In scouting, there are ranks that are earned by completing the necessary requirements. A scout can progress one rank at a time, starting with the scout rank all the way to the eagle rank, the highest achievement that a scout can earn.
Scout Rank
Scout was first a joining badge, but is now it is the first rank, and is earned by completing the requirements to join Boy Scouts. The Scout badge has a brown fleur-de-lis on a tan background. The badge is awarded when the boy demonstrates a simple knowledge of the Scouting ideals such as tying a square knot and knowing the Scout oath, law, motto, and slogan.
Tenderfoot Rank
Tenderfoot is the second rank. 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 order. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit.
Second Class
Second Class is the rank above Tenderfoot and below First Class. A Scout can work on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks at the same time, but must be earned in sequence. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit.
First Class
Second Class is the rank above Tenderfoot and below First Class. A Scout can work on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks at the same time, but must be earned in sequence. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit.
Star
Star Scout- Star is the rank above First Class and below Life Scout. It is the third-highest rank. Star is awarded when the Scout serves actively in the troop, team or crew in a position of responsibility for at least 4 months; performs at least six hours of community service; and earns six merit badges.
Life
Life is second-highest rank attainable and ranks above Star Scout and below Eagle. Life is awarded when the Scout serves actively in the troop, team or crew, serves in a position of responsibility for six months, and performs six hours of community service.[6] Another thing a Scout must do in order to achieve Life is earn an additional five merit badges (three of which are required for the rank of Eagle), to make a minimum total of eleven merit badges (including the six previously required for Star). Finally, the Scout must pass a Scoutmaster conference, and board of review.
Eagle
Eagle is the seventh and highest rank of Boy Scouts. A Scout can complete requirements for any other rank in virtually any order, but the ranks must be earned in sequence (Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle). To earn the Eagle rank, a Scout must be active in their Troop and Patrol for at least 6 months after earning Life, earn a total of 21 merit badges, including 12 required merit badges (First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, Environmental Science, Personal Management, Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, Camping, and Family Life), serve in a leadership position in the Troop for at least 6 months, and complete an Eagle Scout service project which is helpful to any religious institution, school, or community.
Eagle Palms
Eagle Palms are earned after a Scout has earned the Eagle Scout award. To earn Palms, an Eagle Scout must be active in their Troop and Patrol for at least 3 months after becoming an Eagle Scout or after earning the last Palm, demonstrate Scout Spirit and leadership ability, and earn 5 additional merit badges beyond those required for Eagle or the last palm. Merit badges earned at any time can be used towards the required 5 for each Palm. The Bronze Palm represents 5 merit badges, the Gold 10, and the Silver 15. The Palms must be earned in order and only the appropriate combination of Palms should be worn to signify the total number of merit badges earned beyond those required for Eagle.