2002
First Class
Rank Requirements

Additions to these requirements,
which became effective on January 1, 2002,
are shown in Bold Underlined print, similar to this paragraph.
Deletions are shown struck through in red italics, like this text.
Unchanged text is shown like this.

The deletion of the footnote to item 9b was actually made in 2001, but was never been formally announced. The change to requirement 4a was actually made in 2000, but was never formally announced.

To see the requirements with no highlighting of the changes,
Click Here

Click here to see a copy of the letter from the BSA National Office announcing these changes. (pdf file)

NOTE: These requirements, and those for Tenderfoot and Second Class may be worked on simultaneously; however these ranks must be earned in sequence.

1. Demonstrate how to find directions during the day and at night without using a compass.
2. Using a 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.)
3. Since joining, have participated in ten separate troop/patrol activities (other than troop/patrol meetings), three of which included camping overnight.
4. a. Help plan a patrol menu for one campout -- including one breakfast, lunch, and dinner - that requires cooking.  Tell how the menu includes the foods from the food pyramid four basic food groups and meets nutritional needs.
4. b. Using the menu planned in requirement 4a, make a list showing the cost and food amounts needed to feed three or more boys and secure the ingredients.
4. c. Tell which pans, utensils, and other gear will be needed to cook and serve these meals.
4. d. Explain the procedures to follow in the safe handling and storage of fresh meats, dairy products, eggs, vegetables, and other perishable food products.  Tell how to properly dispose of camp garbage, cans, plastic containers, and other rubbish.
4. e. On one campout, serve as your patrol's cook.  Supervise your assistant(s) in using a stove or building a cooking fire. Prepare the breakfast, lunch, and dinner planned in requirement 4a.  Lead your patrol in saying grace at the meals and supervise cleanup.
5. Visit and discuss with a selected individual approved by your leader (elected official, judge, attorney, civil servant, principal, teacher) your Constitutional rights and obligations as a U.S. citizen.
6. Identify or show evidence of at least ten kinds of native plants found in your community.
7. a. Discuss when you should and should not use lashings
7. b. Demonstrate tying the timber hitch and clove hitch and their use in square, shear, and diagonal lashings by joining two or more poles or staves together.
7. c. Use lashing to make a useful camp gadget.
8. a. Demonstrate tying the bowline knot and describe several ways it can be used.
8. b. Demonstrate bandages for a sprained ankle. and for injuries on the head, the upper arm, and the collarbone.
8. c. Show how to transport by yourself, and with one other person, a person:
   • from a smoke-filled room
   • with a sprained ankle, for at least 25 yards.
8. d. Tell the five most common signs of a heart attack. Explain the steps (procedures) in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
9. a. Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe trip afloat.
9. b. Successfully complete the BSA swimmer test.*
9. c. Demonstrate survival skills by leaping into deep water wearing clothes (shoes, socks, swim trunks, long pants, belt, and long-sleeved shirt).   Remove shoes and socks, inflate the shirt, and show that you can float using the shirt for support.  Remove and inflate the pants for support.  Swim 50 feet using the inflated pants for support, then show how to reinflate the pants while using them for support.*
9. c. d. With a helper and a practice victim, show a line rescue both as tender and rescuer.  (The practice victim should be approximately 30 feet from shore in deep water.)
10. Demonstrate scout spirit by living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your everyday life.
11. Participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
12. Complete your board of review.

*This requirement may be waived by the troop committee for medical or safety reasons.

NOTE: Alternate Requirements for the First Class rank are available for Scouts with physical or mental disabilities if they meet the criteria listed in the Boy Scout Requirements book. (No. 33215E)

Please note that Requirement 12 - (Complete your Board of Review) MAY be done AFTER the Scout' has reached age 18.  All other requirements must be completed BEFORE the Scout's 18th Birthday.