Life Scout

Life is the second-highest rank attainable, above Star and below Eagle. Life is awarded when the Scout serves actively in the troop, team or crew, serves in a position of responsibility for six months, and performs six hours of community service. A Scout must also earn five merit badges (at least three of which must be required for the rank of Eagle) for a total of 11, including the six previously earned. Finally, the Scout must pass a Scoutmaster conference, and board of review.

Life was originally lower than Star, and originally required earning five specific merit badges concerned with health and fitness (First Aid, Lifesaving, Public Health, Personal Health and Athletics). The ranks were switched in the 1920s, following a decision to recognize the five-pointed star as a symbol of the five badges needed to earn that rank. The Life heart came to symbolize achievement in health and fitness, as the First Aid merit badge was required for both Life and Eagle until 1972, when it became required for all ranks above First Class.

• • • 1. Be active in your troop for at least six months as a Star Scout.

      2. As a Star Scout, demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God and how you have lived the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your everyday life.

      3. Earn five more merit badges (so that you have 11 in all), including any three additional badges from the required list for Eagle. You may choose any of the 17 merit badges on the required list for Eagle to fulfill this requirement. See Eagle rank requirement 3 for this list on Eagle Requirements page.

      4. Name of Merit Badge

___________________________________ (required for Eagle)

___________________________________ (required for Eagle)

___________________________________ (required for Eagle)

___________________________________

___________________________________

5. While a Star Scout, participate in six hours of service through one or more service project(s) approved by your Scoutmaster. At least three hours of this service must be conservation-related.

6. While a Star Scout, serve actively in your troop for six months in one or more of the following troop positions of responsibility (or carry out a Scoutmaster-approved leadership project to help the troop). (Patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, troop guide, Order of the Arrow troop representative, den chief, scribe, librarian, historian, quartermaster, bugler, junior assistant Scoutmaster, chaplain aide, instructor, webmaster, or outdoor ethics guide)

7. While a Star Scout, use the Teaching EDGE method to teach another Scout (preferably younger than you) the skills from ONE of the following choices, so that he is prepared to pass those requirements to his Scoutmaster's satisfaction.

• • • • • Tenderfoot 4a and 4b (first aid)

        • Second Class 2b, 2c, and 2d (cooking/tools)

        • Second Class 3a and 3d (navigation)

        • First Class 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d (tools)

        • First Class 4a and 4b (navigation)

        • Second Class 6a and 6b (first aid)

        • First Class 7a and 7b (first aid

        • Three requirements from one of the required Eagle merit badges, as approved by your Scoutmaster

8. While a Star Scout, participate in a Scoutmaster conference.

9. Successfully complete your board of review for the Life rank.