1. Be a boy who has completed 5th grade, or
2. Be 10-1/2 years old and earned the Arrow of Light award, or
3. Be 11 years of age, but not yet 18.
4. Submit a completed Boy Scout application and health history signed by your parent or guardian.
At this point you are not yet a Boy Scout.
You are a “New Scout” registered with BSA.
REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A SCOUT
The Scoutmaster will work with and test the Scouts for this rank.
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.
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 the Scouts BSA ranks and how they are earned.
2d. Describe what merit badges are and how they are earned.
Patrol
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.
4. Knots & ropes
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.[1]
7. Since joining the troop and while working on Scout rank, participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
After recognition of the rank, the Scout is allowed to wear the “Scout” badge on his uniform.