Second Class rank

From MeritBadgeDotOrg

(Difference between revisions)
Jump to: navigation, search
Line 2: Line 2:
|name= Second Class Rank
|name= Second Class rank
|image = SecondClass.png
|image = SecondClass.png
|caption =
|caption =

Revision as of 15:32, October 14, 2012

Troop resources include the Advancement Campout and monthly Troop Program Themes.

Second Class rank

Tenderfoot rank
First Class rank

The advancement program for Boy Scouts is symbolized by the earning of seven badges each representing a different rank. The program is often considered to be divided into two phases.

The first phase of advancement (from Scout to First Class) is designed to teach the Scoutcraft skills, how to participate in a group, and to learn self-reliance. The Scout rank badge is awarded when the Scout demonstrates a rudimentary knowledge of the Scouting ideals and program, demonstrates basic Scoutcraft skills (knots & pocknetknife safety), and completes a youth protection and internet safety exercise with his parents. Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class have progressively harder requirements in the areas of fitness, citizenship, personal growth, tools, cooking, first aid and emergency preparedness, aquatics, hiking and navigation, nature, outdoor ethics, and Scout Spirit.


Second Class rank requirements

Camping and Outdoor Ethics

1b. Explain the seven principles of Leave No Trace and tell how you practiced them on a campout or outing. This outing must be different from the one used for "Tenderfoot requirement 1c".

Cooking and Tools

2c. At an approved outdoor location and time, use the tinder, kindling, and fuel wood from "Second Class requirement 2b" to demonstrate how to build a fire. Unless prohibited by local fire restrictions, light the fire. After allowing the flames to burn safely for at least two minutes, safely extinguish the flames with minimal impact to the fire site.
2d. Explain when it is appropriate to use a lightweight stove and when it is appropriate to use a propane stove. Set up a lightweight stove or propane stove. Light the stove, unless prohibited by local fire restrictions. Describe the safety procedures for using these types of stoves.
2e. On one campout, plan and cook one hot breakfast or lunch, selecting foods from MyPlate or the current USDA nutritional model. Explain the importance of good nutrition. Demonstrate how to transport, store, and prepare the foods you selected.
2f. Demonstrate tying the sheet bend knot. Describe a situation in which you would use this knot.
2g. Demonstrate tying the bowline knot. Describe a situation in which you would use this knot.


3b. 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.[1]
3c. Describe some hazards or injuries that you might encounter on your hike and what you can do to help prevent them.[1]


4. Identify or show evidence of at least 10 kinds of wild animals (such as birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, or mollusks) found in your local area or camping location. You may show evidence by tracks, signs, or photographs you have taken.


5a. Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe swim.
5b. Demonstrate your ability to pass the BSA beginner test: Jump feetfirst 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.[2]
5c. Demonstrate water rescue methods by reaching with your arm or leg, by reaching with a suitable object, and by throwing lines and objects.[2]

First Aid and Emergency Preparedness

6a. Demonstrate first aid for the following:
  • Object in the eye
  • Bite of a warm-blooded animal
  • Puncture wounds from a splinter, nail, and fishhook
  • Serious burns (partial thickness, or second-degree)
  • Heat exhaustion
  • Shock
  • Heatstroke, dehydration, hypothermia, and hyperventilation
6b. Show what to do for “hurry” cases of stopped breathing, stroke, severe bleeding, and ingested poisoning.
6d. Explain what to do in case of accidents that require emergency response in the home and backcountry. Explain what constitutes an emergency and what information you will need to provide to a responder.


7a. After completing Tenderfoot requirement 6c, be physically active at least 30 minutes each day for five days a week for four weeks. Keep track of your activities.


8b. Explain what respect is due the flag of the United States.

Personal Safety Awareness

9a. Explain the three R’s of personal safety and protection.
9b. Describe bullying; tell what the appropriate response is to someone who is bullying you or another person.

Scout Spirit

11. While working toward the Second Class rank, and after completing Tenderfoot requirement 10, participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
12. Successfully complete your board of review for the Second Class rank.


  1. 1.0 1.1 If you use a wheelchair or crutches, or if it is difficult for you to get around, you may substitute "trip" for "hike" in requirements 3b and 3c.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Under certain exceptional conditions, where the climate keeps the outdoor water temperature below safe levels year-round, or where there are no suitably safe and accessible places (outdoors or indoors) within a reasonable traveling distance to swim at any time during the year, the council Scout executive and advancement committee may, on an individual Scout basis, authorize an alternative for requirements 5b and 5c. The local council may establish appropriate procedures for submitting and processing these types of requests. All the other requirements, none of which necessitate entry in the water or entry in a watercraft on the water, must be completed as written.


by an administrator.


Boy Scout merit badge workbooks, Webelos workbooks,
Cub Scout workbooks, and Nova Award workbooks.
2010 Second Class Badge.
2010 Second Class Badge.

Requirement resources

1a. BSA Video - Navigation
1b. BSA Video - Navigation - Hiking Skills
2. BSA Video - Leave No Trace
3a. BSA Video - Outdoor Skills
3b. BSA Video - Campsite Selection - Tent Setup
3c. BSA Video - Knife Skills - Ax and Saw Skills
4. BSA Video - Flag Ceremonies
5. BSA Video - Service Projects
6. Ecology Resources: BSA Video

7. First Aid:
7a. BSA Video - Choking - Bleeding - Poisoning
7b. BSA Video - First Aid Kit

8. Swimming:
8b. BSA Video - Swimming Strokes - Swimming Turns
8c. BSA Video - Reach, Throw, Row, Go

9. BSA Video

Boy Scout portal
Varsity Scout portal

Related Awards


Outdoor-related awards


Ecology-related awards


Emergency Preparedness-related awards


Aquatic-related awards

See also

Personal tools