BSA Alumni Life for Life

Life before Star - what the order of BSA top “ranks” were not always the same???

In the beginning, Life may be earned before or after Star. (Today, the opposite is true.) In fact, Life - Star - Eagle Scout were not ranks.

The highest rank in the BSA until the 1920’s was First Class Scout. The other three recognitions were additional awards that could be earned.

Here is why….

First Class Boy Scouts could earn the Life Scout badge by earning five specific merit badges: First Aid, Athletics, Lifesaving, Personal Health and Public Health. Notice a common theme? The heart on the Life Scout badge symbolized the health aspect that united all five.

After earning the Life Scout badge, a boy could receive the Star Scout badge by earning any additional five merit badges of his choosing (for a total of ten).

So how did those early Eagle Scouts earn Boy Scouting’s highest honor without earning Life or Star? It’s simple. If the 21 merit badges they chose didn’t include all five from the Life list, they weren’t eligible to earn the Life Scout award.

The order of Life before Star remained until the mid-1920s.

This is an exciting time to be involved in Scouting.

Just think, we are starting a second century. We get to live and create what this great organization accomplishes going forward instead of just reading about what was done by our founders. I am reminded that every Tiger Cub, Webelos, Scout, Venturer or Explorer takes the trail to Eagle as a means to measure personal growth and accomplishments in the Scouting program.
Not every youth reaches the summit, though; some may stop along this trail as a First Class, Star or Life Scout.

Let’s not forget that these Scouts travelled the same path as the Eagle, held the same leadership positions, learned the same skills, accomplished the same goals and experienced the personal growth that continues to shape their lives and those whom they touch every day. If you are a former Scout, Cub, family member or community supporter of scouting then this is the place that you can make a difference.

As we continue our second century as part of the culture, history and fabric of this great country; join me on this site. I am currently looking for those dedicated individuals who are willing to make a difference in the lives of our country's youth and join me on the Life for Life committee.

Rich

Learn what our current Life Scout, Ben Buxton of Troop 77 in Atlanta Area Council, has to say about leading a troop during the pandemic and beyond...

SPL of 143-member troop shares 10 tips for leading a troop during the pandemic — and beyond An outstanding senior patrol leader from Atlanta shares 10 lessons about leadership that every Scout should read.