Requirements for Rank Advancement
Purpose
The purpose of this page is to provide Scouts with the expectations with respect to meeting the “be active” requirements for the ranks of Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle.
* Important Notes *
- All scouts are welcome and wanted at all meetings, outings, and events. This policy is for rank advancement, not for membership, and should never been seen as a way to limit the participation of a scout if he is also busy with another activity (school, sport, school club, family, etc.). The troop is here for whatever amount of time a scout can participate.
- More importantly, Troop 332 encourages our Scouts and families to explore life experiences outside of the troop and/or Scouting. We believe things like OA, Scout training events, sports, band, debate, family events, and other activities available are important components of becoming a well-rounded person. We merely ask that while away in those other things, the Scout tries his best to stay connected with the troop and patrol when possible.
- It’s not required to be an “Active Scout” the entire time you are enrolled in the troop. However, in respect to what counts towards rank advancement, this is Troop 332’s definition of Active Scout.
Second Class Requirements
The active participation requirement is specifically defined in requirement 1a as:
“Since joining Scouts BSA, participate in five separate troop/patrol activities, at least three of which must be held outdoors. Of the outdoor activities, at least two must include overnight camping. These activities do not include troop or patrol meetings. On campouts, spend the night in a tent that you pitch or other structure that you help erect, such as a lean-to, snow cave, or teepee.”
There is no set length of time (i.e. in terms of months) for which this requirement needs to be met.
First Class Requirements
The active participation requirement is specifically defined in requirement 1a as:
“Since joining Scouts BSA, participate in 10 separate troop/patrol activities, at least six of which must be held outdoors. Of the outdoor activities, at least three must include overnight camping. These activities do not include troop or patrol meetings. On campouts, spend the night in a tent that you pitch or other structure that you help erect, such as a lean-to, snow cave, or tepee.”
There is no set length of time (i.e. in terms of months) for which this requirement needs to be met.
Star, Life, & Eagle Requirements
Each of these ranks has the “Be active in your troop…” requirement for a set number of months, which are:
- Four (4) months for Star
- Six (6) six months for Life
- Six (6) months for Eagle
To be considered “active” for Star, Life, and Eagle, a Scout must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Attend at least two weekly troop meetings each month that the scout wishes to be considered as an active month
- Participate in a required number of troop activities (as outlined below), other than a regular patrol or troop meeting, in at least one half of the months he considers active, which can be any of the following: Troop or patrol campout, other weekend troop activity, troop service project, or Eagle Scout service project
- Star: 2 activities
- Life: 3 activities
- Eagle: 3 activities
- Active months need not be consecutive, but must be completed in the 12 previous calendar months prior to the Scout seeking his Board of Review for that Rank.
- Active months begin once the Scout has achieved the rank prior and cannot be “banked” from one rank to the next
Attendance at week-long summer camp meets both the weekly meeting and troop activity requirements for the month, usually July, and a scout who attends camp is active for that month.
Troop 332 Encourages Scouts to attend all meetings and activities when possible. We also expect those holding leadership positions during these times to be more active than those without a position.
Revised October 2019
