Advancement

Boy Scouts advance through a series of ranks known as the Eagle Scout trail. The rank system occurs in two distinctly different phases.

After earning the Scout Badge, boys work on the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. These ranks focus on Scouting skills – the outdoors, physical fitness, citizenship, patrol/troop participation, and community service. After completing their First Class rank, a Scout will be skilled at participating in all of the activities in the Boy Scout program.

During the second phase, Scouts work on the Star Scout, Life Scout, and Eagle Scout ranks. For these ranks, the focus of advancement switches from Scouting skills to personal development, community service, and leadership. Merit badges are an integral part of this part or rank advancement.