Second Class

The Second Class rank requirements were revised effective January 1 1998.

The Second Class rank requirements will be revised effective April 1, 1999.

NOTE: These requirements may be worked on simultaneously with those for the Tenderfoot and First Class ranks; however these ranks must be earned in sequence.

    1. Demonstrate how a compass works and how to orient a map. Explain what map symbols mean.
    2. Using a compass and a map you've drawn, take a 5-mile hike (or 10 miles by bike) approved by your adult leader and your parent or guardian.*
    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 campout, demonstrate proper care, sharpening, and use of knife, saw, and ax.
    3. Use the tools listed above to prepare tinder, kindling, and fuel for a cooking fire.
    4. Light the cooking fire. Assist with the meal preparation and cleanup.
    5. On one of these campouts, select your patrol site and sleep in a tent that you pitched.
  1. Participate in a flag ceremony for your school, religious institution, chartered organization, community, or troop activity.
  2. Participate in an approved (minimum of 1 hour) service project.
  3. Identify or show evidence of at least 10 kinds of wild animals (birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, mollusks) found in your community.
    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:
      • Object in the eye
      • Bite of a suspected rabid animal
      • Puncture wounds from a splinter, nail, and fish hook
      • Serious burns (second degree)
      • Heat exhaustion
      • Shock
      • Heatstroke, dehydration, hypothermia, and hyperventilation.
  4. Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe swim. Demonstrate your ability to swim 50 yards using two different strokes. **
  5. 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.
  6. Demonstrate scout spirit by living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your everyday life.
  7. Participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
  8. Complete your board of review.

* If you are using a wheelchair or crutches, or if it is difficult for you to get around, you may substitute "trip" for "hike" in this requirement.

** This requirement may be waived by the troop committee for medical or safety reasons.

NOTE: Alternate requirements for the Second Class rank are available for Scouts with physical or mental disabilities if they meet the criteria listed on page 6 of the 1998 Boy Scout Requirements book. (No. 33218A)


Requirements: