Scouting provides a series of surnountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. Scouts plan their own advancement and progress at their own pace as they meet each challenge. Scouts are recognized and rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others
Scout
The Scout rank covers the basic information you need to know to be a good scout. you should earn it soon after joining a troop
Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class
The ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class cover skill in camping, hiking, cooking, first aid, fitness, nature, aquatics, citizenship and leadership. Once you become a First Class Scout, which will probably take a year to 18 months, you will be a well rounded Scout. You can work on requirements from all three ranks at the same time but you must complete the ranks in order.
Star, Life and Eagle
The ranks of Star, Life and Eagle (Scouting’s highest rank) focus on active participation, community service, merit badges, and leadership. Each of these ranks will take several months (or even a year or more) to complete, but that’s OK, because you can keep working on Scout advancement until you reach you 18th birthday