1st Court of Honor

Justice has always worked hard as a Scout. He has an amazing Dad that helps him figure it all out and motivates him to keep going. Since we moved into our new ward, Justice has never had the opportunity to go to a Court of Honor. (We seriously don't even have numbers on his uniform. LOL) Regardless of being recognized publicly, he has worked really hard and has made it all the way to a LIFE SCOUT. It was pretty awesome to see him get all (most at least- some didn't get ordered because of a miscommunication) his patches and awards. Way to go, kid! We're super  proud of you!!!! He is finishing up a few merit badges and then he's onto his Eagle Project.

For you non-Scouters {or let's be more specific- pretty much everyone} that isn't familiar with the Scout ranks- that means he's done A LOT of work!!! He finished up his Arrow of Light when he left Cub Scouts. He passed through the ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life!!!

Scout was previously a joining badge, but is now considered the first rank, and is earned by completing certain requirements. As of January 2016, the Scout badge has a gold fleur-de-lis on a tan background. The badge is awarded when the boy demonstrates a rudimentary knowledge of the Scouting ideals such as tying a square knot and knowing the Scout oath, law, motto, and slogan.

Tenderfoot is the second rank. A Scout can work on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks at the same time, but each rank must be earned in sequence. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit.[2]

Second Class is the rank above Tenderfoot and below First Class. A Scout can work on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks at the same time, but must be earned in sequence. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit.

First Class is the rank above Second Class and below Star Scout. A Scout can work on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks at the same time, but must earn them in sequence. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit. At this point, Scouts stop practicing the Scout skills, and start working on leadership.

Originally, First Class was the all around Scout and the final and highest rank. Later ranks were originally recognitions of earning merit badges beyond First Class, and not properly ranks. Now these additional ranks form a second tier where Scouts can further develop leadership skills and explore potential vocations and avocations through the merit badge program.

Although Eagle is the highest rank and one all Scouts should strive for, the number of Scouts achieving First Class within one year of joining is still one of the key measures of unit effectiveness. Studies[13] purportedly have shown that if a Scout achieves First Class within a year of joining, he typically stays in the Scout program for at least three years. Scouts who do so are purportedly more likely to retain Scout values as an adult and achieve the BSA primary mission of "producing useful citizens".

Star is the rank above First Class and below Life Scout. It is the third-highest rank. Star is awarded when the Scout serves actively in the troop, team or crew in a position of responsibility for at least 4 months; performs at least six hours of community service; and earns six merit badges (four of which must be required for Eagle Scout rank).

Life is second-highest rank attainable and ranks above Star Scout and below Eagle. Life is awarded when the Scout serves actively in the troop, team or crew, serves in a position of responsibility for six months, and performs six hours of community service. Another thing a Scout must do in order to achieve Life is earn an additional five merit badges (three of which are required for the rank of Eagle), to make a minimum total of eleven merit badges (including the six previously required for Star). Finally, the Scout must pass a Scoutmaster conference, and board of review.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranks_in_the_Boy_Scouts_of_America

Justice also earned quite a few Merit Badges. He's earned  First Aid, Swimming, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental science, Person Fitness, Citizenship in the World, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the Community, Personal Management, Chemistry, Fingerprinting, Chess, Indian Lore, Basketry, Leather work, and Geocaching. He's pretty close to finished 3 others as well. What a hard worker!!!

http://usscouts.org/advancementTOC.asp#boy

http://www.usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/bsranks.asp

http://www.scouting.org/Home/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards.aspx