

     2. If you had the opportunity to add or delete one (1) requirement for this rank, what would it be and why?

     3. What effect has Scouting had on your life?

     4. Do you have a long term goal for your Scouting career?

Star Rank

With the Star rank, emphasis is placed upon service to others, merit badges, and leadership. Scout skills remain an important element for the Star Scout; however, the emphasis should be on teaching other Scouts these skills.

Explore how the Star scout can assist with leading the patrol and troop. Attempt to understand how the Scouting philosophy is becoming part of the Scout's life.

Often the Star rank is a place where Scouts "stall out". Encourage the Scout to remain active, and participate fully in the patrol and troop. If the Scout appears to be looking for additional opportunities, suggest leadership positions such as Den Chief or Troop Guide.

The approximate time for this Board of Review should be 20 minutes.

Sample Star Questions:

1. How many Troop outings have you attended in the last three months?

2. Tell us about the last service project in which you participated.

3. What does it mean for a Star Scout to "Be Prepared" on a daily basis?

4. How have the Scout skills that you have learned helped you in a non-Scouting activity?

5. How many merit badges have you earned? What was the most difficult (fun, challenging, expensive, etc.)?

6. Which is more important: Becoming a Star Scout, or learning the skills prescribed for a Star Scout?

7. Why do you think a Scoutmaster's Conference is required for advancement in rank?

8. What is the most important part of a Troop Court of Honor? Why?

9. What leadership positions have you held outside of your patrol? What challenges did they present? What are your personal leadership goals and objectives?

10. How would you get a Scout to do an unpleasant task?

11. What extracurricular activities do you participate in at school?

12. What responsibilities do you have at home?

13. What is our "Duty to God"?

14. What does it mean to say "A Scout is Loyal"?

15. How are the Scout Oath and Law part of your daily life?

16. What is the Outdoor Code? Why is it important?

17. If the Scout is a member of the Order of the Arrow:

    • When did you complete your "Ordeal", "Brotherhood"?

    • What does membership in the OA signify?

18. Have you received any special awards or accomplishments in school, athletics, or church?

19. Baden-Powell's first Scout outing was located on an island off the coast of Great Britain; what was the name of that island? [Answer: Brownsea Island]

20. When do you plan on achieving the Life rank?

More Star Questions

• Personal Data

  1. 1. What do you do with your spare time?

     2. What other activities do you participate in? (ie. sports, music, social/religious groups, etc.)

     3. How many younger siblings do you have? What sort of impression do you think you give them and others about Scouting?

     4. Do you keep a small sewing kit in your backpack? Have you ever had a need to use it while on an outing (ie. tent zipper, clothes rip, massive wound, etc)?

     5. Who makes sure your uniform is clean and the patches are all sewn on for you to wear?

     6. How do you help out at home? Do you do it to "chip in" or earn money?

• What Do You Think

  1. 1. What should the statement, "A Scout is Trustworthy" mean to a Star Scout?

     2. What do you think the role of a Star Scout is in relationship to younger scouts?

     3. How does the Scout Oath affect the life of a Star Scout differently than it would the life of a Tenderfoot Scout?

     4. What do others have a right to expect of a Star Scout?

     5. What point of the Scout Law is the most important to you? Why?

     6. How do you feel that you live the Scout Oath and Law in your daily life?

     7. What is the Scout Slogan? {answer: "Do a Good Turn Daily"} What type of "Good Turns" do you do?

• Teamwork

  1. 1. What part do you take in the Troop Meetings? Are you a leader or a follower?

     2. Do you hold a leadership position in the troop now? If so, which one and what are your responsibilities? If no, which position(s) have you held? Tell me a short story about your time as a leader.

     3. What service project did you work on to earn your required hours for this rank? What was your job on the project?

     4. How do you feel your patrol functions as a team?

     5. Have you ever tried to instill a change (long or short term) in your patrol? What was it? How? Did you get the results you wanted?

• Your Progress

  1. 1. How would you describe the change in your thinking, actions, and performance since earning First Class? Were they through conscious effort?

     2. Which six (6) merit badges did you earn for this rank? Which was the most important to you? Why?

     3. What was the most interesting and/or unique requirement you have had in a merit badge?

     4. While working toward your Star did you learn anything that you would like to pass on to the younger Scouts? What?

     5. What have you learned that might help you as an adult?

• The Big Picture

  1. 1. What is your goal for reaching Life Scout?

     2. What is your long term goal for Scouting?

     3. What do you feel the troop can do most to help the younger Scouts so they will make it to Star and beyond?

     4. If you could make one (1) change in the merit badge program (ie structure, format, add a badge). What would you do?

     5. What type of career interests you? Have you looked into earning a related merit badge?

Life Rank

The Life rank is the final rank before Eagle. The Life Scout should be fully participating in the Troop, with emphasis being placed on leadership in the unit, as well as teaching skills and leadership to the younger Scouts.

Merit Badge work should be a regular part of the Scout's career. Scouting values and concepts should be an integral part of the Scout's daily life.

At this point, the Scout is starting to "give back to Scouting" through leadership, training of other Scouts, recruiting, keeping Scouts active in the program, etc.

Explore suggestions for improving the program.

The approximate time for this Board of Review should be 20 - 30 minutes.

Sample Life Questions:

1. What is the most ambitious pioneering project with which you have assisted? Where?

2. What has been your worst camping experience in Scouting?

3. How many patrol meetings has your patrol held in the last three months? How many of them have you attended?

4. Have any of the merit badges you have earned lead to hobbies or possible careers?

5. What are your hobbies?

6. Of the merit badges you have earned, which one do you think will be of greatest value to you as an adult? Why?

7. Why do you think that the "Citizenship" merit badges are required for the Eagle Rank?

8. What is your current (most recent) leadership position within the Troop? How long have you held that position? What particular challenges does it present? What is Leadership?

9. Do you have any brothers or sisters who are in Scouts (any level)? What can you do to encourage them to continue with Scouts, and to move forward along the Scouting Trail?

10. How do you choose between a school activity, a Scout activity, and a family activity?

11. Why do you think that Star and Life Scouts are required to contribute so much time to service projects? What service projects are most rewarding to you? Why?

12. Why do you think that a Board of Review is required for rank advancement?

13. How has Scouting prepared you for the future?

14. What does it mean to say, "A Scout is Reverent"?

15. What does "Scout Spirit" mean to a Life Scout?

16. Why do you think that Scouting for Food is referred to as a "National Good Turn".

17. The Scout Oath refers to "Duty to Self"; what duty do we have to ourselves?

18. If the Scout is a member of OA:

    • What role does OA play in Scouting?

    • What honor do you hold in OA?

    • What is the difference between Scout "ranks" and OA "honors"?

19. In what year was Boy Scouts of America founded? [Answer: February 8, 1910 - BSA Birthday]

20. Have you begun to think about an Eagle Service Project? What are you thinking about doing? When?

More Life Questions

• Personal Data

  1. 1. How are you doing in school? What do you like the most about it?

     2. Do you feel it took you a long time to get here?

• What Do You Think

  1. 1. How does Scouting influence your interactions with people?

     2. Have you ever felt you had to defend yourself because someone knew you are in Scouts?

     3. Outside of Scouting, tell me about a time when you have had to be a leader. How did it make you feel afterward?

     4. Other than your parents, who do you think has influence your life the most? Why? Who's life do you think you have the most influence over? Why?

     5. Name one thing you hate doing, but you do it anyway because you know it will please someone. How do you feel afterward?

     6. What does "A Scout is Brave" mean to a Life Scout?

     7. In this fast paced time of great stress, what should "Be Prepared" mean to a Life Scout?

     8. How can you personally help keep up the Scout Spirit in the Troop?

     9. What does "Duty to God" mean to a Life Scout? How do you fulfill your duty?

     10. What should others be able to expect from you as a Life Scout?

     11. What does "On My Honor" mean to you?

     12. What is the most difficult part of the Scout Oath and Law for you to live up to in your daily life? How do you over come it?

• Teamwork

  1. 1. How many outings have you been on in the last year? Which did you like the most and why?

     2. What have you done since becoming a Star Scout, in caring out additional responsibilities in the Troop? Patrol?

     3. Which service projects did you work on for the rank of Life? What did you do?

     4. What do you like most about the Patrol Method? Least?

     5. What role do you play in your Patrol?

     6. What is "Shared Leadership"? How do you see it in your Patrol and in the Troop?

     7. What do you think is the most important skill for a leader? Why?

• Your Progress

  1. 1. What additional merit badges did you earn for Life?

     2. What was the most difficult merit badge for you to earn? How often did you meet with your counselor on that one?

     3. Which merit badge did you enjoy the most? Why?

     4. What was the most important thing you learned while working toward Life Scout?

     5. Who helps you or coaches you in preparing for merit badges?

     6. Which merit badges are you working on now?

     7. Have you found any merit badges that you think are too hard for scouts to earn? Which ones? What makes them so difficult?

     8. What leadership position did you hold for this rank? What was your biggest challenge? How did you handle it? What, if any, leadership position would you be most interested in holding?

• The Big Picture

  1. 1. Have you thought about what you will need to do for Eagle?

     2. What do you think you can do to help younger Scouts?

     3. Which scouting skill do you like the most? Why? Least? Why?

     4. What do you think about the Order of the Arrow program?

     5. Is the Troop's Outdoor Program adequate to develop skills and maintain the interest of the Scouts? What changes would you make?

Eagle Rank

The Board of Review for the Eagle Rank is different from the other Boards of Review in which the Scout has participated. The members of the Board of Review are not all from the Scout's Troop Committee. Introductions are essential, and a few "break in" questions may be appropriate.

At this point, the goal is to understand the Scout's full Scouting experience, and how others can have similar meaningful Scouting experiences. Scouting principles and goals should be central to the Scout's life; look for evidence of this.

Although this is the final rank, this is not the end of the Scouting trail; "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle". Explore how this Eagle Scout will continue with Scouting activities, and continued service to home, church, and community.

The approximate time for this Board of Review should be 30 - 50 minutes.

Sample Eagle Questions:

1. What would you suggest adding to the Scout Law (a thirteenth point)? Why?

2. What one point could be removed from the Scout Law? Why?

3. Why is it important to learn how to tie knots, and lash together poles and logs?

4. What is the difference between a "Hollywood hero" and a real hero?

5. Can you give me an example of someone who is a hero to you? (A real person, not a character in a book or movie.)

6. Why do you think that the Family Life merit badge was recently added to the list of required merit badges?

7. What camping experience have you had, that you wish every Scout could have?

8. Have you been to Philmont or a National (International) Jamboree? What was your most memorable experience there?

9. What is the role of the Senior Patrol Leader at a troop meeting (campout, summer camp)?

10. If you could change one thing to improve Scouting, what would you change?

11. What do you believe our society expects from an Eagle Scout?

12. The charge to the Eagle requires that you give back to Scouting more than Scouting has given to you. How do you propose to do that?

13. As an Eagle Scout, what can you personally do to improve your unit?

14. What will you be doing in your unit, after receiving your Eagle Rank?

15. Tell us how you selected your Eagle Service Project.

16. From your Eagle Service Project, what did you learn about managing or leading people? What are the qualities of a good leader?

17. What part of your Eagle Service Project was the most challenging? Why?

18. If you were to manage another project similar to your Eagle Service Project, what would you do differently to make the project better or easier?

19. What are your future plans (high school, college, trade school, military, career, etc.)?

20. Tell us about your family (parents, siblings, etc.). How do you help out at home?

21. What do you think is the single biggest issue facing Scouting in the future?

22. How do your friends outside of Scouting react when they learn that you are a Boy Scout? How do you think they will react when they learn that you have become an Eagle Scout?

23. Why do you think that belief in God (a supreme being) is part of the Scouting requirements?

24. How do you know when a Scout is "active" in his unit?

25. You have been in Scouting for many years, sum up all of those experiences in one word. Why?

26. What one thing have you gained from your Scoutmaster's conferences over the years?

27. How does an Eagle Scout continue to show Scout Spirit?

28. If the Scout is a member of the Order of the Arrow:

    • What does OA membership mean to you?

    • How does OA help Scouting and your unit?

29. Who brought Scouting from England to the United States? [Answer: William D. Boyce]

30. [Traditional last questions] Why should this Board of Review approve your request for the Eagle Rank? or Why should you be an Eagle Scout?

More Eagle Questions

1. What unit are you registered in?

2. How old are you?

3. With whom do you live?

4. What do you do to make your home a happy place to live?

5. Who do you feel is responsible for your being before us today?

6. Was the personal interview with your Scoutmaster of help to you?

7. What school do you attend?

8. What subjects interest you the most?

9. Do you participate in any school activities!

10. What do you do in your spare time outside of Scouting?

11. How do you earn your spending money?

12. What religious activities do you participate in?

13. Do you hold any offices in religious activities?

14. Are you working on the religious award of your faith?

15. What does "A Scout is Reverent" mean to you?

16. What do you consider is your greatest weakness?

17. What are you doing to overcome this weakness?

18. What do you consider your greatest strength?

19. Are you able to share this strength?

20. Are you able to analyze your own shortcomings?

21. What do you plan for your future after your schooling and Scouting days are over?

22. Suppose you had a very good friend on drugs and you just found out about it. What would you do to help him?

23. If you make Eagle, you will get your picture in the paper. How will you respond to the different types of remarks and comments you will receive?

24. What do you consider the purpose of the merit badge program?

25. What badge interested you the most and why?

26. Which badge was the hardest for you to earn and why?

27. Which badges were you least interested in?

28. What further responsibilities does the earning of 21 merit badges, especially the required badges, place upon you as a citizen?

29. Why do you want to be an Eagle Scout?

30. Why did you become a Scout?

31. What do your friends say about you being a Boy Scout?

32. Not counting your troop camping trips, what is the best thing you have done as a Scout?

33. What does the Scout "Good Turn" mean to you?

34. Do you feel that becoming an Eagle Scout puts any obligation upon your future?

35. What is an Eagle Scout's duty to his country?

36. What place in society should an Eagle Scout assume after you are finished with school and are out of Scouting?

37. As an adult, what position should you, as an Eagle, assume in the community?

38. Have you been carrying any additional responsibilities in your troop since becoming Life Scout?

39. What do you do personally to make your troop a better troop?

40. What do you do to help younger Scouts along the trail?

41. Have you noticed any weaknesses in any of the patrols in your troop?

42. Have you any suggestions that might help those patrols?

43. What do you think makes your troop operate so well?

44. If you could change the merit badge program, what would you do to make it better?

45. What do you do to help younger Scouts get started on the merit badges?

46. Do you intend to earn any Eagle Palms?

47. What do you think the purpose of the merit badge program is?

48. Have any of your merit badges sparked an interest that might lead you into a career in life?

49. How do you pass on the skills you have learned in the merit badge program to help the younger boy in the troop?

50. Do you feel that the personal growth agreement plan has helped you to be able to set goals, and then try to reach those goals?

51. What type of books-do you like to read? Can you give the name or title of the last book you have read?

52. How do you keep yourself "physically strong?" "Mentally alert?"

53. Do you think that you will be able to remember the obligation of a Scout "to help others at all times" as you grow into an adult? What will help you remember this fundamental?

54. Do you feel that becoming an Eagle will change you in any way?

55. In the different Scouting leadership positions you have held, do you feel that you did your best at all times to make that job operate the best you could?

56. Do you think your teachers will expect more of you as an Eagle?

57. Did you have any difficulty planning a service project? How did you choose your project?

58. What help did you have to have in order to complete your project? Who?

59. Did your service project benefit any specific group? How?

60. Will the benefit last a long time or was it a temporary thing?

61. Do you have any suggestions for other Eagle candidates for service projects?

Source: boyscouttrail.com

All requirements for Scout rank must be completed as a member of a troop or as a Lone Scout. If you already completed these requirements as part of the Webelos Scouting Adventure, simply demonstrate your knowledge or skills to your Scoutmaster or other designated leader after joining the troop.

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1a. Repeat from memory the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan. In your own words, explain their meaning.  (See pages 11–18.)
1b. Explain what Scout spirit is. Describe some ways you have shown Scout spirit by practicing the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan. (See page 15.)
1c. Demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handshake. Explain when they should be used. (See pages 18–19.)
1d. Describe the First Class Scout badge and tell what each part stands for. Explain the significance of the First Class Scout badge.
1e. Repeat from memory the Outdoor Code. List the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Explain the difference between the two.
1f. Repeat from memory the Pledge of Allegiance. In your own words, explain its meaning.

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2. After attending at least one Scout troop meeting, do the following:

2a. Describe how the Scouts in the troop provide its leadership.
2b. Describe the four steps of Scout advancement.
2c. Describe what the Scouts BSA ranks are and how they are earned.
2d. Describe what merit badges are and how they are earned.

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3a. Explain the patrol method. Describe the types of patrols that are used in your troop.
3b. Become familiar with your patrol name, emblem, flag, and yell. Explain how these items create patrol spirit.

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4a. Show how to tie a square knot, two half-hitches, and a taut-line hitch. Explain how each knot is used.
4b. Show the proper care of a rope by learning how to whip and fuse the ends of different kinds of rope.

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5. Tell what you need to know about pocketknife safety and responsibly.

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6. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet "How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parents Guide" and earn the Cyber Chip Award for your grade or view the Personal Safety Awareness videos ( with your parent or Guardian's permission). 1

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7. Since joining the troop and while working on the Scout rank, participate in a Scoutmaster conference.

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Notes

Upon joining, a Scout must still meet the age requirements. The Scout must be a youth who is at least 10 years old, currently in the fifth grade and register on or after March 1, or one who is at least 10 years old and earned the Arrow of Light Award or one who is at least 11 years old, but is not yet 18 years old.

The requirements for the Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks may be worked on simultaneously; however, these ranks must be earned in sequence.

Alternative requirements for the Scout rank are available for Scouts with physical or mental disabilities if they meet the criteria listed in the Boy Scout Requirements book.

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1 If your family does not have internet access at home AND you do not have ready internet access at school or another public place or via a mobile device, the Cyber Chip portion of the requirement may be waived by your Scoutmaster in consultation with your parent or guardian.

Worksheet for use in working on these requirements:

• Scout Rank Workbook:  doc - pdf

CAMPING AND OUTDOOR ETHICS

1a. Present yourself to your leader, prepared for an overnight camping trip. Show the personal and camping gear you will use. Show the right way to pack and carry it. (See pages 267–273.) 

1b. Spend at least one night on a patrol or troop campout. Sleep in a tent you have helped pitch. (See pages 276–279.) 

1c. Tell how you practiced the Outdoor Code on a campout or outing. (See pages 223–235.) 

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COOKING

2a. On the campout, assist in preparing one of the meals. Tell why it is important for each patrol member to share in meal preparation and cleanup. (See pages 304–305 and 310–324.)  

2b. While on a campout, demonstrate the appropriate method of safely cleaning items used to prepare, serve, and eat a meal. (See pages 307–308.) 

2c. Explain the importance of eating together as a patrol. (See page 325.) 

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TOOLS

3a. Demonstrate a practical use of the square knot. (See page 365.) 

3b. Demonstrate a practical use of two half-hitches.  (See page 366.) 

3c. Demonstrate a practical use of the taut-line hitch. (See page 367.) 

3d. Demonstrate proper care, sharpening, and use of the knife, saw, and ax. Describe when each should be used. (See pages 378–387.) 

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FIRST AID AND NATURE

4a. Show first aid for the following: 

• Simple cuts and scrapes (See page 125.) 

• Blisters on the hand and foot (See pages 125–126.) 

• Minor (thermal/heat) burns or scalds (superficial, or first-degree) (See pages 136–137.)

• Bites or stings of insects and ticks (See pages 131–132.) 

• Venomous snakebite (See pages 129–130.) 

• Nosebleed (See pages 126–127.) 

• Frostbite and sunburn (See pages 136–137 and 140–141.) 

• Choking (See pages 120–121.) 

4b. Describe common poisonous or hazardous plants; identify any that grow in your local area or campsite location. Tell how to treat for exposure to them. (See pages 127 and 191–192.) 

4c. Tell what you can do while on a campout or other outdoor activity to prevent or reduce the occurrence of injuries or exposure listed in Tenderfoot requirements 4a and 4b. (See pages 150–151.) 

4d. Assemble a personal first-aid kit to carry with you on future campouts and hikes. Tell how each item in the kit would be used. (See page 108.) 

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HIKING

5a. Explain the importance of the buddy system as it relates to your personal safety on outings and where you live. Use the buddy system while on a troop or patrol outing. (See pages 29 and 252.) 

5b. Describe what to do if you become lost on a hike or campout. (See pages 254–255.) 

5c. Explain the rules of safe and responsible hiking, both on the highway and cross-country, during the day and at night. (See pages 252–253.) 

5d. Explain why it is important to hike on trails or other durable surfaces, and give examples of durable surfaces you saw on your outing. 

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FITNESS

6a. Record your best in the following tests: (See page 77.) 

• Pushups __________ (Record the number done correctly in 60 seconds.) (See page 79.)

• Situps or curl-ups __________ (Record the number done correctly in 60 seconds.) (See page 80.) 

• Back-saver sit-and-reach __________ (Record the distance stretched.) (See page 80.) 

• 1-mile walk/run __________ (Record the time.) (See page 81.) 

6b. Develop and describe a plan for improvement in each of the activities listed in Tenderfoot requirement 6a. Keep track of your activity for at least 30 days. (See pages 76–77.) 

6c. Show improvement (of any degree) in each activity listed in Tenderfoot requirement 6a after practicing for 30 days. (See page 77.) 

• Pushups __________ (Record the number done correctly in 60 seconds.) (See page 79.) 

• Situps or curl-ups __________ (Record the number done correctly in 60 seconds.) (See page 80.) 

• Back-saver sit-and-reach __________ (Record the distance stretched.) (See page 80.) 

• 1-mile walk/run __________ (Record the time.) (See page 81.) 

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CITIZENSHIP 

7a. Demonstrate how to display, raise, lower, and fold the U.S. flag. (See pages 58–60.) 

7b. Participate in a total of one hour of service in one or more service projects approved by your Scoutmaster. Explain how your service to others relates to the Scout slogan and Scout motto. (See pages 16-17 and 68.) 

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LEADERSHIP 

8. Describe the steps in Scouting’s Teaching EDGE method. Use the Teaching EDGE method to teach another person how to tie the square knot. (See pages 38-–39 and 365.) 

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SCOUT SPIRIT 

9. 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 four different points of the Scout Law in your everyday life. (See pages 11–16 and 23.) 

____________________     ____________________     ____________________     ____________________

10. While working toward the Tenderfoot rank, and after completing Scout rank requirement 7, participate in a Scoutmaster conference. (See page 418.) 

11. Successfully complete your board of review for the Tenderfoot rank. (See page 414.) 

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Note: 

The requirements for Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks may be worked on simultaneously; however, these ranks must be earned in sequence.

Alternative requirements for the Tenderfoot rank are available for Scouts with physical or mental disabilities if they meet the criteria listed in the Scouts BSA Requirements book. 

These rank requirements are official as of August 1, 2022. If a Scout has started work toward a rank before that date using requirements that were current before August 1, 2022 except as noted below, the Scout may complete that rank using the old requirements. Any progress toward a rank that is begun after January 1, 2023, must use the requirements as they are presented on scouting.org.

CAMPING and OUTDOOR ETHICS

1. 1. Since joining Scouts BSA, participate in five separate troop/patrol activities, at least three of which must be held outdoors. Of the outdoor activities, at least two must include overnight camping. These activities do not include troop or patrol meetings. On campouts, spend the night in a tent that you pitch or other structure that you help erect, such as a lean-to, snow cave, or tepee.

   2. Recite the principles of Leave No Trace from memory. Explain how you follow them on all outings.

   3. On one of these campouts, select a location for your patrol site and recommend it to your patrol leader, senior patrol leader, or troop guide. Explain what factors you should consider when choosing a patrol site and where to pitch a tent.

COOKING and TOOLS

The requirements for Cooking merit badge include the following note immediately before requirements 4, 5, & 6.

Note: The meals prepared for Cooking merit badge requirements 4, 5, and 6 will count only toward fulfilling those requirements

and will not count toward rank advancement or other merit badges. Meals prepared for rank advancement or other merit badges

may not count toward the Cooking merit badge. You must not repeat any menus for meals actually prepared or cooked in requirements 4, 5, and 6.

Therefore, The meals prepared for Second Class rank requirement 2e may not count toward Cooking merit badge, requirements 4, 5, or 6.
Meals prepared for Cooking merit badge requirements 4, 5, and 6 may not count toward Second Class rank requirement 2e.

• 2. 1. Explain when it is appropriate to use a fire for cooking or other purposes and when it would not be appropriate to do so.

     2. Use a pocketknife, and a saw or axe if needed, to prepare tinder, kindling, and fuel wood for a cooking fire.

     3. Using a minimum-impact method, and at an approved outdoor location and time, use the tinder, kindling, and fuel wood from Second Class requirement 2b to demonstrate how to build a fire. Unless prohibited by local fire restrictions, light the fire. After allowing the flames to burn safely for at least two minutes, safely extinguish the flames with minimal impact to the fire site. Properly dispose of the ashes and any charred remains.

     4. Explain when it is appropriate to use a lightweight stove and when it is appropriate to use a propane stove. Set up a lightweight stove or propane stove. Unless prohibited by local fire restrictions, light the stove. Describe the safety procedures for using these types of stoves.

     5. On one campout, plan and cook one hot breakfast or lunch, selecting foods from MyPlate or the current USDA nutritional model. Explain the importance of good nutrition. Demonstrate how to transport, store, and prepare the foods you selected.

     6. Demonstrate tying the sheet bend knot. Describe a situation in which you would use this knot.

     7. Demonstrate tying the bowline knot. Describe a situation in which you would use this knot.

NAVIGATION

1. Demonstrate how a compass works and how to orient a map. Use a map to point out and tell the meaning of five map symbols.

2. Using a compass and map together, take a five-mile hike (or 10 miles by bike) approved by your adult leader and your parent or guardian.2

3. Describe some hazards or injuries that you might encounter on your hike and what you can do to help prevent them.2

4. Demonstrate how to find directions during the day and at night without using a compass or an electronic device.

NATURE

1. Identify or show evidence of at least ten kinds of wild animals (such as birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, mollusks) found in your local area or camping location. You may show evidence by tracks, signs, or photographs you have taken.

AQUATICS

1. Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe swim.

2. Demonstrate your ability to pass the BSA beginner test.  Jump feetfirst into water over your head in depth, level off and swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming, then return to your starting place.3

3. Demonstrate water rescue methods by reaching with your arm or leg, by reaching with a suitable object, and by throwing lines and objects.3

4. Explain why swimming rescues should not be attempted when a reaching or throwing rescue is possible. Explain why and how a rescue swimmer should avoid contact with the victim.

FIRST AID

1. Demonstrate first aid for the following:

   • • Object in the eye

     • Bite of a warm blooded animal

     • Puncture wounds from a splinter, nail, and fishhook

     • Serious burns (partial thickness, or second degree)

     • Heat exhaustion

     • Shock

     • Heatstroke, dehydration, hypothermia, and hyperventilation

2. Show what to do for "hurry" cases of stopped breathing, stroke, severe bleeding, and ingested poisoning.

3. Tell what you can do while on a campout or hike to prevent or reduce the occurrence of the injuries listed in Second Class requirements 6a and 6b.

4. Explain what to do in case of accidents that require emergency response in the home and the backcountry. Explain what constitutes an emergency and what information you will need to provide to a responder.

5. Tell how you should respond if you come upon the scene of a vehicular accident.

FITNESS

1. After competing Tenderfoot requirement 6c, be physically active at least 30 minutes a day for five days a week for four weeks. Keep track of your activities.

2. Share your challenges and successes in completing Second Class requirement 7a. Set a goal for continuing to include physical activity as part of your daily life and develop a plan for doing so.

3. Participate in a school, community, or troop program on the dangers of using drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, and other practices that could be harmful to your health. Discuss your participation in the program with your family, and explain the dangers of substance addictions. Report to your Scoutmaster or other adult leader in your troop about which parts of the Scout Oath and Law relate to what you learned.

CITIZENSHIP

1. Participate in a flag ceremony for your school, religious institution, chartered organization, community, or Scouting activity.

2. Explain what respect is due the flag of the United States.

3. With your parents or guardian, decide on an amount of money that you would like to earn, based on the cost of a specific item you would like to purchase. Develop a written plan to earn the amount agreed upon and follow that plan; it is acceptable to make changes to your plan along the way. Discuss any changes made to your original plan and whether you met your goal.

4. At a minimum of three locations, compare the cost of the item for which you are saving to determine the best place to purchase it. After completing Second Class requirement 8c, decide if you will use the amount that you earned as originally intended, save all or part of it, or use it for another purpose.

5. Participate in two hours of service through one or more service projects approved by your Scoutmaster. Tell how your service to others relates to the Scout Oath.

LEADERSHIP

1. Explain the three R's of personal safety and protection.

2. Describe bullying; tell what the appropriate response is to someone who is bullying you or another person.

SCOUT SPIRIT

1. 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 four different points of the Scout Law (not to include those used for Tenderfoot requirement 9) in your everyday life.

2. While working toward the Second Class rank, and after completing Tenderfoot requirement 10, participate in a Scoutmaster conference.

3. Successfully complete your board of review for the Second Class rank.

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Note:

The requirements for Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks may be worked on simultaneously; however, these ranks must be earned in sequence.

Alternative Requirements for the Second Class rank are available for Scouts with physical or mental disabilities if they meet the criteria listed in the Scouts BSA Requirements book.

2 If you use a wheelchair or crutches, or if it is difficult for you to get around, you may substitute "trip" for "hike" in requirement 3b and 3c.

3 Under certain exceptional conditions, where the climate keeps the outdoor water temperature below safe levels the year-round, or where there are no suitably safe and accessible places (outdoors or indoors) within a reasonable traveling distance to swim at any time during the year, the council Scout executive and advancement committee may, on an individual Scout basis, authorize an alternative for requirements 5b and 5c. The local council may establish appropriate procedures for submitting and processing these types of requests. All the other requirements, none of which necessitate entry in the water or entry in a watercraft on the water, must be completed as written.

Worksheet for use in working on these requirements:

• Second Class Rank Workbook:  doc - pdf

These rank requirements are official as of August 1, 2022. If a Scout has started work toward a rank before that date using requirements that were current before August 1, 2022 except as noted below, the Scout may complete that rank using the old requirements. Any progress toward a rank that is begun after January 1, 2023, must use the requirements as they are presented on scouting.org.

CAMPING and OUTDOOR ETHICS

• • 1. Since joining Scouts BSA, participate in 10 separate troop/patrol activities, at least six of which must be held outdoors. Of the outdoor activities, at least three must include overnight camping. These activities do not include troop or patrol meetings. On campouts, spend the night in a tent that you pitch or other structure that you help erect, such as a lean-to, snow cave, or tepee.

    2. Explain the potential impacts of camping, both on the environment and on other outdoor users. Explain why the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace principles are important for protecting the outdoors.

COOKING

The requirements for Cooking merit badge include the following note immediately before requirements 4, 5, & 6.

Note: The meals prepared for Cooking merit badge requirements 4, 5, and 6 will count only toward fulfilling those requirements

and will not count toward rank advancement or other merit badges. Meals prepared for rank advancement or other merit badges

may not count toward the Cooking merit badge. You must not repeat any menus for meals actually prepared or cooked in requirements 4, 5, and 6.

Therefore, The meals prepared for First Class rank requirement 2e may not count toward Cooking merit badge, requirements 4, 5, or 6.
Meals prepared for Cooking merit badge requirements 4, 5, and 6 may not count toward First Class rank requirement 2e.

• 1. 1. Help plan a menu for one of the above campouts that includes at least one breakfast, one lunch, and one dinner and that requires cooking at least two of the meals. Tell how the menu includes the foods from MyPlate or the current USDA nutritional model and how it meets nutritional needs for the planned activity or campout.

     2. Using the menu planned in First Class requirement 2a, make a list showing a budget and the food amounts needed to feed three or more youth. Secure the ingredients.

     3. Show which pans, utensils, and other gear will be needed to cook and serve these meals.

     4. Demonstrate the procedures to follow in the safe handling and storage of fresh meats, dairy products, eggs, vegetables, and other perishable food products. Show how to properly dispose of camp garbage, cans, plastic containers, waste water and other rubbish.

     5. On one campout, serve as cook. Supervise your assistant(s) in using a stove or building a cooking fire. Prepare the breakfast, lunch, and dinner planned in First Class requirement 2a. Supervise the cleanup.

TOOLS

1. Discuss when you should and should not use lashings.

2. Demonstrate tying the timber hitch and clove hitch.

3. Demonstrate tying the square, shear, and diagonal lashings by joining two or more poles or staves together.

4. Use lashings to make a useful camp gadget or structure.

NAVIGATION

1. Using a map and compass, complete an orienteering course that covers at least one mile and requires measuring the height and/or width of designated items (tree, tower, canyon, ditch, etc.)

2. Demonstrate how to use a handheld GPS unit, GPS app on a smartphone or other electronic navigation system Demonstrate how to use a handheld GPS unit, GPS app on a smartphone, or other electronic navigation system while on a campout or hike. Use GPS to find your current location, a destination of your choice, and the route you will take to get there. Follow that route to arrive at your destination.. Use a GPS to find your current location, a destination of your choice, and the route you will take to get there. Follow that route to arrive at your destination.

NATURE

1. Identify or show evidence of at least 10 kinds of native plants found in your local area or campsite location. You may show evidence by identifying fallen leaves or fallen fruit that you find in the field, or as part of a collection you have made, or by photographs you have taken.

2. Identify two ways to obtain a weather forecast for an upcoming activity. Explain why weather forecasts are important when planning for an event.

3. Describe at least three natural indicators of impending hazardous weather, the potential dangerous events that might result from such weather conditions, and the appropriate actions to take.

4. Describe extreme weather conditions you might encounter in the outdoors in your local geographic area. Discuss how you would determine ahead of time the potential risk of these types of weather dangers, alternative planning considerations to avoid such risks, and how you would prepare for and respond to those weather conditions.

AQUATICS

1. Successfully complete the BSA swimmer test.4&5

2. Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe trip afloat.

3. Identify the basic parts of a canoe, kayak, or other boat. Identify the parts of a paddle or an oar.

4. Describe proper body positioning in a watercraft, depending on the type and size of the vessel. Explain the importance of proper body position in the boat.

5. With a helper and a practice victim, show a line rescue both as tender and rescuer. (The practice victim should be approximately 30 feet from shore in deep water.)5

FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

1. Demonstrate bandages for a sprained ankle and for injuries on the head, the upper arm, and the collarbone.

2. By yourself and with a partner, show how to:

   • • Transport a person from a smoke-filled room

     • Transport for at least 25 yards a person with a sprained ankle.

3. Tell the five most common signals of a heart attack. Explain the steps (procedures) in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

4. Tell what utility services exist in your home or meeting place. Describe potential hazards associated with these utilities, and tell how to respond in emergency situations.

5. Develop an emergency action plan for your home that includes what to do in case of fire, storm, power outage, and water outage.

6. Explain how to obtain potable water in an emergency.

FITNESS

1. After completing Second Class requirement 7a, be physically active at least 30 minutes every day for five days a week for four weeks. Keep track of your activities.

2. Share your challenges and successes in completing First Class requirement 8a. Set a goal for continuing to include physical activity as part of your daily life.

CITIZENSHIP

1. Visit and discuss with a selected individual approved by your leader (for example, an elected official, judge, attorney, civil servant, principal, or teacher) the constitutional rights and obligations of a U.S. citizen.

2. Investigate an environmental issue affecting your community. Share what you learned about that issue with your patrol or troop. Tell what, if anything, could be done by you or your community to address the concern.

3. On a Scouting or family outing, take note of the trash and garbage you produce. Before your next similar outing, decide how you can reduce, recycle, or repurpose what you take on that outing, and then put those plans into action. Compare your results.

4. Participate in three hours of service through one or more service projects approved by your Scoutmaster. The project(s) must not be the same service project(s) used for Tenderfoot requirement 7b and Second Class requirement 8e. Explain how your service to others relates to the Scout Law.

LEADERSHIP

1. Tell someone who is eligible to join Scouts BSA, or an inactive Scout, about your Scouting activities. Invite this person to an outing, activity, service project or meeting. Provide information on how to join, or encourage the inactive Scout to become active. Share your efforts with your Scoutmaster or other adult leader.

SCOUT SPIRIT

1. 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 four different points of the Scout Law (different from those points used for previous ranks) in your everyday life.

2. While working toward the First Class rank, and after completing Second Class requirement 11, participate in a Scoutmaster conference.

3. Successfully complete your board of review for the First Class rank.

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Note:

The requirements for Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks may be worked on simultaneously; however, these ranks must be earned in sequence.

Alternative Requirements for the First Class rank are available for Scouts with physical or mental disabilities if they meet the criteria listed in the Boy Scout Requirements book.

4 See the Swimming merit badge requirements for details about the BSA Swimmer test.

5 Under certain exceptional conditions, where the climate keeps the outdoor water temperature below safe levels the year-round, or where there are no suitably safe and accessible places (outdoors or indoors) within a reasonable traveling distance to swim at any time during the year, the council Scout executive and advancement committee may, on an individual Scout basis, authorize an alternative for requirements 6a and 6e. The local council may establish appropriate procedures for submitting and processing these types of requests. All the other requirements, none of which necessitate entry in the water or entry in a watercraft on the water, must be completed as written.

Worksheet for use in working on these requirements:

• First Class Rank Workbook:  doc - pdf

These rank requirements are official as of August 1, 2022. If a Scout has started work toward a rank before that date using requirements that were current before August 1, 2022 except as noted below, the Scout may complete that rank using the old requirements. Any progress toward a rank that is begun after January 1, 2023, must use the requirements as they are presented on scouting.org.

1. Be active in your troop for at least four months as a First Class Scout.

2. 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.

3. Earn six merit badges, including any four from the required list for Eagle. You may choose any of the merit badges on the required list for Eagle to fulfill this requirement. See Eagle rank requirement 3 for this list.

4. While a First Class Scout, participate in six hours of service through one or more service projects approved by your Scoutmaster.

5. 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 assigned 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 6

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, or

• 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.

6. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet "How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parents Guide" and earn the Cyber Chip Award for your grade or view the Personal Safety Awareness videos ( with your parent or Guardian's permission). 7

7. While a First Class Scout, participate in a Scoutmaster conference

8. Successfully complete your board of review for the Star rank. 8

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Note:

For Venturers working on Scouts BSA Requirements, replace "troop" with "crew" and "Scoutmaster" with "Crew Advisor"
For Sea Scouts working on Scouts BSA Requirements, replace "troop" with "ship" and  for "Scoutmaster" with "Skipper".

6 Assistant patrol leader is not an approved position of responsibility for the Star, Life, or Eagle rank.

7 If your family does not have internet access at home AND you do not have ready internet access at school or another public place or via a mobile device, the Cyber Chip portion of the requirement may be waived by your Scoutmaster in consultation with your parent or guardian.

8 If the board of review does not approve the Scout's advancement, the decision may be appealed in accordance with Guide to Advancement topic 8.0.4.0.

Worksheet for use in working on these requirements:

• First Class Rank Workbook:  doc1 - doc2

These rank requirements are official as of Jan. 1, 2022. If a Scout has started work toward a rank before that date using requirements that were current before Jan. 1, 2022, except as noted below, the Scout may complete that rank using the old requirements. Any progress toward a rank that is begun after Jan. 1, 2022, must use the requirements as they are presented on scouting.org.

1. Be active in your troop for at least six months as a Star Scout.

2. As a Star 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 Law in your everyday life.

3. Earn five more merit badges (so that you have 11 in all), including any number more from the list for Eagle so that you have a total of seven from the required list of Eagle in that total number of 11 merit badges. You may choose any of the merit badges on the required list for Eagle to fulfill this requirement. See Eagle rank requirement #3 for this list.

4. Note: On November 1, 2021, BSA introduced a new merit badge, CITIZENSHIP IN SOCIETY. Scouts could use Citizenship in Society as one of the Eagle-Required merit badges for Star rank requirement #3 or Life requirement #3 anytime after Nov 1, 2021. For the rank of Eagle Scout, it could be used as an optional merit badge until July 1, 2022. For Scouts who did not complete all requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout by July 1, 2022, Citizenship in Society became required.

5. While a Star Scout, participate in six hours of service through one or more service projects approved by your Scoutmaster. At least 3 hours of this service must be conservation related.

6. While a Star Scout, serve actively in your troop for six months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility (or carry out a unit leader-assigned 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 9

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, or

• 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.

7. While a Star Scout, use the Teaching EDGE method to teach another Scout (preferably younger than you) the skills from ONE of the following choices, so that the Scout is prepared to pass those requirements to their Scoutmaster's satisfaction.

   • • Tenderfoot - 4a and 4b (first aid)

     • Second Class - 2b, 2c, and 2d (cooking/camping)

     • Second Class - 3a and 3d (navigation)

     • First Class - 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d (tools)

     • First Class - 4a and 4b (navigation)

     • Second Class - 6a and 6b (first aid)

     • First Class - 7a and 7b (first aid)

     • Three requirements from one of the required Eagle merit badges, as approved by your Scoutmaster.

8. While a Star Scout, participate in a Scoutmaster conference

9. Successfully complete your board of review for the Life rank. 10

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Note:

For Venturers working on Scouts BSA Requirements, replace "troop" with "crew" and "Scoutmaster" with "Crew Advisor."
For Sea Scouts working on Scouts BSA Requirements, replace "troop" with "ship" and "Scoutmaster" with "Skipper."

9 Assistant patrol leader is not an approved position of responsibility for the Star, Life, or Eagle rank.

10 If the board of review does not approve the Scout’s advancement, the decision may be appealed in accordance with Guide to Advancement, topic 8.0.4.0.

Worksheet for use in working on these requirements:

• Life Rank Workbook:  doc - pdf

On August 1, 2022, these minor modifications to the Scouts BSA requirements for the ranks of Scout through Star took effect. Scouts may continue using the existing requirements for the rank on which they are currently working, or they may choose to use the new requirements. Scouts must use the new requirements once they advance to their next rank. On January 1, 2023, all Scouts must use only the new requirements.

In addition, beginning July 1, 2022 the Citizenship in Society merit badge became required for the rank of Eagle Scout.

These rank requirements are official as of July 1, 2022.

1. Be active in your troop for a period of at least six months as a Life Scout.

2. As a Life Scout, demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God, how you have lived the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your everyday life, and how your understanding of the Scout Oath and Scout Law will guide your life in the future. List on your Eagle Scout Rank Application the names of individuals who know you personally and would be willing to provide a recommendation on your behalf, including parents/guardians, religious (if not affiliated with an organized religion, then the parent or guardian provides this reference), educational, employer (if employed), and two other references.

3. Earn a total of 21 merit badges (10 more than required for the Life rank), including these 14 merit badges:

   1. • • First Aid

        • Citizenship in the Community

        • Citizenship in the Nation

        • Citizenship in Society

        • Citizenship in the World

        • Communication

        • Cooking

        • Personal Fitness

        • Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving

        • Environmental Science OR Sustainability

        • Personal Management

        • Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling

        • Camping, and

        • Family Life

4. You must choose only one of the merit badges listed in categories i, j, and l. Any additional merit badge(s) earned in those categories may be counted as one of your seven optional merit badges used to make your total of 21.

5. While a Life Scout, serve actively in your troop for six months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility: 9
   
   

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,

• junior assistant Scoutmaster,

• chaplain aide,

• instructor,

• webmaster, or

• outdoor ethics guide 11

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, or

• 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.

6. While a Life Scout, plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or your community. (The project must benefit an organization other than the Boy Scouts of America.) A project proposal must be approved by the organization benefiting from the effort, your Scoutmaster and unit committee, and the council or district before you start. You must use the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, BSA publication No. 512-927, in meeting this requirement. (To learn more about the Eagle Scout service project, see the Guide to Advancement, topics 9.0.2.0 through 9.0.2.15.)

7. While a Life Scout, participate in a Scoutmaster conference.

In preparation for your board of review, prepare and attach to your Eagle Scout Rank Application a statement of your ambitions and life purpose and a listing of positions held in your religious institution, school, camp, community, or other organizations, during which you demonstrated leadership skills. Include honors and awards received during this service.

1. Successfully complete your board of review for the Eagle Scout rank.12 (This requirement may be met after age 18 in accordance with Guide to Advancement, topic 8.0.3.1.)13

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Note

For Venturers working on Scouts BSA Requirements, replace "troop" with "crew" and "Scoutmaster" with "Crew Advisor."
For Sea Scouts working on Scouts BSA Requirements, replace "troop" with "ship" and "Scoutmaster" with "Skipper."

11 Assistant patrol leader and bugler are not approved positions of responsibility for the Eagle Scout rank. Likewise, a Scoutmaster-approved leadership project shall not be used in lieu of serving in a position of responsibility.

12 APPEALS & EXTENSIONS

If a Scout believes all requirements for the Eagle Scout rank have been completed but a board of review is denied, the Scout may request a board of review under disputed circumstances in accordance with Guide to Advancement topic 8.0.3.2.

If the board of review does not approve the Scout's advancement, the decision may be appealed in accordance with Guide to Advancement topic 8.0.4.0.

A Scout who foresees that, due to no fault or choice of their own. it will not be possible to complete the Eagle Scout rank requirements before age 18 may apply for a limited time extension in accordance with Guide to Advancement topic 9.0.4.0. These are rarely granted and reserved only for work on Eagle.

13 AGE REQUIREMENT ELIGIBILITY.

Merit badges, badges of rank, and Eagle Palms may be earned by a registered Scout or a qualified Venturer or Sea Scout. Scouts may earn these awards until their 18th birthday. Any Venturer or Sea Scout who has achieved the First Class rank as a Scout in a troop or as a Lone Scout may continue working up to their 18th birthday toward the Star, Life, and Eagle Scout ranks and Eagle Palms.

An Eagle Scout board of review may occur, without special approval, within three months after the 18th birthday. Local councils must preapprove those held three to six months afterward. To initiate approval, the candidate, the candidate's parent or guardian, the unit leader, or a unit committee member attaches to the application a statement explaining the delay. Consult the Guide to Advancement, topic 8.0.3.1, in the case where a board of review is to be conducted more than six months after a candidate's 18th birthday.

If you have a permanent physical or mental disability, or a disability expected to last more than two years or beyond age 18, you may become an Eagle Scout by qualifying for as many required merit badges as you can and qualifying for alternative merit badges for the rest. If you seek to become an Eagle Scout under this procedure, you must submit a special application to your local council service center. Your application must be approved by your council advancement committee before you can work on alternative merit badges.

A Scout. Venturer, or Sea Scout with a disability may also qualify to work toward rank advancement after reaching 18 years of age if the guidelines outlined in section 10 of the Guide to Advancement are met.

Worksheet for use in working on these requirements:

• Eagle Scout Rank Workbook:  doc1 - doc2

https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/eagle-required/