Scout

The first step on the Boy Scout Advancement trail is the rank of Scout. To earn the rank of Scout, a boy will have to meet at least the following requirements, as well as all requirements detailed in the Boy Scout handbook:

• Be at least 11 years old or be at least 10 years old and earned the Arrow of Light
• Repeat the Pledge of Allegiance and demonstrate the Scout sign, salute and handshake
• Demonstrate tying a square knot
• Understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath, motto, slogan and Outdoor Code

Tenderfoot

Scouts may work on their Tenderfoot rank simultaneously with Second Class or First Class requirements, but they must earn the actual rank advancements in order. Some of the requirements for the rank of Tenderfoot include:

• Spend at least one night on a patrol or troop campout and sleep in a tent you helped pitch
• On a campout, assist in preparing and cooking one of your patrol's meals
• Demonstrate tying two half-hitches and the taut-line hitch knots
• Demonstrate how to display, raise, lower and fold the American flag
• Demonstrate simple first aid procedures
• Participate in a Scoutmaster conference and Board of Review

Second Class

Some of the requirements for the rank of Second Class include:

• Since joining, have participated in five separate troop / patrol activities, two of which include overnight camping
• Demonstrate how to light a fire and a lightweight stove
• Participate in an approved service project of at least one hour
• Demonstrate your ability to jump feet first into water over your head in depth, level off and swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming, then return to your starting place
• Demonstrate water rescue methods
• Participate in a Scoutmaster conference and Board of Review

First Class

It is the desire of Troop 317 that all Scouts achieve First Class rank within the first 12-18 months of joining Boy Scouts. Studies have shown that boys who do not reach this level within this time frame stand much greater chances of dropping out of Scouting as well as not qualifying for other fun activities and leadership roles. Summer camp and campouts are a great way to achieve this and as such many of our activities will focus on this. Some of the requirements for the rank of First Class include:

• Demonstrate how to find directions with and without a compass
• Since joining, have participated in ten separate troop / patrol activities, three of which include overnight camping
• On one campout, serve as patrol cook
• Use lashing to make a useful camp gadget
• Tell the five most common signs of a heart attack
• Tell someone who is eligible to join Boy Scouts, or an inactive Boy Scout, about the Troop's activities. Invite him to a troop outing, activity, service project or meeting.
• Participate in a Scoutmaster conference and Board of Review

Star Scout

As Scouts progress past First Class the requirements and expectations become more demanding. To earn the rank of Star, a scout will have to do at least all of the following:

• Be an active member of the troop and patrol for four months as a First Class
• Must take part in a majority of troop functions
• Earn six merit badges, four of which must be from the list of those Merit Badges required for Eagle Scout
• Must take part in at least six hours of work on a service project
• While First Class, must serve at least four months in a leadership position
• Must demonstrate Scout Spirit on campouts, meetings and in everyday life
• Complete the Star Scout evaluation form and pass a Scoutmaster conference and Board of Review

Life Scout

Life Scout is the final step before Eagle Scout, and in order to achieve this rank the Scout has to do the all of the following:

• Be an active member of the troop and patrol for six months as a Star
• Must take part in a majority of troop functions
• Earn five additional merit badges, three of which must be from the list of those Merit Badges required for Eagle Scout
• Must take part in at least six hours of work on a service project
• While Star, must serve at least six months in a leadership position
• Must demonstrate Scout Spirit on campouts, meetings and in everyday life
• Complete the Life Scout evaluation form, pass a Scoutmaster conference and Board of Review

Eagle Scout

While we encourage all boys to achieve the Eagle Scout award, we want to ensure that the boys truly earn and understand what it means to be an Eagle Scout. They need to posses a maturity level equal to the ranks of Star and especially Life Scout. They need to do more than just do all the activities; they need to demonstrate what it means to be a Boy Scout. They need to be able to complete the Scoutmaster-Committee review form and be able to answer questions on how they live and demonstrate the Scout spirit. As a Scoutmaster team, we reserve the right to not “pass” a scout to the level of Life if we feel that he is not showing initiative, helpfulness, and maturity and not living the scout oath and motto. We realize that boys are boys, and don’t expect perfection. If a Scout is not promoted, the Scoutmaster team must provide in writing their reasons for denial, and more importantly, a plan that details what the Scout needs to do to, and how long he needs to work to achieve the rank. In addition, if the scout does not pass his board of review, then the committee is also responsible for the same. This way the Scout has a clear understanding and is motivated to keep growing.

Eagle Scout is the level that all scouts should aspire to reach. Eagle scouts are well known as motivated, energetic and successful young men. While all boys are capable of obtaining this rank, few have the maturity, desire and self-direction to see it through. Ideally we would love to see all of our boys earn this rank, however we want to ensure that the boys are of the proper maturity to understand the true meaning of what it means to be an Eagle Scout. It is with this in mind that we put forth the following requirements:

• Be a minimum of 15 years of age
• Must be an active member of the Troop and attend a majority of Troop events
• Be active member of troop and patrol for six months as a Life
• Earn a total of 21 merit badges, 12 of which are specifically required
• While Life, must serve at least six months in a leadership position
• While Life Scout, plan, develop, and give leadership in a service project
• Submit proper application to BSA District
• Must demonstrate Scout Spirit on campouts, meetings and in everyday life
• Pass a Scoutmaster conference and Eagle Board of Review