First Class Scout (Boy Scouts of America)

First Class Scout is a rank in the Boy Scouts of America, the rank above Second Class and below Star Scout. It is the highest of the lower four ranks in Scouting, and is the minimum rank that need be attained for entry into the Order of the Arrow or service as a troop's senior patrol leader.

Robert Baden-Powell wanted a First Class Scout to be the complete outdoorsman. Originally, First Class scout was the final and highest rank. Later ranks were originally recognitions of earning merit badges beyond First Class, and not properly ranks. Now these additional ranks form a second tier where Scouts can further develop leadership skills and explore potential vocations and avocations through the merit badge program.

For a brief period in Scouting's history, prior to the introduction of Eagle Scout, First Class Scout was the highest rank in the BSA; for several more years, it was the highest rank needed (until Star and Life became mandatory) for Eagle.

The number of Scouts achieving First Class within one year of joining is still one of the key measures of unit effectiveness. Studies have shown that if a Scout achieves First Class within a year of joining, he typically stays in the Scout program for at least three years. Scouts who do so are more likely to retain Scout values as an adult and achieve the BSA primary mission of "producing useful citizens".

Though Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class rank requirements can be worked on simultaneously, the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks must be earned in order. Many of the First Class rank requirements build on Tenderfoot and Second-Class requirements.

At present, the First Class requirements include:

The final three requirements involve showing Scout spirit, participate in a Scoutmaster Conference, and complete a Board of Review. Though there are no community service, hiking, physical fitness or personal finance requirements for First Class, Scouts must participate in activities related to those for Tenderfoot and Second Class.

Generally, the First Class Scout did not require earning merit badges, but for a few years, it required earning six merit badges.

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