Tenderfoot Requirements

These requirements are effective as of January, 2024. See previous requirements.

Tenderfoot is the second rank earned in Scouts BSA. The requirements of becoming a Tenderfoot provide basic skills to begin preparing the scout for higher adventure outings. Earning badges and receiving recognition can be very satisfying to youth. However, keep in mind that the badge is only a representation of a valuable set of skills that a scout has learned and demonstrated. The skills, wisdom, and experience gained through the activities of the scouting program are of much more value than a small badge.

Individual requirement items for Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, and 1st Class ranks may be worked on simultaneously depending on your program offerings but the ranks must be earned in the proper sequence.

How to Join:

1. Go to BeAScout.org
2. Click the 'Scouts BSA' tab.
3. Enter your zipcode and click the arrow button.
4. Click on a Troop near you to see its contact info so you can call the Troop or your local Council about joining.
5. Complete a BSA Youth Application and Health Record and give them to the Scoutmaster of the Troop you choose.

1. 1. Present yourself to your leader, prepared for an overnight camping trip. Show the personal and camping gear you will use. Show the right way to pack and carry it.
   2. Spend at least one night on a patrol or troop campout. Sleep in a tent you have helped pitch.
   3. Explain how you demonstrated the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace on campouts or outings.
2. 1. On the campout, assist in preparing one of the meals. Tell why it is important for each patrol member to share in meal preparation and cleanup.
   2. While on a campout, demonstrate an appropriate method of safely cleaning items used to prepare, serve, and eat a meal.
   3. Explain the importance of eating together as a patrol.
3. 1. Demonstrate a practical use of the square knot.
   2. Demonstrate a practical use of two half-hitches.
   3. Demonstrate a practical use of the taut-line hitch.
   4. Demonstrate proper care, sharpening, and use of the knife, saw, and ax. Describe when each should be used.
4. 1. Show first aid for the following:
      • Simple cuts and scrapes
      • Blisters on the hand and foot
      • Minor (thermal/heat) burns or scalds (superficial, or first-degree)
      • Bites or stings of insects and ticks
      • Venomous snakebite
      • Nosebleed
      • Frostbite and sunburn
      • Choking
   2. Describe common poisonous or hazardous plants; identify any that grow in your local area or campsite location. Tell how to treat for exposure to them.
   3. Tell what you can do while on a campout or other outdoor activity to prevent or reduce the occurrence of injuries or exposure listed in Tenderfoot requirements 4a and 4b.
   4. Assemble a personal first-aid kit to carry with you on future campouts and hikes. Tell how each item in the kit would be used.
5. 1. Explain the importance of the buddy system as it relates to your personal safety on outings and where you live. Use the buddy system while on a troop or patrol outing.
   2. Describe what to do if you become lost on a hike or campout.
   3. Explain the rules of safe and responsible hiking, both on the highway and cross-country, during the day and at night.
   4. Explain why it is important to hike on trails or other durable surfaces, and give examples of durable surfaces you saw on your outing.
6. 1. Record your best in the following tests:
      • Push-ups ________ (Record the number done correctly in 60 seconds.)
      • Sit-ups or curl-ups ________ (Record the number done correctly in 60 seconds.)
      • Back-saver sit-and-reach (Record the distance stretched.)
      • 1-mile walk/run _____________ (Record the time.)
   2. Develop and describe a plan for improvement in each of the activities listed in Tenderfoot requirement 6a. Keep track of your activity for at least 30 days.
   3. Show improvement (of any degree) in each activity listed in Tenderfoot requirement 6a after practicing for 30 days.
      • Push-ups ________ (Record the number done correctly in 60 seconds.)
      • Sit-ups or curl-ups ________ (Record the number done correctly in 60 seconds.)
      • Back-saver sit-and-reach (Record the distance stretched.)
      • 1-mile walk/run _____________ (Record the time.)
7. 1. Demonstrate how to display, raise, lower, and fold the U.S. flag.
   2. Participate in a total of one hour of service in one or more service projects approved by your Scoutmaster. Explain how your service to others relates to the Scout slogan and Scout motto.
8. Describe the steps in Scouting's Teaching EDGE method. Use the Teaching EDGE method to teach another person how to tie the square knot.
9. Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God and how you have lived four different points of the Scout Law in your everyday life.
10. While working toward the Tenderfoot rank, and after completing Scout rank requirement 7, participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
11. Successfully complete your board of review for the Tenderfoot rank.

Alternate requirements for Tenderfoot Rank are available for Scouts with physical or mental disabilities if they meet the criteria listed in Alternate Requirements for Ranks