First Class

The First class rank requirements were revised effective January 1, 1998.

The First class rank requirements will be revised effective April 1, 1999.

NOTE: These requirements, and those for Tenderfoot and Second Class may be worked on simultaneously; however these ranks must be earned in sequence.

  1. Demonstrate how to find directions during the day and at night without using a compass.
  2. Using a compass, complete an orienteering course that covers at least 1 mile and requires measuring the height and/or width of designated items (tree, tower, canyon, ditch, etc.)
  3. Since joining, have participated in ten separate troop/patrol activities (other than troop/patrol meetings), three of which included camping overnight.
  4. On one campout, serve as your patrol's cook. Prepare a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu that requires cooking; secure ingredients; supervise your assistants in fire building; and prepare the meals. Lead your patrol in saying grace at the meals, and supervise cleanup.
  5. Visit and discuss with a selected individual approved by your leader (elected official, judge, attorney, civil servant, principal, teacher) your constitutional rights and obligations as a U.S. citizen.
  6. Identify or show evidence of at least 10 kinds of native plants found in your community.
    1. Demonstrate tying the timber hitch and the clove hitch and their use in square, shear, and diagonal lashings by joining two or more poles or staves together.
    2. Use lashing to make a useful camp gadget.
    1. Demonstrate tying the bowline (rescue) knot and how it's used in rescues.
    2. Demonstrate bandages for injuries on the head, the upper arm, and collarbone, and for a sprained ankle.
    3. Show how to transport by yourself, and with one other person, a person:
      • from a smoke-filled room
      • with a sprained ankle, for at least 25 yards.
    4. Tell the five most common signs of a heart attack. Explain the steps (procedures) in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
  9. Demonstrate your ability to swim 100 yards using one resting stroke and two other strokes, and to float (rest) as motionless as possible for 1 minute.*
  10. Demonstrate scout spirit by living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your everyday life.
  11. Participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
  12. Complete your board of review.

* This requirement may be waived by the troop committee for medical or safety reasons.

NOTE: Alternate requirements for the First Class rank are available for Scouts with physical or mental disabilities if they meet the criteria listed on page 6 of the 1995-97 Boy Scout Requirements book. No. 33218 (See article entitled: Alt. Reqs.for Tenderfoot Second Class and First Class Ranks)

Requirements: