A Parent/Guardian's Support Guide

Whether you have a new Scout or a Scout who has stalled out on the trail to First Class, this guide is for you! As you read, you will learn both the importance of a Scout achieving First Class and ways you can support your Scout in successfully reaching the milestone of First Class Scout.

Importance of reaching First Class

The ranks leading up to and including First Class (Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class) give Scouts the chance to learn the skills necessary for scouting. These skills include outdoor skills, citizenship, and the ability to be self-sufficient. Through completing the ranks through first class, a Scout gradually transitions from learner to leader. As the leadership skills and scouting skills develop, the Scouts are expected to teach new Scouts.

Why reach First Class quickly

Statistics show that Scouts who reach First Class within the first year to eighteen months are more likely to stay in Scouting longer. Active Scouts can reach First Class within 10-12 months but should have a goal of reaching it in no more than 18-20 months.

Supporting my Scout:

Understand that Scouts BSA is Scout-led and a chance for your Scout to learn responsibility.

The adults are the guide on the side, and your role is to let your Scout learn to be responsible for their experience including working on rank advancement and getting requirements signed off.

Make attending Scout meetings and campouts a priority for your Scout

Regular attendance ensures that they can work on rank advancement. Remind your Scout that completing the requirement is not official until the requirement has been signed off by an adult leader. Therefore, it is important for the Scouts to bring their Scout Book to all Scout functions they attend.

As a parent, take an active role in the Scout program

You are the main role model for your child. Scouts with uninvolved parents tend to become inactive in the program. Ways you can be involved: take BSA training that can be found at my.scouting.org starting with Youth Protection Training (YPT); and volunteer- ask what adult leader roles are available to be filled, sign up as a merit badge counselor (we all have areas of expertise that can be translated into a merit badge counselor), be a driver for campouts (it’s nice to spend a weekend in nature).

Get to know the rank requirements

The requirements are different from Cub Scouts. Knowing these requirements will help you support your Scout because there are requirements that will be worked on at home in addition to at meetings and on campouts. Knowing the requirements will allow you to have meaningful conversations with your Scout on goal setting and planning. Additionally, you will be equipped to work with other Scouts if you choose to become an Assistant Scout Master. You do not need to become an expert; you just need to know enough to provide support.

Ask questions

Whether you are new to Scouting or have been a Scout parent for a while, the whole process can be a little overwhelming. The Scout Master and Assistant Scout Masters are always willing to help you understand the process; all you need to do is ask!