Just like in Cub Scouts, there are Boy Scout ranks. Unlike Cub Scouts,
ranks are not determined by age or grade but by completing a set of
requirements. There are 6 ranks in Boy Scouts - Tenderfoot, Second
Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle. In order to start the first
rank, Tenderfoot, you have to complete Scout requirements. Scout level is NOT considered a rank, but the initial step to starting the Boy Scout experience. The purpose of the Scout
requirements is to ensure that the scout and the parent(s) understand Boy
Scout policies, have the required paperwork completed, and that your new Boy Scout understands what it means to live by the Scout Oath and Law.
In order for your new Boy Scout to get his Scout badge (shown right),
the following should be completed and handed in before and/or during the
Crossover Weekend. If all of the following requirements are met, at the end of the Crossover campout your scout will receive his Scout badge and his
Boy Scout Handbook.
Paperwork requirements: (All paperwork should be handed
in before or at Crossover)
1) Meet the age requirements:
Be a boy who is 11 years old, or one how has completed the fifth
grade or earned the Arrow of Light Award
and is at least 10 years old, but not yet 18 years old.
2) Find a Scout troop near your home. You've already done
this if you're crossing over to Troop 51!
3) Complete a Boy Scout application signed by your parent or
guardian. This is in the new parent packet.
4) Complete a health history signed by your parent or guardian
with copy of medical insurance card. This is very important.
Without a complete medical form, your scout cannot participate in a lot
of activities. A copy is in the new parent packet and a data-entry PDF
file is in the Attachment section below. Parts A and C are completed by
the parent and Part B is completed by a doctor. This form must be
completed each year.
5) Complete the pamphlet exercises, signed by your parent or
guardian. This pamphlet goes through the Youth
Protection Policies of the BSA and informs you and your scout of how a
troop handles privacy issues and youth protection. This pamphlet is in
the new parent packet and is also located in the Attachment section
below. The first page should be signed by you and your scout and handed
in on Crossover weekend.
Scout requirements: If your scout received the Arrow
of Light as a Cub Scout, he's seen most of this! There is a file below
with all the information needed for these requirements. Your scout will
complete these during the Crossover campout.
6) Repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.
7) Demonstrate the Scout sign, salute and handshake.
8) Demonstrate tying the square knot (a joining knot).
9)
Understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath or Promise, Scout Law,
motto and slogan, and the Outdoor Code.
10) Describe the Scout badge.
11) Participate in a Scoutmaster conference. This
is an informal conference between your scout and a scoutmaster - they
will talk about his experience over the weekend and his goals as a new
scout.
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