View all the First Class rank requirements here. The list below is not all-inclusive, and most requirements are better completed in-person. The links below are provided for Scouts and parents to review while meetings and activities are suspended. All requirements completed must be signed off by a unit leader. The Scouts BSA Handbook is another great resource!
- Requirement 1a: Since joining Boy Scouts, participate in 10 separate troop/patrol activities, at least six of which must be held outdoors. Of the outdoor activities, at least three must include overnight camping. These activities do not include troop or patrol meetings. On campouts, spend the night in a tent that you pitch or other structure that you help erect, such as a lean-to, snow cave, or tepee.
- Requirement 1b. Explain each of the principles of Tread Lightly! and tell how you practiced them on a campout or outing. This outing must be different from the ones used for Tenderfoot requirement 1c and Second Class requirement 1b.
- Requirement 2a: Help plan a menu for one of the above campouts that includes at least one breakfast, one lunch, and one dinner, and that requires cooking at least two of the meals. Tell how the menu includes the foods from MyPlate or the current USDA nutritional model and how it meets nutritional needs for the planned activity or campout.
- Requirement 2b: Using the menu planned in First Class requirement 2a, make a list showing a budget and the food amounts needed to feed three or more youth. Secure the ingredients.
- Requirement 2c: Show which pans, utensils, and other gear will be needed to cook and serve these meals.
- Requirement 2d. Demonstrate the procedures to follow in the safe handling and storage of fresh meats, dairy products, eggs, vegetables, and other perishable food products. Show how to properly dispose of camp garbage, cans, plastic containers, and other rubbish.
- Requirement 3a: Discuss when you should and should not use lashings.
- Requirement 3b: Demonstrate tying the timber hitch and clove hitch.
- Requirement 3c: Demonstrate tying the square, shear, and diagonal lashings by joining two or more poles or staves together.
- Requirement 3d: Use lashings to make a useful camp gadget or structure.
- Requirement 4a: Using a map and compass, complete an orienteering course that covers at least one mile and requires measuring the height and/ or width of designated items (tree, tower, canyon, ditch, etc.).
- Requirement 4b: Demonstrate how to use a handheld GPS unit, GPS app on a smartphone, or other electronic navigation system. Use GPS to find your current location, a destination of your choice, and the route you will take to get there. Follow that route to arrive at your destination.
- Requirement 5a: Identify or show evidence of at least 10 kinds of native plants found in your local area or campsite location. You may show evidence by identifying fallen leaves or fallen fruit that you find in the field, or as part of a collection you have made, or by photographs you have taken.
- Learn about plant identification strategies and resources from Scouter Rob
- Learn about some Mid-South area plants from the Wolf River Conservancy
- Search native plants in your area on the Audubon website (enter your zipcode only; you do not have to enter an e-mail address, though you may if you wish)
- Requirement 5b: Identify two ways to obtain a weather forecast for an upcoming activity. Explain why weather forecasts are important when planning for an event.
- Requirement 5c: Describe at least three natural indicators of impending hazardous weather, the potential dangerous events that might result from such weather conditions, and the appropriate actions to take.
- Requirement 5d: Describe extreme weather conditions you might encounter in the outdoors in your local geographic area. Discuss how you would determine ahead of time the potential risk of these types of weather dangers, alternative planning considerations to avoid such risks, and how you would prepare for and respond to those weather conditions.
- Requirement 6a: Successfully complete the BSA swimmer test.
- Requirement 6b: Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe trip afloat.
- Requirement 6c: Identify the basic parts of a canoe, kayak, or other boat. Identify the parts of a paddle or an oar.
- Requirement 6d: Describe proper body positioning in a watercraft, depending on the type and size of the vessel. Explain the importance of proper body position in the boat.
- Requirement 6e: With a helper and a practice victim, show a line rescue both as tender and as rescuer. (The practice victim should be approximately 30 feet from shore in deep water.)
- Requirement 7a: Demonstrate bandages for a sprained ankle and for injuries on the head, the upper arm, and the collarbone.
- Requirement 7b: By yourself and with a partner, show how to: Transport a person from a smoke-filled room; transport for at least 25 yards a person with a sprained ankle.
- Requirement 7c: Tell the five most common signals of a heart attack. Explain the steps (procedures) in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Requirement 7d: Tell what utility services exist in your home or meeting place. Describe potential hazards associated with these utilities and tell how to respond in emergency situations.
- Requirement 7f: Explain how to obtain potable water in an emergency.
- Requirement 8a: After completing Second Class requirement 7a, be physically active at least 30 minutes each day for five days a week for four weeks. Keep track of your activities.
- Requirement 8b: Share your challenges and successes in completing First Class requirement 8a. Set a goal for continuing to include physical activity as part of your daily life.
- While these requirements cannot be completed or practiced online, take a break and enjoy some time outdoors!
- Requirement 9b: Investigate an environmental issue affecting your community. Share what you learned about that issue with your patrol or troop. Tell what, if anything, could be done by you or your community to address the concern.
- Requirement 9c: On a Scouting or family outing, take note of the trash and garbage you produce. Before your next similar outing, decide how you can reduce, recycle, or repurpose what you take on that outing, and then put those plans into action. Compare your results.
