Scouts BSA advancement
Scouts BSA advancement isn’t age- or grade-based. The Scout, with support and guidance from parents and Scout leaders, progresses at his or her own pace.
The Scouts BSA Handbook suggests that members earn the Scout rank “soon after joining.” It goes on to say that earning Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class should happen within the first 12 to 18 months of joining Scouts BSA.
At Star, Life and Eagle, Scouts tend to spread out a little bit. Some Scouts advance through those ranks quickly while others take their time. There’s no right approach — every Scout is different.
Beginning at the Star rank, the BSA adds time-based requirements:
Star: Active as a First Class Scout for at least four months; serve in a position of responsibility for at least four months.
Life: Active as a Star Scout for at least six months; serve in a position of responsibility for at least six months.
Eagle: Active as a Life Scout for at least six months; serve in a position of responsibility for at least six months.
Add those requirements up, and you’ll get a minimum of 16 months between becoming First Class and earning Eagle. That’s a minimum. I have argued in the past that Scouting advancement is a wonderful journey — not a race.
Clearing up misconceptions
The mechanics of Cub Scout advancement could leave Scouts and parents with a mistaken belief that Scouts BSA advancement works the same way.
There are seven ranks in Scouts BSA, and an 11-year-old Scout has seven years before he or she turns 18. Seven ranks, seven years? Some families assume that a Scout must earn Eagle just before turning 18.
That’s not the case, but it could be part of the reason why the average age of Eagle Scouts is around 17.25.
That’s why the BSA recommends discussing Scouts BSA advancement during new Scout and parent orientation. Some points to make:
- Advancement in Scouts BSA is based on individual initiative with guidance and encouragement from the patrol leader, Scoutmaster, and other youth and adult leaders.
- Scouts BSA has seven ranks: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle. Requirements are found in the Scouts BSA Handbook and online.
- Advancement has four steps: Learn, Test, Review and Recognize.
- Some of the requirements for each rank have a time element, so Scouts will want to plan ahead so they don’t run out of time.
- Alternative advancement paths are available for Scouts with permanent physical or developmental challenges.