From the achievement of First Class through Life, the Scout will be demonstrating leadership, performing service projects, earning merit badges and using the skills learned while achieving the rank of First Class. After achieving the First Class rank, the next ranks he will earn will be Star and Life. These ranks are harder to obtain than earlier ranks but are more interesting for older Scouts. The Boy Scout principles, the Scout Oath and Scout Law now have fuller meaning for the Scout and his understanding of these principles are much greater.

The Troop 626 Life Emphasis program is focused on supporting the First Class Scout on his trail to the rank of Star Scout, then to the rank of Life Scout. The Star rank is sometimes referred to as the Star-slump. Our goal is to motivate these Scouts with a challenging program that keeps them out of the slump. The Life rank is most often where a Scout will drop out. This is due to the increased demands on his schedule with school studies, school programs, church programs, sports, etc. Our goal is to encourage these Scouts to make it to the ranks of Star, Life and on to Eagle.

A leadership position is required in these advanced ranks. Some of the positions are elected and some are appointed. The positions usually run for a 6-month term. During this term, the Scoutmasters are looking to the Scout to fulfill the obligations and responsibilities of his position. If the Scout successfully completes his tenure, then the Scoutmaster will sign off this portion of his rank requirements.

FIRST CLASS Scout: The First Class Scout is now a leader. He will be looked to for basic leadership and training of the lower rank Scouts.

STAR Scout: The Star Scout is a leader's leader. He is expected to help plan and lead Troop training events and the Troop Planning Conferences.

LIFE Scout: The Life Scout is both a leader and the consultant to the Troop leaders. He is expected to help lead the Troop Youth Leadership Conferences and Planning Conferences. He is focused on completing Eagle Scout requirements and selecting, planning and leading a service project for the Eagle Rank.