The first badge of Boy Scouting can be
earned as soon as a boy joins a troop, especially if he has earned his Arrow of Light as a Webelos scout. This first recognition is earned by applying and memorizing some important scouting basics.
Some troops have Webelos scouts bridge over from the pack to the troop in February at their Cub Scout pack Blue and Gold dinner and then have a court of honor in March or April where they are presented with their Scout badge.
Boy Scout Badge requirement resources include the Scout Badge Worksheet, lesson videos showing Outdoor Skills, and First Aid Skills plus Merit Badges, and Scout Awards links. A boy must complete the Boy Scout Joining Requirements (Scout Badge) to be a Boy Scout.
You can be a Scout if you have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10 years old or are age 11 or have earned the Arrow of Light Award and are at least 10 years old, but has not reached age 18.
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Complete the application (sign your name, indicating approval).
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Give the completed application and fees to the Scoutmaster.
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Secure a copy of the Boy Scout Handbook and complete the joining requirements as listed.
The troop or team leader signs the Youth Application #28-406 when the boy has completed the Boy Scout Joining (Scout Badge) Requirements.
Scout Badge requirements:
- Meet the age requirements. Be a boy who is 11 years old, or one who has completed the fifth grade or earned the Arrow of Light Award and is at least 10 years old, but is not yet 18 years old.
- Find a Scout troop near your home. (To find a troop, contact your local Boy Scout Council. The Council name, address and phone number can be found on BSA’s Council Locator Page.)
- Complete a Boy Scout application and health history signed by your parent or guardian.
- Repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handshake.
- Demonstrate tying the square knot (a joining knot).
- Understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath or Promise, Law, motto, and slogan, and the Outdoor Code.
- Describe the Scout badge.
- 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”.
- 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.