All About Scouting Boy Scouts The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States with more than 2.4 million youth participants and nearly one million adult volunteers. The BSA was founded in 1910 and, since then, more than 110 million Americans have been participants in BSA programs at some time. The BSA is part of the international Scout Movement and became a founding member organization of the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1922. Unit Appropriate Age Boy Scouts 11-18 Varsity Scouts 14-18 Venturers (Co-ed) 14-20 Explorers (Co-ed) 14-20 The BSA's goal is to train youth in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and, at older age levels, career- oriented programs in partnership with community organizations. For younger members, the Scout Method is part of the program to instill typical Scouting values such as trustworthiness, good citizenship, and outdoors skills, through a variety of activities such as camping, aquatics, and hiking. The BSA operates traditional Scouting by chartering local organizations, such as churches, clubs, civic associations, or educational organization, to implement the Scouting program for youth within their communities. Units are led entirely by volunteers appointed by the chartering organization, who are supported by local councils using both paid professional staff and volunteers. The objectives of the BSA are referred to as Aims of Scouting: moral character development; citizenship training; and development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness. The BSA pursues these aims through an informal education system called the Scout Method with variations that are designed to be appropriate for the age and maturity of each membership division. Each unit is sponsored by a community organization as part of their youth program and is involved in the neighborhood and community. Scout Advancement Scout: Scout was previously a joining badge, but is now considered the first rank, and is earned by completing certain requirements. As of January 2016, the Scout badge has a gold fleur-de-lis on a tan background. The badge is awarded when the boy demonstrates a rudimentary knowledge of the Scouting ideals such as tying a square knot and knowing the Scout oath, law, motto, and slogan All About Scouting Boy Scouts Tenderfoot: Tenderfoot is the second rank a scout can earn. A Scout can On my honor, I will do work on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class my best, to do my duty, ranks at the same time, but each rank must be earned in sequence. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements in the areas to God and my of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit. country, and to obey Second Class: Second Class is the rank above Tenderfoot and below First the Scout Law, to help Class. A Scout can work on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second other people at all Class, and First Class ranks at the same time, but must be earned in sequence. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements times, to keep myself in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth physically strong, and Scout Spirit. mentally awake, and First Class: First Class is the rank above Second Class and below Star Scout. morally straight." A Scout can work on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks at the same time, but must earn them in sequence. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements in the areas of -Scout Oath Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit. At this point, Scouts stop focusing on the Scout skills, and start working on leadership. A Scout is trustworthy, Star: Star is the rank above First Class and below Life Scout. It is the third- loyal, helpful, friendly, highest rank. Star is awarded when the Scout serves actively in the troop, team or crew in a position of responsibility for at least 4 months; performs at courteous, kind, least six hours of community service; and earns six merit badges (four of obedient, cheerful, which must be among the 13 required for Eagle Scout rank). thrifty, brave, clean, Life: Life is the second-highest rank attainable, above Star and below Eagle. and reverent.” Life is awarded when the Scout serves actively in the troop, team or crew, serves in a position of responsibility for six months, and performs six hours -Scout Law of Community service. A Scout must also earn five merit badges (at least three of which must be required for the rank of Eagle) for a total of 11, including the six previously earned. Finally, the Scout must pass a Scoutmaster conference, and board of review. Eagle: Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting division. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than 2 million young people. Requirements include earning a minimum total of 21 merit badges, including all required badges that were not previously earned, and demonstration of Scout Spirit, service and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout. Additional recognition can be earned through Eagle Palms, awarded for completing additional tenure, leadership and merit badge requirements. Pacific Harbors Council Boy Scouts of America To join a local Boy Scout troop, go to www.beascout.org 4802 S 19th St. Tacoma, WA 98405 253-682-2217 www.pacificharbors.org.