Following onset of Social-Distancing post Covid-19, many Scouts and Troops have raised many questions regarding rank advancement. To clarify confusion and to allow Scouts to continue advancing during Social-Distancing, the BSA has outlined special guidelines to Advancement during Covid-19.
Whether you or your unit is Social-Distancing or not, there are many online resources available to help Scouts work on rank advancement.
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.
- The Scout Oath (click here for a YouTube video to help learn the Oath)
- The Scout Law (with explanation)
- The Scout motto is “Be Prepared.”
- The Scout slogan is “Do a Good Turn Daily.”
- Click here for a YouTube video reviewing the Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan, from the Eagle Scout Academy.
- Scout Rank Requirement – Nate Large – Eagles Call
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.
- Scout spirit video from the Eagle Scout Academy
- Scout songs from Boy Scout Trail
- Scout Rank Requirement – Nate Large – Eagles Call
1c. Demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handshake. Explain when they should be used.
- Scout sign, salute, and handshake explanation video from the Eagle Scout Academy
- Written explanation (PDF) from Troop 139 page about the Scout sign, salute, and handshake
- Scout Rank Requirement
1d. Describe the First Class Scout badge and tell what each part stands for. Explain the significance of the First Class Scout badge.
- Video explanation of the First Class badge from Eagles Call
- Written explanation (PDF) from Troop 139 page about the First Class badge
- Scout Rank Requirement – Nate Large – Eagles Call
1e. Repeat from memory the Outdoor Code. In your own words, explain what the Outdoor Code means to you.
- The Outdoor Code
- History and meaning of the Outdoor Code
- Video explanation of the Outdoor Code from Eagles Call
- Scout Rank Requirement – Nate Large – Eagles Call
1f. Repeat from memory the Pledge of Allegiance. In your own words, explain its meaning.
- Video (text and words) of the Pledge of Allegiance
- History of the Pledge of Allegiance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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.
- The four steps to Scout advancement from Mount Baker Council (webpage)
- Video explanation of the four steps to advancement from Scouter Rob
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.
- Explanation of the patrol method from the Bryan on Scouting blog
- Video explanation of the patrol method from Scouter Rob
- Unit leader resources on the patrol method
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.
- Video explanation of the square knot, two-hald hitches, and taut-line hitch from Scouter Rob
- The Six Boy Scout Knots from 24/7 Scouting
4b. Show the proper care of a rope by learning how to whip and fuse the ends of different kinds of rope.
- Video explanation of caring for a rope and how to whip and fuse the ends of different kinds of rope
- Whipping and fusing rope ends from Boys’ Life
5. Tell what you need to know about pocketknife safety.
- Pocketknife safety video from Scouter Rob
- Pocketknife safety video from Schrade Knives
- General pocketknife safety from Bryan on Scouting blog
- Boys’ Life Knife Safety Quiz
6. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide and earn the Cyber Chip Award for your grade.1
- How to Protect your Children: A Parent’s Guide (PDF); in Spanish
- Learn about the BSA Cyber Chip award
7. Since joining the troop and while working on the Scout rank, participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
Notes: The requirements for Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks may be worked on simultaneously; however, these ranks must be earned in sequence.
Alternative requirements for the Scout rank are available for Scouts with physical or mental disabilities if they meet the criteria listed in the Scouts BSA Requirements book. 1If 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 Cyber Chip portion of this requirement may be waived by your Scoutmaster in consultation with your parent or guardian.