2008 Boy Scout Rank Requirements

Now that the new requirements are in place for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class, folks are trying to figure out the right answers for the requirements. Until the new version of the Scout Handbook comes out, that can be a bit tricky. The new books should be available in local scout shops soon and they will have the information for the new requirement changes in them.

For a quick fix, BSA has published helpful information for scoutmasters, instructors, and troop guides to use in presentations.

Here are the highlights:

• Tenderfoot 9b: describe a bully and how you should respond to one - a bully is someone who wants to hurt another person. Bullying can be physical, verbal, emotional, social, behavioral, or any combination. Bullying can occur anywhere - at school, sport events, playing with neighbors, even online.
  Ways to respond to bullying:
  • First, try to ignore the bully. If that doesn't work, stand up for yourself with words. Rehearse what you want to say so you remain in contol of your emotions when you confront the bully.
  • Tell the bully how hurtful it feels to be bullied, and ask why you are the target. Ask the bully to stop.
  • Sometimes, agreeing with the bully and having a ready response will work ("So what if I have a face full of zits. What's it to you?")
  • Hang out with a couple of friends; try not to be alone.
  • Tell an adult you trust, such as a parent, teacher, or coach.
• Tenderfoot 12a: demonstrate how to care for someone choking - Do not interfere with a person who is conscious and can speak, cough, or breathe. He is still getting air into his lungs. Encourage him to cough up the object, and be ready to administer first aid if it is needed. Have someone call for help. More details about administering abdominal thrusts and backblows are given on this page.
• 2nd Class 8b: explain the three R's of personal safety and protection -
  • Recognize that anyone could be a child molester. Child molesters can be very skilled at influencing children, so be aware of situations that could lead to abuse.
  • Resist advances made to avoid being abused. Just say no, and don't be embarrassed to run away, scream, or cause a commotion.
  • Report any molestation or attempted molestation to parents or other trusted adults. Anytime someone does something to you that your instincts tell you is wrong, or that makes you feel threatened or uncomfortable, tell someone you trust. It's OK to ask for help.
• 1st Class 12: Describe the three things you should avoid doing related to the use of the Internet. Describe a cyberbully and how you should respond to one. - Whenever you go online:
  1. Don't respond to inappropriate messages or Web sites. If you stumble across information or images that you don't understand, it's OK to talk about it with your parent or guardian
  2. Don't share information such as your address, telephone number, school name, or your parents' work address or telephone number, and never send any photos via the Internet unless you have permission
  3. Never agree to meet anyone who has contacted you online unless your parent or guardian goes with you
  
  A cyberbully uses electronic communications to harass, threaten, and harm others. Some tactics that cyberbullies use include dissing (spreading damaging gossip about a person), harassment (repeatedly sending hateful messages), and impersonation (pretending to be someone else and posting damaging information to harm another's reputation).

Be sure to check out the BSA's page.