BSA TROOP 540
Prepared. For life.
How does it happen?
As boy scouts learn various soft and hard skills that help them be prepared for life, they advance through ranks. This means that with each level up they acquire more and more knowledge and experience that helps them become strong, independent, responsible adults.
* A Scout can work on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks at the same time, but each rank must be earned in sequence.
Scout
The boy learns the basic scouting ideas, such as tying a square knot and knowing the Scout oath, law, motto, and slogan.
Tenderfoot
The Scout completes requirements in the areas of physical fitness, citizenship, and personal growth. By now he knows and implements the Scout Oath and Scout Law into his everyday life.
Second Class
Outdoor activities, such as camping and the Outdoor Code, are added to the list of skills learned by the Scout. The boy learns safety while camping and hiking, and is introduced to nature survival.
First Class
The Scout starts working on leadership skills. By now, he has learned First Aid techniques, Navigation, Cooking, Swimming safety, and many other useful tools.
Star
The Scout now has leadership responsibilities. He is active in the Troop and the community, involved in various projects, and has new roles.
Life
Almost there! The Scout continues to work on earning the Eagle-required merit badges. He has achievements in health and fitness, leadership roles, and many more!
Eagle
The BSA's highest rank is the Eagle Scout. This prestigious award is widely recognized throughout the country even by those who aren't familiar with the requirements. The fact that the rank is based on accomplishing a set of national standards rather than some arbitrary qualifications makes being an Eagle Scout worthwhile.
Eagle Scouts value perseverance, discipline, motivation, leadership, accountability, and achievement. And those lead to tangible benefits:
- College admissions officers recognize the award and consider it in their decisions. Being an Eagle Scout won't make up for poor grades,
but it will give a boy an advantage. The officers may not know about other awards a young man has won or organizations he's in, but
they recognize the Eagle Scout rank.
- Eagle Scouts are eligible for many scholarships. Click HERE for more information on scholarships offered to Eagle Scouts only.
- Every branch of the U.S. Military allows Eagle Scouts to enter at a higher rank and pay grade than people who aren't Eagle Scouts.
- Earning the rank of Eagle Scout will continue to open employment doors throughout a man's life. It is often the only high school
accomplishment that is listed on his resume regardless of his age. Employers know that Eagle Scouts have the soft skills that
employers so desperately seek.
What are merit badges?
Merit badges are patches that boy scouts earn when they learn new skills. There are over 130 merit badges, but choosing which one to earn depends on the scout's interests. An Eagle scout will have earned at least 21 merit badges, including at least 13 Eagle-required ones. You can find more information on the merit badges and their description, if you click HERE.