The Boy Scout First Class badge is not that simple to explain, it represents a lot of history and heritage.

In a nutshell the First Class Badge is the "The Boy Scout Symbol or Emblem" (see below)

But it is more than just "The Boy Scout Emblem"...

• It signifies that the First Class Scout has learned the basic skills of a Boy Scout.

The First Class "Badge" is a culmination of Scout, Tenderfoot and Second Class "Badges".

Lets take a look at this progression shall we?

1st Rank earned in the Boy Scouts:

The Scout Rank badge includes the simple fleur-de-lis, the base for the Scout emblem.

Baden Powell the founder of the Boy Scouts states that the fleur-de-lis is a lily which is the emblem for peace and purity.

In Truth, the fleur-de-lis was chosen as it is universally shown on maps, charts and compass cards "pointing one in the right direction", North!

This representation in Scouting is simple, a Scout should move through life with their compass pointing in the right direction!

Meaning a scout can point the right way in life as truly as does a compass in the field.

2nd Rank earned in the Boy Scouts:

The Tenderfoot Rank badge includes the Eagle, shield and stars to the fleur-de-lis found in the Scout Rank badge.

The Eagle and Shield stand for American freedom and a Scout's readiness to defend that freedom.

The two stars stand for the two eyes of the wolf having been opened to Truth and Knowledge.

3rd Rank earned in the Boy Scouts:

The Seconad Class Rank badge is the Boy Scout Motto

The motto is written on a scroll that is turned up at the ends as a reminder that a Scout smiles as the do their duty.

The knot at the bottom of the scroll serves as a reminder or the scout slogan, Do a good turn daily.

"Be Prepared and do your duty with a smile"

4th Rank earned in the Boy Scouts:

Hopefully you can now see that the Rank of First class is a culmination of the first 4 ranks in Scouting.

Symbolizing that a Scout that has earned the rank of First Class has learned and is equipped with Truth, Knowledge and the skills necessary in order to be prepared to tackle any life event while keeping their moral compass pointing in the right direction and doing a good turn daily with a SMILE!

Life badge "signifies that the ideals of Scouting have become a part of the Scout's life and character".

Once upon a time First Class was the highest rank in Scouting. Star, Life and Eagle were honors earned after First class. This is why the BSA symbol is the base of the First Class Rank badge.

5th Rank earned in the Boy Scouts:

Up through First Class rank, a scout was busy learning skills and becoming a self-sufficient scout. The scout now moves from being a learner to being a leader. The Star rank is attained with participation, leadership, service, and self-directed advancement through merit badges. The focus is on Leadership.

Now the badge shows the First Class "BSA Emblem" on top of a Star.

The Star symbolizes that this scout lives by the ideas of Scouting and now shines as a guide, a leader, to younger scouts the ways to life as a Scout.

6th Rank earned in the Boy Scouts:

The red heart of the badge is a constant reminder of the fine things you have received from Scouting, and of the fine things you carry in your heart as a pledge to Scouting and your community.

The heart shape of the badge is symbolic of courage. This badge will remind you to have courage in challenging yourself to reach further than you think you can and to use what you've learned in Scouting - the Scout Oath, Law, motto and slogan - in your everyday life and as you work towards the rank of Eagle Scout.

7th and the Highest Rank earned in the Boy Scouts:

Notice the fleur-de-lis is now gone on the Eagle Badge. Why? Because in all other ranks the fleur-de-lis represents a scout moving through life in the right direction and learning to live by the 3 points or the Scout Oath. In the Eagle Badge the "Truth and Knowledge Stars" once in the fleur-de-lis of the Scout emblem, are now directly associate with the Words "Eagle Scout".

If you look closely you will see that the Eagle is now holding 3 sticks which it has never held in any other Rank. These sticks signify that the Eagle has finally caught its prey, with a grasp so tight that nothing can convince it to let go.

What is the "Pray" you might ask?

The 3 points of the Scout Oath...

Honor, Loyalty and Courage...

The foremost responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor. Honor is the foundation of all character. Character is what one really is, deep down inside. An Eagle will so live that he reflects well on his home, his church, his school, his friends, and himself. May the white of your badge remind you to live with honor.

The second responsibility of an Eagle Scout is loyalty. Without loyalty all character lacks direction. An Eagle is loyal to his ideals. An Eagle is loyal to his family, friends, and his community. May the blue of the Eagle badge inspire your loyalty.

The third obligation of the Eagle Scout is to be courageous. Courage gives all character, force, and strength. Trusting in God and with faith in his fellow man, an Eagle Scout can face each day unafraid and seek his share of the world’s work to do. Let the red of the Eagle badge stand for your courage.

The fourth obligation of an Eagle Scout is to be cheerful. To remind the Eagle Scout to always wear a smile, the red, white, and blue ribbon is attached to the scroll of the Second Class

Scout rank, which has its ends turned up in a smile.

Another critical obligation of the Eagle Scout is service. The Eagle extends a helping hand to those who still toil up the trail. The performance of a daily good deed takes on a new meaning when you enter a life of continuing service to others. An Eagle protects and defends the weak and helpless. He aids the unfortunate. He upholds the rights of others. His code of action is based on real service. May the motto “Be Prepared” always remind you that as an Eagle Scout you are best prepared to be of service to others. May the watchful eagle suspended from the ribbon remind you to perform that service when opportunities arise.

Eagle Scouts deserve much credit for having achieved Scouting’s highest rank. But they should wear their award with humility, ever mindful that the Eagle Scout is looked up to as an example. May the Scout Oath and the Scout Law be their guides for tomorrow and into the future.