Boy Scouts in the Massanutten District
		The rank of Scout signifies that a boy has passed the "Joining Requirements" of reciting the Scout Oath and Law and the Pledge of Allegiance. Boys also must know how to do the Scout salute, sign and handshake, and know the Scout Motto (Be Prepared) and Scout Slogan (Do a Good Turn Daily). They must also be able to tie a square knot. This is the first step on the trail to the Eagle Rank. Sometimes a boy would like to join Scouting, but for religious reasons cannot repeat the Pledge of Allegiance, or for family reasons cannot promise to honor God. Unfortunately such boys cannot complete those requirements to advance in rank, but they are always welcome to partake in the many other benefits of a Scouting.
			After completing joining requirements and earning the Scout badge the first real rank is Tenderfoot. Tenderfoot Scouts learn some basic 1st Aid skills, learn to whip the ends of a rope and to tie basic knots. They become members of a patrol, learn safe camping skills, and spend at least one night on a camp-out. They need to be able to identify poisonous plants and be able to improve in a variety of physical exercises over a thirty day period. After completing 11 requirements they must participate in a Scoutmaster's Conference.
		Scouts working toward the rank of Second Class must learn a variety of new outdoor skills such as map and compass, use of knife and ax, fire building, identifying wild animals, and participate in a five mile hike. Second class Scouts have been on five separate activities (other than meetings) two of which have been camp-outs. In addition the Second Class Scout has mastered more 1st aid skills and participated in health related programs in school or in the community. In order to complete the badge the Scout must demonstrate Scout Spirit, which is living the Scout Oath & Law in your everyday life.
		Scouts earning the First Class rank learn more advanced skills in First Aid and compass work. First Class Scouts must demonstrate that they can swim and be able to perform lifesaving techniques in the water. They must have been on a total of ten nights camping out and have served as Patrol Cook at least once. They also must learn several new knots and learn to lash together useful objects with rope. They must show Scout Spirit, which is to live the Scout Oath & Law in your everyday life.
		The first of the three "Honor Ranks" is Star Scout. Merit Badges make up the bulk of the work, and a Star Scout must have earned at least six different Merit Badges, four of which must be off of the list of badges required for Eagle. In addition the Star Scout must hold a leadership post in his Troop for 4 months and participate in at least 6 hours of community service. He must show Scout Spirit by living the Scout Oath & Law in his everyday life.
		The second of three "Honor Ranks" is Life Scout. The Life Scout must have earned five additional Merit Badges (11 in all). Three of these five badges must also be on the required list for Eagle. In addition, while holding the rank of Star Scout, he must serve six months in a Troop Leadership role. He must also take part in 6 additional hours of community service. In order to advance to Life, the Scout must continue to show Scout Spirit, living the Scout Oath & Law in his everyday life.
		The highest rank in Scouting, only 2% of all boys who become Scouts are able to achieve, yet is well within the reach of all. The rank of Eagle Scout unlike all others is a lifetime achievement…once an Eagle, always an Eagle. In order to advance to the rank of Eagle Scout a total of 21 Merit Badges must be earned. Eleven required badges include: Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Environmental Science, Family Life, First Aid, Personal Fitness, Personal Management, Lifesaving (or Emergency Preparedness), Swimming (or Hiking or Cycling.) Eagle Scouts can earn "Palms" on their badge by completing additional merit badge work. While holding the rank of Life, a Scout must serve his Troop in a major leadership role for six months. He must continue to show Scout Spirit, living the Scout Oath & Law in his everyday life. The Eagle candidate must also plan, fund and lead a community service project of his own choosing. This project must be written and submitted for pre-approval, carried out and recorded in an Eagle Project workbook. Information on funding, hours worked and leadership of others are reviewed by the Troop Committee and approved by the Scoutmaster and the District Advancement Committee. The Eagle Service Project is then submitted to the Stonewall Jackson Area Council and the BSA National Council with the Eagle application for review and approval for the rank to be awarded.