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Ranks.gif (694719 bytes)Advancement Aids

On the Path to Eagle!

Scouting ideals are promoted through the skills and experience they gain via rank advancement.  Scouting is a journey that from the first day when they begin work towards their Scout badge, until that proud moment when they are presented with the Eagle medal. This section is where we Scouters can store and share information that will help make that journey an adventure instead of a burden.

Troop 149 works very hard to help the scouts work towards Eagle.  Both the adult leaders and the senior scouts assist in teaching scouts the skills they need to pass rank requirements.  We are fortunate to have a crew of senior scouts that gladly lend a hand and pass down knowledge and scouting spirit. Also, first year campers at summer camp are encouraged to work towards Swimming merit badge in addition to their rank requirements. 

bulletScout Advancement Reports (Requires ID and password)
bulletRank Advancement 
bulletMerit Badges Material
bulletTroop 149 Merit Badge Councelors 

Advancement Reports (top)

These reports from Troop Master software are here as a convenience for our Troop's Scouts and parents. However, it is the Scout's responsibility to track his own advancement and to make sure that the records in his handbook match those in the troop binders and software.  Scouts are encouraged to periodically check with Mrs. Guy, our Advancement Chair, to update your book and the binders.  Also note that these reports will be updated periodically but will likely always lag the official troop records. Please check with Mrs. Guy at any troop meetings if you have any questions.

bulletAdvancement Status
Summary of each Scouts current rank and what is need for their next advancement rank.
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bulletTarget First Class
A one page summary of all rank requirements completed and needed for Scouts working towards First Class.  This is the report that Mr. Chess uses with every week when working with the boys on advancement.  It's also likly to be the most out-of-date as boys pass requirements nearly every week.
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bulletTarget Eagle
A page summary of all rank advancements completed and needed for Scouts First Class and above.
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bulletMerit Badges Earned
Lists all active scouts their current rank and all of the merit badges they have earner to date.  Eagle required badges are denoted by an asterisk.
 
bullet Troop Merit Badge Counselors (by badge)
Scouts interested in earning a merit badge should check this list to identify the Troop's merit badge counselor. Then contact the counselor to make arrangements to discuss the badge. Talk to your Scoutmaster or any of the other adult leaders if there is no counselor listed for the badge you want to earn. He will help find one for you.
 
bullet Troop Merit Badge Counselors (by counselor - NEW)
 
bullet Merit Badges with no Counselors
Do you have knowledge, a skill or perhaps a hobby that matches any of these available badges?  If so, the troop can use your help is sharing your experience with boys who may be interested in the same topic.  You can review the badge requirements at the U.S. Scouting Service Project web site. See the Troop Advancement Chair to register. 
 
bullet Roster by Name
Alphanumeric listing of the entire troop roster
 
bullet Roster by Rank
Entire troop roster sorted by Scout rank.
 
bullet Roster by Patrol
A useful list for patrols when you need to communicate news on upcoming activities or to set up a calling tree to let fellow patrol members know about last minute changes.
 
bullet Leadership
Reports all of the youth leadership positions and the Scouts who are currently filling those positions. It also lists all of the troop leadership positions that are not filled, if any.  See the Positions of Responsibility section on the Scouts page for a description of the requirements and duties for troop leadership positions.
 
bullet Order of the Arrow Roster  
All of the current OA members in the troop.

Rank Advancement (top)

bulletScout
bulletTenderfoot
bulletSecond Class
bulletFirst Class
bulletStar
bulletLife
bulletEagle

Rank advancement is the scout's responsibility. Senior scouts and leaders are on hand to help instruct and test scouts on requirements, and we frequently schedule programs that are directly related to specific requirements for rank advancement. But each scout should know what requirements they have completed and what they still yet need. If you have a requirement that you want to work on or review, don't be bashful, ask a leader for help!

There is no better source on rank advancement than the Scout Handbook. Be sure to open your book and read before you come to the meetings or campouts, especially if you know that the troop will be working on specific requirements. Be prepared! Below we will add extra information or resources for rank advancements that may help you on your path to Eagle.

AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Special Links.  Look for the pointing finger for special links to extra information for help

Scout (back)

The requirements for Scout rank are easy. All of the information you need to know is in your handbook. If you want to get a jump on passing this rank, make sure you AND your parents read the pamphlet right away. You and your parents have a separate section to read and then get together to discuss what you and they have learned. Most new scouts put this off and it ends up being the last requirement needed for this rank. But you can get a jump start and do it right away, even before your first meeting!

  1. Meet age requirements. Be a boy who has completed the fifth grade or is 11 years old, or has earned the Arrow of Light Award but is under 18 years old.
  2. Complete a Boy Scout application and health history signed by your parent or guardian.
  3. Find a Scout troop near your home.
  4. Repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.
  5. Demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handshake.
  6. Demonstrate tying the square knot (a joining knot).
  7. Understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath or Promise, Law, motto, and slogan, and the Outdoor Code.
  8. Describe the Scout badge.
  9. Complete the pamphlet exercises. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide.
  10. Participate in a Scoutmaster conference. Turn in your Boy Scout application and health history form signed by your parent or guardian, then participate in a Scoutmaster conference.

wpe5.jpg (2792 bytes)Tenderfoot (back)

The requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks may be worked on simultaneously; however, these ranks must be earned in sequence.

AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Tenderfoot, Second Class & First Class Rank Requirement Videos on Official BSA site ( )
 AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Tenderfoot Rank Requirement Video as a Podcast ( )

  1. Present yourself to your leader, properly dressed, before going on an overnight camping trip. Show the camping gear you will use. Show the right way to pack and carry it. (Video)
  2. Spend at least one night on a patrol or troop campout. Sleep in a tent you have helped pitch.
  3. On a campout, assist in preparing and cooking one of your patrol's meals. Tell why it is important for each patrol member to share in meal preparation and cleanup, and explain the importance of eating together.
  4.  
    1. Demonstrate how to whip and fuse the ends of a rope.
                      AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Whipping (Acrobat PDF )
                      AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Fusing (Acrobat PDF )
    2. Demonstrate that you know how to tie the following knots and tell what their uses are: two half hitches and the taut-line hitch.
            AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Taut-Line Hitch (Acrobat PDF )
  5. Explain the rules of safe hiking, both on the highway and cross-country, during the day and at night. Explain what to do if you are lost.
  6. Demonstrate how to display, raise, lower, and fold the American flag.
  7. Repeat from memory and explain in your own words the Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan.
  8. Know your patrol name, give the patrol yell, and describe your patrol flag.
                    AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Anacondas
                    AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Flaming Arrows
                    AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Moose
                    AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Scorpions
                    AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Screaming Eagles
  9. Explain the importance of the buddy system as it relates to your personal safety on outings and in your neighborhood. Describe what a bully is and how you should respond to one.
  10.   a. Record your best in the following tests:

    Current results

    bulletPushups _______
    bulletPull-ups _______
    bulletSit-ups _______
    bulletStanding long jump (_______ft _______in)
    bullet1/4-mile walk/run _______

    30 days later

    bulletPushups _______
    bulletPull-ups _______
    bulletSit-ups _______
    bulletStanding long jump (_______ft _______in)
    bullet1/4-mile walk/run _______

        b. Show improvement in the activities listed in requirement 10a after practicing for 30 days.

  11. Identify local poisonous plants; tell how to treat for exposure to them.
  12.   Demonstrate the Heimlich maneuver and tell when it is used.
  13. Show first aid for the following:
    bulletSimple cuts and scratches
    bulletBlisters on the hand and foot
    bulletMinor burns or scalds (first degree)
    bulletBites or stings of insects and ticks
    bulletPoisonous snakebite
    bulletNosebleed
    bulletFrostbite and sunburn
  14. Participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
  15. Complete your board of review.

    wpe6.jpg (2562 bytes)Second Class (back)

    The requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks may be worked on simultaneously; however, these ranks must be earned in sequence.

    AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Tenderfoot, Second Class & First Class Rank Requirement Videos on Official BSA site ( )
     AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Second Class Rank Requirement Video as a Podcast ( )

    1.  
      1. Demonstrate how a compass works and how to orient a map. Explain what map symbols mean.
                point.gif (1211 bytes)Map Symbol Flash Cards
      2. Using a compass and map together, take a 5-mile hike (or 10 miles by bike) approved by your adult leader and your parent or guardian.
        bulletIf you use a wheelchair or crutches, or if it is difficult for you to get around, you may substitute "trip" for "hike" in this requirement.
    2.  
      1. Since joining, have participated in five separate troop/patrol activities (other than troop/patrol meetings), two of which included camping overnight.
      2. On one of these campouts, select your patrol site and sleep in a tent that you pitched.
      3. On one campout, demonstrate proper care, sharpening, and use of the knife, saw, and ax, and describe when they should be used.
      4. Use the tools listed in requirement 2c to prepare tinder, kindling, and fuel for a cooking fire.
      5. Discuss when it is appropriate to use a cooking fire and a light-weight stove. Discuss the safety procedures for using both.
      6. Demonstrate how to light a fire and a lightweight stove.
      7. On one campout, plan and cook over an open fire one hot breakfast or lunch for yourself, selecting foods from the food pyramid. Explain the importance of good nutrition. Tell how to transport, store, and prepare the foods you selected.
    3. Participate in a flag ceremony for your school, religious institution, chartered organization, community, or troop activity.
    4. Participate in an approved (minimum of one hour) service project.
    5. Identify or show evidence of at least ten kinds of wild animals (birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, mollusks) found in your community.
    6.  
      1. Show what to do for "hurry" cases of stopped breathing, serious bleeding, and internal poisoning.
      2. Prepare a personal first-aid kit to take with you on a hike.
      3. Demonstrate first aid for the following:
        bulletObject in the eye
        bulletBite of a suspected rabid animal
        bulletPuncture wounds from a splinter, nail, and fish hook
        bulletSerious burns (second degree)
        bulletHeat exhaustion
        bulletShock
        bulletHeatstroke, dehydration, hypothermia, and hyperventilation.
    7.  
      1. Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe swim.
      2. Demonstrate your ability to jump feet first into water over your head in depth, level off and swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming, then return to your starting place.
      3. Demonstrate water rescue methods by reaching with your arm or leg, by reaching with a suitable object, and by throwing lines and objects. Explain why swimming rescues should not be attempted when a reaching or throwing rescue is possible, and explain why and how a rescue swimmer should avoid contact with the victim.
    8.  
      1. Participate in a school, community, or troop program on the dangers of using drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, and other practices that could be harmful to your health. Discuss your participation in the program with your family.
      2. Explain the three R's of personal safety and protection.
    9. Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your everyday life.
    10. Participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
    11. Complete your board of review.

      wpe7.jpg (2690 bytes)First Class (back)

      The requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks may be worked on simultaneously; however, these ranks must be earned in sequence.

      AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Tenderfoot, Second Class & First Class Rank Requirement Videos on Official BSA site ( )
       AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)First Class Rank Requirement Video as a Podcast ( )

      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 one mile and requires measuring the height and/or width of designated items (tree, tower, canyon, ditch, etc.).
                point.gif (1211 bytes)Orienteering Course - McHenry Township Park
      3. Since joining, have participated in ten separate troop/patrol activities (other than troop/patrol meetings), three of which included camping overnight.
      4.  
        1. Help plan a patrol menu for one campout -- including one breakfast, lunch, and dinner -- that requires cooking. Tell how the menu includes the foods from the food pyramid and meets nutritional needs.
        2. Using the menu planned in requirement 4a, make a list showing the cost and food amounts needed to feed three or more boys and secure the ingredients.
        3. Tell which pans, utensils, and other gear will be needed to cook and serve these meals.
        4. Explain the procedures to follow in the safe handling and storage of fresh meats, dairy products, eggs, vegetables, and other perishable food products. Tell how to properly dispose of camp garbage, cans, plastic containers, and other rubbish.
        5. On one campout, serve as your patrol's cook. Supervise your assistant(s) in using a stove or building a cooking fire. Prepare the breakfast, lunch, and dinner planned in requirement 4a. 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 ten kinds of native plants found in your community.
      7.  
        1. Discuss when you should and should not use lashings.
        2. Demonstrate tying the timber hitch and clove hitch and their use in square, shear, and diagonal lashings by joining two or more poles or staves together.
                  point.gif (1211 bytes)Clove Hitch & Square Lashing (Acrobat PDF )
                  point.gif (1211 bytes)Timber Hitch & Diagonal Lashing (Acrobat PDF )
        3. Use lashing to make a useful camp gadget.  (Video )
                  point.gif (1211 bytes)Pioneering Projects, see pages 46-76 for some ideas (Acrobat PDF )
      8.  
        1. Demonstrate tying the bowline knot and describe several ways it can be used.
                  point.gif (1211 bytes)Bowline (GIF )
        2. Demonstrate bandages for a sprained ankle and for injuries on the head, the upper arm, and the collarbone.
        3. Show how to transport by yourself, and with one other person, a person:
          bulletFrom a smoke-filled room
          bulletWith 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.  
        1. Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe trip afloat.
        2. Successfully complete the BSA swimmer test.
        3. With a helper and a practice victim, show a line rescue both as tender and as rescuer. (The practice victim should be approximately 30 feet from shore in deep water.)
      10. Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your everyday life.
      11. Describe the three things you should avoid doing related to use of the Internet. Describe a cyberbully and how you should respond to one.
      12. Participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
      13. Complete your board of review.

      wpeA.jpg (2367 bytes)Star (back)

      1. Be active in your troop and patrol for at least four months as a First Class Scout.
      2. Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your everyday life.
      3. Earn six merit badges, including four from the required list for Eagle.
        Name of Merit Badge
        ________________________________ (required for Eagle)
        ________________________________ (required for Eagle)
        ________________________________ (required for Eagle)
        ________________________________ (required for Eagle)
        ________________________________
        ________________________________
        bulletA Scout may choose any of the 15 required merit badges in the 12 categories to fulfill this requirement. See the Eagle requirements for a complete list of required badges for Eagle.
      4. While a First Class Scout, take part in service projects totaling at least 6 hours of work. These projects must be approved by your Scoutmaster.
      5. While a First Class Scout, serve actively for 4 months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility (or carry out a Scoutmaster-assigned leadership project to help the troop):
        bulletPatrol leader,
        bulletassistant senior patrol leader,
        bulletsenior patrol leader,
        bullettroop guide,
        bulletOrder of the Arrow troop representative,
        bulletden chief,
        bulletscribe,
        bulletlibrarian,
        bullethistorian,
        bulletquartermaster,
        bulletbugler,
        bulletjunior assistant Scoutmaster,
        bulletchaplain aide, or
        bulletinstructor.
      1. Take part in a Scoutmaster conference.
      2. Complete your board of review.

      wpeB.jpg (2781 bytes)Life (back)

      1. Be active in your troop and patrol for at least six months as a Star Scout.
      2. Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your everyday life.
      3. Earn five more merit badges (so that you have 11 in all), including any three more from the required list for Eagle.
        Name of Merit Badge
        ________________________________ (required for Eagle)
        ________________________________ (required for Eagle)
        ________________________________ (required for Eagle)
        ________________________________
        ________________________________
        bulletA Scout may choose any of the 15 required merit badges in the 12 categories to fulfill this requirement. See the Eagle requirements for a complete list of Eagle required merit badges.
      4. While a Star Scout, take part in service projects totaling at least 6 hours of work. These projects must be approved by your Scoutmaster.
      5. While a Star Scout, serve actively for 6 months in one or more of the troop positions of responsibility listed in requirement 5 for Star Scout (or carry out a Scoutmaster-assigned leadership project to help the troop).
      6. Take part in a Scoutmaster conference.
      7. Complete your board of review.

      wpeD.jpg (3372 bytes)Eagle (back)

      1. Be active in your troop and patrol for at least 6 months as a Life Scout.
      2. Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your everyday life.
      3. Earn a total of 21 merit badges (10 more than you already have), including the following:
        1. AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)First Aid, (External Link )
        2. AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Citizenship in the Community, (External Link )
        3. AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Citizenship in the Nation, (External Link )
        4. AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Citizenship in the World, (External Link )
        5. AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Communications, (External Link )
        6. AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Personal Fitness, (External Link )
        7. AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving,  (External Link )
          bullet(You must choose only one of these two merit badges. If you have earned more than one of the badges listed, choose one and list the remaining badge to make your total of 21.)
        8. AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Environmental Science, (External Link )
        9. AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Personal Management, (External Link )
        10. AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, (External Link )
          bullet(You must choose only one of these three merit badges. If you have earned more than one of the badges listed, choose one and list the remaining badges to make your total of 21.)
        11. AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Camping, and  (External Link )
        12. AG00051_.gif (1652 bytes)Family Life. (External Link )
          Name of Merit Badge
          ________________________________
          ________________________________
          ________________________________
          ________________________________
          ________________________________
          ________________________________
          ________________________________
          ________________________________
          ________________________________
          ________________________________
      4. While a Life Scout, serve actively for a period of six months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility:
        bulletPatrol leader,
        bulletassistant senior patrol leader,
        bulletsenior patrol leader,
        bullettroop guide,
        bulletOrder of the Arrow troop representative,
        bulletden chief,
        bulletscribe,
        bulletlibrarian,
        bullethistorian,
        bulletquartermaster,
        bulletbugler,
        bulletjunior assistant Scoutmaster,
        bulletchaplain aide, or
        bulletinstructor.
      5. While a Life Scout, plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or your community. (The project should benefit an organization other than Scouting.) The project idea must be approved by the organization benefiting from your effort, your Scoutmaster and troop committee, and the council or district before you start. You must use the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook, BSA publication No. 18-927B, in meeting this requirement.
      6. Take part in a Scoutmaster conference.
      7. Successfully complete an Eagle Scout board of review.

       

      Merit Badge Material (top)

      Scouts can earn merit badges at any rank. New scouts are encouraged to work on their first merit badges at summer camp, especially Swimming merit badge. It's a great way to get familiar with the merit badge process and have fun at the same time. Scouting offers over 100 different badges from a wide variety of topics and interests. The troop has many counselors ready to help work with you (Troop Merit Badge Counselor List).

      Your first step towards earning any merit badge is to see the Scoutmaster for a "Blue Card." The blue card is your merit badge application and is required before you start working on any badge. The Scoutmaster will help make sure you're ready as some badges are more challenging than others. Next, you need to purchase or borrow the merit badge pamphlet (see the troop Librarian) and READ it! Your next step is to speak with your counselor. Your counselor will let help explain what you need to do.

      Some counselors may had prepared additional information for scouts to help them understand the material better.  The merit badge name in this table will have a link to these additional pages if available. These links are to supplemental material and aids for Scouts and Scouters to help teach and/or earn merit badges.  Never are scouts required to do "additional" requirements, only the requirements listed in the pamphlet. Leaders, contact me at webmaster@troop149mchenry.org if you have materials you would like to add to this section in support of your activities and/or sessions.

      bulletElectricity
      Resource page for Scouts working on this badge as part of the "Electro-Outing" in December, 2007.
       
      bulletElectronics
      Resource page for Scouts working on this badge as part of the "Electro-Outing" in December, 2008.
       
      bulletEnvironmental Science
      Resource page for Scouts working on this badge. Includes a lesson plan Updated March 2007 to represent the 2006 requirement changes.
      .
      bulletFly Fishing
      This is a new merit badge and the requirements were not included in the new 2002 Boy Scout Requirements book. This site has the requirements, but I'm not sure they are the final version.  But they should be close enough for now.  Plus there's a great discount available through the site for rods, reels and tying kits.
      .
      bulletGeology
      Reference information that was developed in preparation for the August 16-18, 2003 outing at Devils Lake.  Mr. Vannerson will continue to use this packet as the basis for future badge activities.
      .
      bulletSpace Exploration
      Mr. Chess has provided his slides that he uses to help teach model rocketry as part of the Space Exploration merit badge requirements. (Click in the heading to open the file in Adobe Acrobat format.)
      .
      bulletWilderness Survival
      Resource page for Scouts working on Wilderness Survival Merit Badge. Includes requirements, merit badge pamplet and lots of useful handouts and links.

      Troop 149 Merit Badge Counselors (top)  

      Here's a listing of the troop's registered merit badge counselors. Remember, it's the scout's responsibility to contact the counselor to set up an appointment. Not all merit badges have a counselor from our troop (see list of Merit Badges With No Counselor). Talk to one of the troop leaders for help locating a counselor if you want to work towards one of these badges.

      bulletTroop Merit Badge Counselor List
      .

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