Your First Rank: Scout
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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. In your own words, explain what the Outdoor Code means to you.
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.
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.
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.
Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Law
The Scout Law has 12 points. Each is a goal for every Scout. A Scout tries to live up to the Law every day. It is not always easy to do, but a Scout always tries.
A Scout is:
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TRUSTWORTHY
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LOYAL
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HELPFUL
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FRIENDLY
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COURTEOUS
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KIND
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OBEDIENT
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CHEERFUL
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THRIFTY
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BRAVE
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CLEAN
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REVERENT
Definations:
TRUSTWORTHY. Tell the truth and keep promises. People can depend on you.
LOYAL. Show that you care about your family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and country.
HELPFUL. Volunteer to help others without expecting a reward.
FRIENDLY. Be a friend to everyone, even people who are very different from you.
COURTEOUS. Be polite to everyone and always use good manners.
KIND. Treat others as you want to be treated. Never harm or kill any living thing without good reason.
OBEDIENT. Follow the rules of your family, school, and pack. Obey the laws of your community and country.
CHEERFUL. Look for the bright side of life. Cheerfully do tasks that come your way. Try to help others be happy.
THRIFTY. Work to pay your own way. Try not to be wasteful. Use time, food, supplies, and natural resources wisely.
BRAVE. Face difficult situations even when you feel afraid. Do what you think is right despite what others might be doing or saying.
CLEAN. Keep your body and mind fit. Help keep your home and community clean.
REVERENT. Be reverent toward God. Be faithful in your religious duties. Respect the beliefs of others.
Scout Motto
Be Prepared!
Scout Slogan: Do a Good Turn Daily!
The Scout slogan is Do a Good Turn Daily. That means doing something to help others each day without expecting anything in return. It means that Scouts do their part to care for the community and the environment. As Boy Scouts plan activities and progress toward goals, they experience personal growth.
Scout Spirit applies to how a Scout lives and conducts their daily life, both in and out of Scouting.
It is an ideal attitude that Scouts should strive to display, based on the Scout Oath and Law. The Law emphasizes positive personal virtues, while the Scout Oath stresses duty.
The Outdoor Code: As an American, I will do my best to be clean in my outdoor manners, be careful with fire, be considerate in the outdoors, and be conservation-minded.
he Scout Sign is performed with the upper arm parallel to the ground and the forearm vertical, forming a right angle at the elbow.[9] The Scout Sign is used when reciting any of the ideals of the BSA such as the Scout Oath and Scout Law. It is also used to gain the attention of the group.
Scout Salute
The three-finger salute is used by members of Scout and Guide organizations around the world when greeting other Scouts and in respect of a national flag at ceremonies. In most situations, the salute is made with the right hand, palm face out, the thumb holding down the little finger, and with the fingertips on the brow of the head. There are some variations of the salute between national Scouting organizations and also within some programme sections.
Scout Handshake
The left-handed Scout handshake is a formal way of greeting other Scouts of both genders and is used by members of Scout and Guide organizations around the world. The handshake is made with the hand nearest to the heart and is offered as a token of friendship. In most situations, the handshake is made firmly, without interlocking fingers, and many organizations only use this handshake when both people are in uniform. There are some variations of the handshake between national Scouting organizations and also within some program sections.
