Scout Rank

Scout is the first rank, and the way into the troop. A new Scout learns what the troop stands for and how it works: the Scout Oath and Scout Law, the motto and slogan, the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace, the patrol method, how advancement and merit badges work, three knots and the care of a rope, and the rules for carrying a pocketknife. A Scout who already did this as a Webelos only has to show it to the Scoutmaster after joining.

One requirement is done at home with a parent or guardian: the exercises in How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse and the Personal Safety Awareness videos. Scout is the only rank without a board of review; it ends with a Scoutmaster conference.

Thinking about joining? Start with How to Join.

Scout Rank Requirements

All requirements for the Scout rank must be completed as a member of a troop or as a Lone Scout. If you have 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.

• 1a. Repeat from memory the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan. In your own words, explain their meaning.
• 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.
• 1c. Demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handshake. Explain when they should be used.
• 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 Leave No Trace Seven Principles. Explain the difference between the two.
• 1f. Repeat from memory the Pledge of Allegiance. In your own words, explain its meaning.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 5. Tell what you need to know about pocketknife safety and responsibility.
• 6a. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide.¹
• 6b. View the Personal Safety Awareness videos (with your parent or guardian’s permission).¹
• 7. Since joining the troop and while working on the Scout rank, participate in a Scoutmaster conference.

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 Personal Safety Awareness videos portion of this requirement may be waived by your Scoutmaster in consultation with your parent or guardian.

Requirement text as published by Scouting America in Scouts BSA Requirements (2025 edition), word for word. No council, district, unit or individual may add to or take away from these requirements.