The Scout rank starts you off on the right foot by covering topics such as the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, and the patrol method. You should complete this rank as soon as you join a troop.

The ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class cover important skills related to camping, cooking, hiking, navigation, outdoor ethics, first aid, fitness, citizenship, leadership, nature, tools, and aquatics. It's a good idea to complete these ranks within your first 12 to 18 months as a Scout.

The ranks of Star, Life, and Eagle emphasize leadership, service, and earning merit badges. (To become an Eagle Scout, you must have earned at least 21 merit badges.) You can work on these ranks until you turn 18.