The 2016 Boy Scout Requirements

Be Prepared

What’s in the Works

n Revised requirements for all Boy Scout ranks have been released by BSA online.

n They will go into effect on January 1, 2016. n Scouts working on a rank at that time will be allowed to finish it with 2015 requirements during 2016.

n After January 1, 2017, all Boy Scout advancement must follow the new requirements.

n Boy Scout advancement activities in 2016 should be based on these new requirements.

n We need to be planning for this now.

Where to Find Them

n The new requirements are available in a comparison chart format at this website:www.scouting.org/programupdates

2016 Boy Scout Requirements – parallel comparison (PDF file)

Basic Points

n Scout will become a rank – Boy Scouting will have seven ranks.

n Requirements for Scout will closely match those for Arrow of Light, for an easy transition.

n Scout rank must be earned before working on any other rank.

n As currently, Scouts will be able to work on Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class requirements concurrently, but must complete those ranks individually, in order.

n Star, Life and Eagle will continue to be worked on consecutively, with no overlap.

Basic Points

n Several current requirements will be migrated to lower ranks, and one to a higher rank.

n Several new topic & skill areas will be included. n Several new requirements will require Scouts to explain why they should do things in a certain way, and how to prevent bad outcomes.

n Some will require them to do things on their own and keep records of their performance.

n Some will require them to consider their family, community and the environment.

n Several will require them to consider their commitment to the Scout Oath and Law.

The Cub Scout Connection

n In June 2015, the new Cub Scout advancement program came into effect.

n As a part of that change, the last year of Cub Scouting – now called Arrow of Light, includes elements to prepare boys for an easy transition into Boy Scouting.

n This includes a strong outdoor component and learning of many Boy Scout fundamentals previously covered in Scout and Tenderfoot.

n Many of the Scout requirements will be easy for these former Cubs to pass, needing little more than a review of what they already know.

A Look at theNew Requirements

The Comparison Chart

n New on the left, current on the right:

Scout Rank Requirements

n Repeat from memory the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan. In your own words, explain their meaning. (S 1a)

n Repeat from memory the Outdoor Code. In your own words, explain what the Outdoor Code means to you. (S 1e)

After attending a troop meeting…

n After attending at least one Boy Scout troop meeting, do the following:l Describe how the Scouts in the troop provide its leadership. (S 2a)

l Describe the four steps of Boy Scout advancement. (S 2b)

l Describe what the ranks in Boy Scouting are and how they are earned. (S 2c)

l Describe what merit badges are and how they are earned. (S 2d)

More for Scout Rank…

n Demonstrate your knowledge of pocketknife safety. (S 5)

More for Scout Rank…

n Show how to tie a square knot, two half-­hitches, and a taut-­line hitch. Explain how each knot is used. (S 4a – was TF)

n Show the proper care of a rope by learning how to whip and fuse the ends of different kinds of rope. (S 4b – was TF)

n 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. (S 6)

n Explain the principles of the Outdoor Code and tell how you practiced them on a campout or outing. (TF 1c)

n Demonstrate a practical use of:l the square knot.l two half hitches.l the taut-­line hitch. (TF 3a-­3c)

n Demonstrate proper care, sharpening, and use of the knife, saw, and ax. Describe when each should be used. (TF 3d – was SC)(Tot’n Chip is now a Tenderfoot activity)

Tenderfoot Rank

Tenderfoot Rank

n Tell what you can do while on a campout or other outdoor activities to prevent or reduce the occurrence of injuries or exposure listed in [common poisonous or hazardous plants]. (TF 4c)

n Assemble a personal first-­aid kit to carry with you on future campouts and hikes. Tell how each item in the kit would be used. (TF 4d – was SC)

Fitness Requirements

n Tenderfoot Exercises (TF 6a)

2016 Requirements Current Requirements

Push-­Ups Push-­Ups

Pull-­Ups

Sit-­Ups or Curl-­Ups Sit-­Ups

Standing Long Jump

Modified Stretch & Sit

1 Mile Walk/Run 1/4 Mile Walk/Run

Tenderfoot Fitness

n Develop and describe a plan for improvement in each of the activities listed in Tenderfoot requirement 6a. Keep track of your activity for at least 30 days. (TF 6b)

n Show improvement (of any degree) in each activity listed in requirement 6a after practicing for 30 days. (TF 6c)

For Second Class and First Class fitness requirements, exercises are not specified. The Scout may choose his own activities.

Tenderfoot Rank

n Describe the steps in Scouting’s Teaching EDGE method. Use the Teaching EDGE method to teach another person how to tie the square knot. (TF 8)

n Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God and how you have lived four different points of the Scout Law in your everyday life. (TF 9)This process continues through SC and FC, so that all 12 points of the Law are discussed.Duty to God will be mentioned for every rank.

Second Class Rank

n Since joining, participate in five separate troop/patrol activities, three of which include overnight camping. These five activities do not include troop or patrol meetings. On at least two of the three campouts, spend the night in a tent that you pitch or other structure that you help erect. (SC 1)

1 2 3 4 51 2 31 2

5 Activities Overall3 Camping Activities2 Outdoor

Second Class Rank

n Demonstrate tying the sheet bend knot. Describe a situation in which you would use this knot. (SC 2f) (It’s back!)

n Demonstrate tying the bowline knot. Describe a situation in which you would use this knot. (SC 2g – was FC)

n Describe some hazards or injuries that you might encounter on your hike and what you can do to help prevent them. (SC 3c)

Second Class Rank

n Demonstrate how to find directions during the day and at night without using a compass or an electronic device. (SC 3d – was FC)

n Tell what you can do while on a campout or hike to prevent or reduce the occurrence of the injuries listed in [requirements above]. (SC 6c)

Second Class Rank

n Explain what to do in case of accidents that require emergency response in the home and backcountry. Explain what constitutes an emergency and what information you will need to provide to a responder. (SC 6d)

n …be physically active at least 30 minutes each day for five days a week for four weeks. Keep track of your activities. (SC 7a)

n Share your challenges and successes in completing [requirement above]. Set a goal for continuing to include physical activity as part of your daily life and develop a plan for doing so.(SC 7b)

Second Class Rank

n With your parents or guardian, decide on an amount of money that you would like to earn, based on the cost of a specific item you would like to purchase. Develop a written plan to earn the amount agreed upon and follow that plan;; it is acceptable to make changes to your plan along the way. Discuss any changes made to your original plan and whether you met your goal. (SC 8c)

Second Class Rank

n At a minimum of three locations, compare the cost of the item for which you are saving to determine the best place to purchase it. After completing [the above requirement], decide if you will use the amount that you earned as originally intended, save all or part of it, or use it for another purpose. (SC 8d)

n Participate in two hours of service through one or more service projects approved by your Scoutmaster. Tell how your service to others relates to the Scout Oath. (SC 8e)

Second Class Rank

n Describe what a bully is and what the appropriate response is to someone who is bullying you or another person. (SC 9b – was TF)

n Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God and how you have lived four different points of the Scout Law (not to include those used for Tenderfoot…) in your everyday life.(SC 10)

First Class Rank

n Since joining, participate in 10 separate troop/patrol activities, six of which include overnight camping. These 10 activities do not include troop or patrol meetings. On at least five of the six campouts, spend the night in a tent that you pitch or other structure that you help erect. (FC 1a)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 101 2 3 4 5 61 2 3 4 5

10 Activities Overall6 Camping Activities5 Outdoor Camping

First Class Rank

n Explain each of the principles of Tread Lightly! Tell how you practiced them on a campout or outing different from the Tenderfoot requirement 1c and Second Class requirement 1b campout or outing. (FC 1b)

n Demonstrate how to use a handheld GPS unit, GPS app on a smartphone, or other electronic navigation system. Use GPS to find your current location, a destination of your choice, and the route you will take to get there. Follow that route to arrive at your destination. (FC 4b)

First Class Rank

n Identify two ways to obtain a weather forecast for an upcoming activity. Explain why weather forecasts are important when planning for an event. (FC 5b)

n Describe at least three natural indicators of impending hazardous weather, the potential dangerous events that might result from such weather conditions, and the appropriate actions to take. (FC 5c)

First Class Rank

n Describe extreme weather conditions you might encounter in the outdoors in your local geographic area. Discuss how you would determine ahead of time the potential risk of these types of weather dangers, alternative planning considerations to avoid such risks, and how you would prepare for and respond to those weather conditions. (FC 5d)

First Class Rank

n Identify the basic parts of a canoe, kayak, or other boat. Identify the parts of a paddle or an oar. (FC 6c)

n Describe proper body positioning in a watercraft, depending on the type and size of the vessel. Explain the importance of proper position. (FC 6d)

First Class Rank

n Tell what utility services exist in your home or meeting place. Describe potential hazards associated with these utilities and tell how to respond in emergency situations. (FC 7d)

n Develop an emergency action plan for your home that includes what to do in case of fire, storm, power outage, and water outage. (FC 7e)

n Explain how to obtain potable water in an emergency. (FC 7f)

First Class Rank

n After completing Second Class requirement 7a, be physically active at least 30 minutes each day for five days a week for four weeks. Keep track of your activities. (FC 8a)

n Share your challenges and successes in completing First Class requirement 8a. Set a goal for continuing to include physical activity as part of your daily life. (FC 8b)

This would be an excellent topic to include in the First Class Scoutmaster conference.

First Class Rank

n Investigate an environmental issue affecting your community. Share what you learned about that issue with your patrol or troop. Tell what, if anything, could be done by you or your community to address the concern. (FC 9b)

n On a Scouting or family outing, take note of the trash and garbage you produce. Before your next similar outing, decide how you can reduce, recycle, or repurpose what you take on that outing, and then put those plans into action. Compare your results. (FC 9c)

First Class Rank

n Participate in three hours of service through one or more service projects approved by your Scoutmaster. The project(s) must not be the same service project(s) used for [Tenderfoot and Second Class requirements]. Explain how your service to others relates to the Scout Law. (FC 9d)

n Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God and how you have lived four different points of the Scout Law (different from those points used for previous ranks). (FC 11)

Star Rank

n As a First Class Scout, demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God and how you have lived the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your everyday life. (Star 2)

n 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. (Star 6)

Life Rank

n As a Star Scout, demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God and how you have lived the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your everyday life. (Life 2)

n While a Star Scout, participate in six hours of service through one or more service projects approved by your Scoutmaster. At least three hours of this service must be conservation-­related. (Life 4)

Life Rank

n While a Star Scout, use the Teaching EDGE method to teach another Scout (preferably younger than you) the skills from ONE of the following choices, so that he is prepared to pass those requirements to his Scoutmaster’s satisfaction.n List follows… (Life 6)

Life Rank

n Teaching EDGE skills:a. Tenderfoot 4a and 4b (first aid)b. Second Class 2b, 2c, and 2d (cooking/tools)c. Second Class 3a and 3d (navigation)d. First Class 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d (tools)e. First Class 4a and 4b (navigation)f. Second Class 6a and 6b (first aid)g. First Class 7a and 7b (first aid)h. Three requirements from one of the required Eagle merit badges, as approved by your Scoutmaster.

Eagle Rank

n As a Life Scout, demonstrate Scout Spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God, how you have lived the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your everyday life, and how your understanding of the Scout Oath and Scout Law will guide your life in the future.

Eagle Rank

n List on your Eagle Scout Rank Application the names of individuals who know you personally and would be willing to provide a recommendation on your behalf, including parents/guardians, religious (if not affiliated with an organized religion, then the parent or guardian provides this reference), educational, employer (if employed), and two other references. (Eagle 2)

Eagle Palm Awards

n Since earning the Eagle Scout rank or your last Eagle Palm, demonstrate Scout Spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God and how you have lived the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your everyday life. (Eagle Palm 2)

n You may wear only the proper combination of Palms for the number of merit badges you earned beyond the rank of Eagle. The Bronze Palm represents five merit badges, the Gold Palm 10, and the Silver Palm 15. (Eagle Palm note)

Some Specific Itemsto Plan For

Planning for Change

n Scout rank will need more time and attention than the Scout badge. l Work to bring all new Scouts to Scout rank together – set the pattern.

l Memorizing may be a problem for some boys. l Provide a meaningful troop meeting for them to observe and discuss afterward.

l Earning the Cyber Chip plus the YP discussion must not become barriers – work with parents.

n Schedule outdoor events to support the new sequence (Tot’n Chip for Tenderfoot, etc.).

Planning for Change

n The new Tenderfoot exercises will need to be learned and practiced. l The Scouts need to understand their goal of improvement in each of the exercises.

l Parents will need to be involved in the exercise practice and recordkeeping for 30 days.

n Help Scouts and parents understand how to plan, follow and record their SC/FC exercise program.

n Plan campouts to provide opportunities for the 5 and 10 activity requirements, including camping.

n The FC personal finance requirement will need parental involvement and follow-­through.

Planning for Change

n The GPS requirement may require additional skills and equipment within the troop.

n Consider working weather awareness, boating knowledge, emergency preparedness, and environmental action into troop meeting or campout programs.

n Plan service project opportunities for all ranks above Scout (TF = 1, SC = 2, FC = 3, Star & Life = 6 hours each).

n Remember to include discussions of duty to God and 4 points of Scout Law into Scoutmaster conferences or boards of review for TF/SC/FC.

Planning for Change

n Note that reviewing youth protection and earning the Cyber Chip is required for Star rank.

n Take time to review the allowable TF/SC/FC requirements for the Life EDGE requirement –they have changed. Assign them individually.

n All parts of Eagle req. 2 and Eagle Palm req. 2 should be discussed with candidates.

n Be certain that all members of your troop know that the new requirements take effect on 1/1/16.

Transition Plan

n The release of the new requirements in mid-­2015 is to allow unit leaders adequate time to plan their Scouts’ transition. Beginning work in the new requirements will be determined by the Scout’s joining date or current rank as of January 1, 2016:

n Boys joining on or after Jan. 1, 2016 MUST use the new requirements.

Transition Plan

n Boys who have joined prior to Jan. 1, 2016:l Who are working on the Scout badge MAY continue to work on the existing requirements, but MUST convert to the new requirements upon completion of the Scout badge.

l Who are working on Tenderfoot through First Class MAY continue to work on the existing requirements, but MUST convert to the new requirements upon attaining First Class.

l Who have completed First Class MAY complete the rank they are currently working on in the existing requirements, but then MUST convert to the new requirements for subsequent ranks.

Transition Plan

n For 2017: All Scouts MUST use the new requirements regardless of rank.

n In other words, if you want to use the 2015 requirements for any part of any rank, advance before the end of 2016.

There will be more discussion of the requirement details and the transition process. You can watch Scouting.org, ScoutingMagazine, Bryan on Scouting and Advancement News for more.