To get a scout handbook, you must join a scout troop and get one from your scoutmaster! Once you get a scout handbook, I recommend you do the following:
- Always have a pen or pencil inside- This is important because you’ll need it to check off requirements with one and/or take notes during a scout meeting. Be prepared!
- Notebook/notepad/something to write notes on- You won’t always need this, but I recommend setting aside one specifically for scouting so you can list requirements you need to do at home, for example!
- Buy a cover (OPTIONAL)– Throughout your scouting journey, your scout handbook will get worn over time so I recommend you buy a cover to protect it. You can find one at your local scout shop or https://www.scoutshop.org/ . If you cannot afford one then a normal ziploc bag or plastic bag will do!
Please note that the following pictures are taken from my own scout handbook (14th edition for girls) and some requirements may have changed. Be sure to check the latest requirements online! https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2023-Scouts-BSA-Rank-requirements.pdf
Once you complete these, let’s take a look inside!
INTRODUCTION
When you open it, you should see the “Youth Protection” Guide! It contains information about how to recognize abuse and practice online safety. You’ll need to read over this and complete the exercises with your parent/guardian for Scout rank requirement 6.
This is your introduction page! You do not need to fill it out, however, I recommend you at least write your name in the ‘name’ section. (Ignore how I forgot I wrote the rest of my milestones haha)
I’m not sure if every copy now has this but this is a welcoming letter from the previous Chief Scout Executive himself (Michael B. Subaugh)! Thank you for the warm welcome Mr. Subaugh!
This is the table of contents! It’ll help you navigate each skill section and information section better. Each section will cover something different such as First Aid for one section and Aquatics for another section.
Before you skip to any section, I recommend you to read the very first section ‘Your Adventure Continues’. It contains information about how scouting runs and also your troop (as well patrol if you have one)!
RANK REQUIREMENTS
Starting on page 440, you’ll see the requirements for every rank: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. These will help you recognize what you need to do to earn each rank!
LOGS
This is a physical log of all of the merit badges! As you can see, I don’t really keep track of them here. This is because I use https://scoutbook.scouting.org/ which is an online database that not only tracks your merit badges but also your leadership roles. To set up an account, ask your scoutmaster or another adult leader in your troop. Otherwise, if you want to track your merit badges physically, you’re also welcome to do that as well.
This is a physical log for your leadership positions and training courses! They do not necessarily have to be scout-related, they can be school, your religious organization, etc. You can also track these on the previously mentioned website.
This is a physical log for your hikes! I believe you need this as a requirement for Second Class or First Class. However, in my opinion, this is not as important as the rest of these logs.
This is a physical log for your campouts! It is very important to keep track of your campouts for your rank requirements and the Camping merit badge. Make sure you keep track of them!
Last but not least, this is the physical log for your service projects! They do not necessarily have to be scouting-related but can also be the ones in your community, school, etc. You’ll need this for rank requirements as well.
OPTIONAL INFORMATION
Do you want to continue your scouting journey? Well, this section is for you! It contains information about scouting events, national high-adventure bases, and as well other scouting programs! If interested in any of these, ask your scoutmaster about it :).
Once you earn Eagle, you can earn Eagle Palms for merit badges you complete!
- A Bronze Palm requires five merit badges
- A Gold Palm requires 10 merit badges
- A Silver Palm requires 15 merit badges
If you haven’t aged out yet and want to do something, I recommend you to do this :)! My older brother actually earned a Bronze Plam before he aged out!
That is all of the Scout Handbook Basic Guide! If you have any questions or concerns, please comment them or email me at maggi.lim@att.net. I’ll try to get back to you as soon as possible :).
Peace out!