Earning T-2-1 In 12 Months
The Boy Scout program is different from the Cub Scout program - mostly in the fact that it is boy led. No matter what the decision making responsibilities were in their Webelos program, they will be given greater leadership opportunities in Boy Scouts. You should encourage your boy to take as many of those opportunities as possible. There are 7 ranks in Boy Scouting, culminating with the Eagle Scout rank. The first 4 ranks (Scout, Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, & 1st Class) are a time for a scout to learn skills for outdoors, self-sufficiency, and citizenship. The last 3 ranks (Star, Life, and Eagle) are earned by completion of merit badges, service efforts, and leadership.
The primary responsibility for tracking and completing rank advancement requirements rests with the scout. The scout is provided instruction and many opportunities to complete requirements. The Scoutmasters and boy leaders provide motivation and assistance, but ultimately the desire and work must be done by the scout. This is why achieving Eagle Rank is a high honor that is only bestowed upon a small percentage of scouts. The scout learns many lifelong skills along the way - and they learn responsibility. The parent is a major part of the motivation, but the parent cannot earn the rank. They can definitely assist in putting a plan in place and setting goals. They can also assist the boy in perfecting a skill and reviewing their book to see where they are in their current requirements.
Rank advancement is not a race. The BSA program is put together so most scouts reach First Class in one year depending on their participation level. They should reach Life by 8th grade and complete their Eagle rank around 9th or 10th grade.
Once First Class rank is earned, a scout changes from being a 'learner' to a 'leader' and is expected to teach new scouts and be given leadership training opportunities. By fully learning skills over the next year, they will be ready for this transition. The Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or higher ranking scout will sign off on scout advancements. Troop Guides and Instructors can sign off for scouts in the patrol they are mentoring and Star, Life, or Eagle scouts are encouraged to be used to sign-off any Tenderfoot, 2nd, or 1st (T-2-1) class requirements. Younger scouts should first go to higher ranking scouts for sign-off rather than to the same adult every time. This helps build relationships with the troop leadership.
A common schedule for Troop 3 scouting is:
• 3 Troop meetings each month with breakout sessions for Patrol Meetings, T-2-1 training, and merit badges
• 1 Troop outing every month (day, overnight, or weekend), many with T-2-1 activities and learning opportunities
Refer to the Troop calendar for the year. It will have details on meetings and events. An active boy scout can reach First Class rank in 12 months and all should reach First Class within 18 to 20 months. The program schedule below offers an example of activities that will have scouts meet that time schedule. The advancement activities listed for Troop Meetings occur during the breakout sessions. The boys First Class and above will meet with merit badge counselors and boys not yet First Class will meet in the T-2-1 program with a Instructor, Guide or Assistant Scoutmaster. It is advisable for your boy to participate in summer camp which offers a wonderful T-2-1 program. With proper scheduling, your boys can do 2 or 3 merit badges along with the T-2-1 program.
Key - J: Joining requirement in handbook T: Tenderfoot S: Second class F: First class
March
Do J1,2,3 to join a troop.
1st Troop Meeting: Orientation to Troop Organization. Do J4, 5. Patrol Meeting: Memorize Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan. Create a patrol name, yell, and flag. Practice square knot. Study Scout badge.
2nd Troop Meeting: (Court of Honor) Watch First Class scouts advance.
3rd Troop Meeting: Do T10aphysical testing.
April
1st Troop Meeting: Do J6, 7, 8- as a patrol, discuss the importance of the oath, law, motto, slogan, and Outdoor Code. Have Scoutmaster explain their importance. Patrol Meeting: Practice Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan. Each scout whips a 6' rope and fuses a 6' rope - keep these ropes for practice and demonstration. Practice tying square knot, two half-hitches, and taut-line hitch. Finish patrol flag and yell. Individually: Do S6b.
2nd Troop Meeting: Do T8- bring your patrol flag and give your patrol yell in front of the whole troop. Discuss upcoming hiking trip – list of what to wear & carry (including First Aid kit), uniform expectations, and duty roster. Create menu for trip. Do S4one hr service School grounds cleanup.
Troop Outing: Do T5, T9. S1a,b, S5, F1, F6- direction without compass. Practice with compass and map. Go on an orienteering hike and take photos or collect evidence of 10 animals and 10 plants. Do T1, 2, 3, S2b. Dressed for campout, select site, pitch & sleep in tent, prepare meal. Individually: Schedule a Scoutmaster conference for Joining
3rd Troop Meeting: Do T10b finish physical testing
May
1st Troop Meeting: Practice tying square knot, two half-hitches, and taut-line hitch. Practice identifying poisonous plants and their treatment. Practice first aid for T12 - do not practice the Heimlich maneuver. Discuss buddy system. Patrol Meeting: Plan for Outing.
2nd Troop Meeting: Do T7
Troop Outing: Do T4a, 4b, 6, S3 - whip & fuse rope, tie two half hitch and taut-line hitch, raise, lower, fold flag in ceremony; Do F4e - one scout per Outing can accomplish this task unless you decide to buddy up – use TB Worksheet for F4 Individually: Two scouts do F4b - food costs, amounts, and purchase for Outing.
June
1st Troop Meeting: Plan for summer camp and next Outing. Finish Tenderfoot. Patrol Meeting: Do T12 - have older scouts role-play injuries and then sign off if new scouts show correct first aid. Practice other First Aid.
2nd Troop Meeting (Court of Honor): Receive Scout badge.
Troop Outing : Do T11 - poisonous plants. Do S2c,d - Totin' Chip. Individually: Schedule a Scoutmaster conference for Tenderfoot. Arrange Board of Review.
July
Summer Camp: Do S7a,b,c, F9b,c - swimming and water rescue, swimmer test. Do S1a,b - 5-mile compass hike (if not completed earlier). Do S2e,f,g - select site and pitch tent, fire safety, cook own meal. Do F7a,b,c lashing uses
August
1st Troop Meeting: Catch up on advancement if needed.
2nd Troop Meeting: Catch up on advancement if needed.
September
1st Troop Meeting: (holiday)
2nd Troop Meeting (Court of Honor): Receive Tenderfoot badge. Individually: Do F4b - food costs, amounts, and purchase for Outing.
Troop Outing: Do F4e - one scout per Outing can accomplish this task unless you decide to buddy up – use TB Worksheet for F4; Do F7a,b,c - lashings, knots, camp gadget with lashing. Individually: Two scouts do F4b - food costs, amounts, and purchase for Outing.
3rd Troop Meeting: Do S6b Make first aid kit
October
1st Troop Meeting: Do S6a,c - have older scouts role-play injuries and then sign off if new scouts show correct first aid. Do F4a,c,d - plan menu, list cooking gear, explain safe food handling. Patrol Meeting: Practice knots - square, timber hitch, clove hitch, bowline, lashings
2nd Troop Meeting: Do F2 - orienteering course race organized by Instructors. Individually: Do F4b - food costs, amounts, and purchase for Outing.
Troop Outing: District activity
Special Event: Do S8a,b - create a skit or presentation as a patrol and present it to a Cub Scout pack or other group. Individually: Schedule a Scoutmaster conference for Second Class. Arrange Board of Review. Do S2a - at least 5 troop/patrol activities
November
1st Troop Meeting: Do F8a - bowline knot. Patrol Meeting: Do F5 - citizen rights and obligations, have an expert present to patrol.
2nd Troop Meeting: Venue varies-catch up on second and first class requirements
Troop Outing: Webelos day camp, practice T-2-1 skills acting as “older boys”
December
1st Troop Meeting: Do F9a - safe trip afloat. Patrol Meeting: Practice advanced first aid skills for F8. 2nd Troop Meeting (Court of Honor): Religious emblems
Troop Outing: Reflection, SSA Lockin & Bell Ringing (Do S4one hr service)
January
1st Troop Meeting: Do F8a,b - have older scouts role-play injuries and then sign off if new scouts show correct first aid. Or, stage an emergency situation for the new scouts. Patrol Meeting: Prep for Winter Outing, learn to dress and pack
2nd Troop Meeting: Do F8c,d - injury transport, heart attack. Or, stage an emergency situation for the new scouts to handle.
Troop Outing: Klondike/winter Outing
February
1st Troop Meeting: First Class Olympics - knot relays, first aid relays, compass use, fire building, animal/plant identification (can be done on Outing).
2nd Troop Meeting: Open, finish First Class requirements, Do F11invite someone to join. Discuss F12things to avoid on the internet-cyber bullying.
Troop Outing: Cabin campout - finish camping requirements through First Class. Individually: Schedule a Scoutmaster conference for First Class. Arrange Board of Review. Do F3- at least 10 troop/patrol activities
March
1st Troop Meeting: Make up missing requirements, welcome new T-2-1s Patrol Meeting: Make up missing requirements
2nd Troop Meeting (Court of Honor): Receive Second & First Class badge.
Troop Outing: open
The primary responsibility for tracking and completing rank advancement requirements rests with the scout. The scout is provided instruction and many opportunities to complete requirements. The Scoutmasters and boy leaders provide motivation and assistance, but ultimately the desire and work must be done by the scout. This is why achieving Eagle Rank is a high honor that is only bestowed upon a small percentage of scouts. The scout learns many lifelong skills along the way - and they learn responsibility. The parent is a major part of the motivation, but the parent cannot earn the rank. They can definitely assist in putting a plan in place and setting goals. They can also assist the boy in perfecting a skill and reviewing their book to see where they are in their current requirements.
Rank advancement is not a race. The BSA program is put together so most scouts reach First Class in one year depending on their participation level. They should reach Life by 8th grade and complete their Eagle rank around 9th or 10th grade.
Once First Class rank is earned, a scout changes from being a 'learner' to a 'leader' and is expected to teach new scouts and be given leadership training opportunities. By fully learning skills over the next year, they will be ready for this transition. The Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or higher ranking scout will sign off on scout advancements. Troop Guides and Instructors can sign off for scouts in the patrol they are mentoring and Star, Life, or Eagle scouts are encouraged to be used to sign-off any Tenderfoot, 2nd, or 1st (T-2-1) class requirements. Younger scouts should first go to higher ranking scouts for sign-off rather than to the same adult every time. This helps build relationships with the troop leadership.
A common schedule for Troop 3 scouting is:
• 3 Troop meetings each month with breakout sessions for Patrol Meetings, T-2-1 training, and merit badges
• 1 Troop outing every month (day, overnight, or weekend), many with T-2-1 activities and learning opportunities
Refer to the Troop calendar for the year. It will have details on meetings and events. An active boy scout can reach First Class rank in 12 months and all should reach First Class within 18 to 20 months. The program schedule below offers an example of activities that will have scouts meet that time schedule. The advancement activities listed for Troop Meetings occur during the breakout sessions. The boys First Class and above will meet with merit badge counselors and boys not yet First Class will meet in the T-2-1 program with a Instructor, Guide or Assistant Scoutmaster. It is advisable for your boy to participate in summer camp which offers a wonderful T-2-1 program. With proper scheduling, your boys can do 2 or 3 merit badges along with the T-2-1 program.
Key - J: Joining requirement in handbook T: Tenderfoot S: Second class F: First class
March
Do J1,2,3 to join a troop.
1st Troop Meeting: Orientation to Troop Organization. Do J4, 5. Patrol Meeting: Memorize Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan. Create a patrol name, yell, and flag. Practice square knot. Study Scout badge.
2nd Troop Meeting: (Court of Honor) Watch First Class scouts advance.
3rd Troop Meeting: Do T10aphysical testing.
April
1st Troop Meeting: Do J6, 7, 8- as a patrol, discuss the importance of the oath, law, motto, slogan, and Outdoor Code. Have Scoutmaster explain their importance. Patrol Meeting: Practice Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan. Each scout whips a 6' rope and fuses a 6' rope - keep these ropes for practice and demonstration. Practice tying square knot, two half-hitches, and taut-line hitch. Finish patrol flag and yell. Individually: Do S6b.
2nd Troop Meeting: Do T8- bring your patrol flag and give your patrol yell in front of the whole troop. Discuss upcoming hiking trip – list of what to wear & carry (including First Aid kit), uniform expectations, and duty roster. Create menu for trip. Do S4one hr service School grounds cleanup.
Troop Outing: Do T5, T9. S1a,b, S5, F1, F6- direction without compass. Practice with compass and map. Go on an orienteering hike and take photos or collect evidence of 10 animals and 10 plants. Do T1, 2, 3, S2b. Dressed for campout, select site, pitch & sleep in tent, prepare meal. Individually: Schedule a Scoutmaster conference for Joining
3rd Troop Meeting: Do T10b finish physical testing
May
1st Troop Meeting: Practice tying square knot, two half-hitches, and taut-line hitch. Practice identifying poisonous plants and their treatment. Practice first aid for T12 - do not practice the Heimlich maneuver. Discuss buddy system. Patrol Meeting: Plan for Outing.
2nd Troop Meeting: Do T7
Troop Outing: Do T4a, 4b, 6, S3 - whip & fuse rope, tie two half hitch and taut-line hitch, raise, lower, fold flag in ceremony; Do F4e - one scout per Outing can accomplish this task unless you decide to buddy up – use TB Worksheet for F4 Individually: Two scouts do F4b - food costs, amounts, and purchase for Outing.
June
1st Troop Meeting: Plan for summer camp and next Outing. Finish Tenderfoot. Patrol Meeting: Do T12 - have older scouts role-play injuries and then sign off if new scouts show correct first aid. Practice other First Aid.
2nd Troop Meeting (Court of Honor): Receive Scout badge.
Troop Outing : Do T11 - poisonous plants. Do S2c,d - Totin' Chip. Individually: Schedule a Scoutmaster conference for Tenderfoot. Arrange Board of Review.
July
Summer Camp: Do S7a,b,c, F9b,c - swimming and water rescue, swimmer test. Do S1a,b - 5-mile compass hike (if not completed earlier). Do S2e,f,g - select site and pitch tent, fire safety, cook own meal. Do F7a,b,c lashing uses
August
1st Troop Meeting: Catch up on advancement if needed.
2nd Troop Meeting: Catch up on advancement if needed.
September
1st Troop Meeting: (holiday)
2nd Troop Meeting (Court of Honor): Receive Tenderfoot badge. Individually: Do F4b - food costs, amounts, and purchase for Outing.
Troop Outing: Do F4e - one scout per Outing can accomplish this task unless you decide to buddy up – use TB Worksheet for F4; Do F7a,b,c - lashings, knots, camp gadget with lashing. Individually: Two scouts do F4b - food costs, amounts, and purchase for Outing.
3rd Troop Meeting: Do S6b Make first aid kit
October
1st Troop Meeting: Do S6a,c - have older scouts role-play injuries and then sign off if new scouts show correct first aid. Do F4a,c,d - plan menu, list cooking gear, explain safe food handling. Patrol Meeting: Practice knots - square, timber hitch, clove hitch, bowline, lashings
2nd Troop Meeting: Do F2 - orienteering course race organized by Instructors. Individually: Do F4b - food costs, amounts, and purchase for Outing.
Troop Outing: District activity
Special Event: Do S8a,b - create a skit or presentation as a patrol and present it to a Cub Scout pack or other group. Individually: Schedule a Scoutmaster conference for Second Class. Arrange Board of Review. Do S2a - at least 5 troop/patrol activities
November
1st Troop Meeting: Do F8a - bowline knot. Patrol Meeting: Do F5 - citizen rights and obligations, have an expert present to patrol.
2nd Troop Meeting: Venue varies-catch up on second and first class requirements
Troop Outing: Webelos day camp, practice T-2-1 skills acting as “older boys”
December
1st Troop Meeting: Do F9a - safe trip afloat. Patrol Meeting: Practice advanced first aid skills for F8. 2nd Troop Meeting (Court of Honor): Religious emblems
Troop Outing: Reflection, SSA Lockin & Bell Ringing (Do S4one hr service)
January
1st Troop Meeting: Do F8a,b - have older scouts role-play injuries and then sign off if new scouts show correct first aid. Or, stage an emergency situation for the new scouts. Patrol Meeting: Prep for Winter Outing, learn to dress and pack
2nd Troop Meeting: Do F8c,d - injury transport, heart attack. Or, stage an emergency situation for the new scouts to handle.
Troop Outing: Klondike/winter Outing
February
1st Troop Meeting: First Class Olympics - knot relays, first aid relays, compass use, fire building, animal/plant identification (can be done on Outing).
2nd Troop Meeting: Open, finish First Class requirements, Do F11invite someone to join. Discuss F12things to avoid on the internet-cyber bullying.
Troop Outing: Cabin campout - finish camping requirements through First Class. Individually: Schedule a Scoutmaster conference for First Class. Arrange Board of Review. Do F3- at least 10 troop/patrol activities
March
1st Troop Meeting: Make up missing requirements, welcome new T-2-1s Patrol Meeting: Make up missing requirements
2nd Troop Meeting (Court of Honor): Receive Second & First Class badge.
Troop Outing: open
