Our goal is for the Scout to achieve the rank of First Class within his first year in the Troop. This is a sign that the Scout has mastered the fundamentals of Scouting and can begin to start the process of learning to lead others, refining the learned skills and learning more advance skills. It is important that parents realize that this is a goal, not a requirement. There is a lot to Scouting besides earning rank, and some Scouts take longer to earn First Class, than others. That does not mean they are not benefiting from the program. The leaders understand this and will work with each boy accordingly.

The First Class Emphasis Program is run by senior Boy Scouts called Troop Guides. Adult advisors are assigned to support the program. The adult advisor team is made up of both experienced leaders and newly trained leaders (new Scout parents). The Troop Guides and Advisors plan out the requirements across the calendar of meetings, campouts, and events.

Scout to Tenderfoot

1. When a boy joins Troop 626 he is assigned to a Patrol of similar age boys.
2. The Scout Rank is earned before or at the first campout.
3. The Troop has a Welcome Campout in late February to introduce basic camping skills to the boys and to the parents.
4. The Scouts follow a plan that allows them the opportunity to earn rank requirements at meetings and campouts. If the Scout cannot attend a meeting or campout, the make-up is done at future meetings or campouts.
5. In March the new Scouts are asked to attend a Troop Leadership & Planning Conference where they will learn the Troop hierarchy. They will be introduced to the Patrol Method, and to the concept of the Boy-Led Troop. They will learn basic processes in the Troop, they will participate in a Troop Planning Session, and they will sit in and watch a Patrol Leaders Council.

Tenderfoot to Second Class

1. As a Tenderfoot the Scout continues to work on rank requirements at Troop Meetings and at Troop Campouts.
2. The Tenderfoot is expected to attend the Youth Leadership Conference in March.
3. The Tenderfoot rank can be earned by the Troop Court of Honor in May.

Second Class to First Class

1. As a Tenderfoot the Scout continues to work on rank requirements at Troop Meetings and at Troop Campouts.
2. The Tenderfoot is expected to attend the Youth Leadership Conference in September
3. The Second Class rank can be earned by the Troop Court of Honor in October.