Misplaced Pages

First Class Rank
First Class rank badge
Scouting portal

First Class Scout is a rank in the Boy Scouts of America, the rank above Second Class and below Star Scout. It is the highest of the lower four ranks in Scouting, and is the minimum rank that need be attained for entry into the Order of the Arrow.

Background

Robert Baden-Powell wanted a First Class Scout to be the complete outdoorsman. Originally, First Class scout was the final and highest rank. Later ranks were originally recognitions of earning merit badges beyond First Class, and not properly ranks. Now these additional ranks form a second tier where Scouts can further develop leadership skills and explore potential vocations and avocations through the merit badge program.

For a brief period in Scouting's history, prior to the introduction of Eagle Scout, First Class Scout was the highest rank in the BSA; for several more years, it was the highest rank needed (until Star and Life became mandatory) for Eagle.

The number of Scouts achieving First Class within one year of joining is still one of the key measures of unit effectiveness. Studies have shown that if a Scout achieves First Class within a year of joining, he typically stays in the Scout program for at least three years. Scouts who do so are more likely to retain Scout values as an adult and achieve the BSA primary mission of "producing useful citizens".

The symbol of this rank combines the symbols of the previous ranks: Scout, Tenderfoot, and Second Class. The Scout symbol is from the Scout rank, the eagle with the shield is from Tenderfoot, and the scroll with "Be Prepared" comes from the Second Class Rank. Star Scout and Life Scout both add to this with a star and a heart, respectively.

Current requirements

Though Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class rank requirements can be worked on simultaneously, the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks must be earned in order.

See also

• Ranks in Scouts BSA

Bibliography

• The Scouts BSA Handbook (11th ed.). Irving, Texas: Boy Scouts of America. 1998. ISBN 0-8395-3105-2.

References

1. "BSA Requirements" (PDF). BSA. as of January 1, 2016, "Scout" is now a rank as well
2. BSA 1998, p. 1.
3. BSA 1998, p. 10.
4. "First Class Rank Requirement". U.S. Scouting Service Project. Archived from the original on February 12, 2006. Retrieved March 23, 2006.

v t e Scouting and Guiding topics
Movement	Scouting Scouting for Boys Scouting Round the World Scout method Scout Law Scout Promise Scout Motto Wood Badge Girl Guides Jamboree World Scout Jamboree World Scout Moot Scout Leader Non-aligned organisations Scouting controversy and conflict Traditional Scouting Scouting in popular culture List of Scouts List of highest awards in Scouting
Sections	Age groups in Scouting and Guiding Beavers Cub Scout Scout Venture Scout Rover Scout Rainbow Guides Brownie Guides Girl Guides Ranger Guides Air Scouts Extension Scouting Lone Scouts Lone Guides Sea Scout
Pioneers	Robert Baden-Powell Olave Baden-Powell Agnes Baden-Powell Daniel Carter Beard Frederick Russell Burnham Lawrie Dring Charles Eastman Bear Grylls William Hillcourt László Nagy Ernest Thompson Seton Jacques Sevin Francis Fletcher-Vane J. S. Wilson
Places	Baden-Powell House Brownsea Island Edith Macy Conference Center Foxlease Gilwell Park Kandersteg Pax Hill Philmont Scouting memorials Baden-Powell grave Scouting museums WAGGGS World Centres Kusafiri Nuestra Cabaña Our Chalet Pax Lodge Sangam
International organisations	Confederation of European Scouts International Catholic Conference of Scouting International Union of Guides and Scouts of Europe International Scout and Guide Fellowship Order of World Scouts World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts World Federation of Independent Scouts World Organization of Independent Scouts World Organization of the Scout Movement
Other	B-P's footprint Ging Gang Goolie International Scouting Collectors Association Oldest Scout groups Outdoor Code Leave No Trace Religion in Scouting Scout handshake Scout prayers Scout sign and salute Scout Spirit Scouting memorabilia collecting The Handbook for Girl Guides The Hackney Scout Song Book The Jungle Book and Scouting The Wolf Cub's Handbook SPICES A Boy Scout Around the World World Scout Emblem
Scouting portal

• Advancement and recognition in the Boy Scouts of America