Boy Scout Joining Requirements

(Scout Badge)

These requirements were revised effective on April 1, 1999.

Effective May 15, 2004, Requirement 1 will be changed, as shown below,
 to establish a minimum age of 10 years old for all new Boy Scouts
The revised wording is shown in BOLD UNDERLINE.
The current wording, which is shown in normal type face,
remains effective until that date.

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1. Meet age requirements: Be a boy who has completed the fifth grade, or is 11 years old, or has earned the Arrow of Light Award, but is under 18 years old.
   Meet age requirements: Be a boy who has completed the fifth grade and be at least 10 years old, or be 11 years old, or have earned the Arrow of Light Award and be at least 10 years old, and be under 18 years old.
2. Complete a Boy Scout application and health history signed by your parent or guardian.
3. Find a Scout troop near your home. (To find a troop, contact your local Boy Scout Council.  The Council name, address and phone number can be found on BSA's Council Locator Page.)
4. Repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.
5. Demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handshake.
6. Demonstrate tying the square knot (a joining knot).
7. Understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath or Promise, Law, motto, and slogan, and the Outdoor Code.
8. Describe the Scout badge.
9. Complete the Pamphlet Exercises. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet "How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide".
10. Participate in a Scoutmaster conference. Turn in your Boy Scout application and health history form signed by your parent or guardian, then participate in a Scoutmaster conference.