1. Transition to the 2016 Boy Scout Requirements

2. Beginning January 1, 2016 advancement requirements will change.

3. Transition to the New Requirements
New Requirements become effective January 1, 2016.
A New Boy Scout Handbook (13th Edition) will be available in January 2016 with changes.

4. When do Scouts start using the new requirements?
New requirements become effective on January 1, 2016, subject to transition exceptions.
New requirements cannot be used before January 1, 2016.

5. Transition Exceptions
Boys registered before December 31, 2015 may choose to switch on January 1, 2016.
Scouts working on TF to 1st Class may continue to use current requirements through But must convert to new requirements upon attaining 1st Class.
Scouts working on Star, Life and Eagle may use current requirements on the rank they are working.

6. Transition Exceptions
Scouts joining after January 1, 2016 must use the new requirements.
On December 31, 2016 you may use requirements completed for the rank, but must complete any new requirements not completed to earn the rank.

7. Do Scouts need to purchase a new Scout Handbook?
Scouts may continue to use the existing handbook as a reference and resource. But a Scout must use the new requirements for the purpose of sign off according to the mentioned transition steps. The requirements will be available at

8. Changes Service: There is a greater emphasis on service. TF – one hour
2nd Class – two hours
1st Class – three hours
Star and Life – Same
Life – Half of the six hours must be conservation related.

9. Changes
Scout Spirit: Part of the Scout Spirit Requirement will include the question –
“Tell how you have done your duty to God.”
Does “Duty to God” create a requirement of belonging to a religion?
No.

10. Scout Scout becomes a Rank on January 1, 2016.
A Scout will only have to participate in a Scoutmaster Conference, not a Board of Review.
Current Arrow of Light requirements are not as comprehensive as the new Scout requirements.

11. Tenderfoot through 1st Class
Physical Fitness
TF – New “modified stretch-and-sit” (6)
TF – Drop “pull up” requirement
TF – Change quarter mile to 1-mile run/walk
Camping
TF – “Properly dressed” expanded to “prepared for.”

12. Tenderfoot through 1st Class
Camping
TF – one campout
2nd Class – two campouts
1st Class – three campouts
Outdoor Ethics
“Tread lightly” term used throughout the program.

13. Tenderfoot through 1st Class
Service
Service projects for both TF and 2nd Class can be the same, but appropriate hours for both must be completed.
Navigation
1st Class – Handheld GPS units or smartphone or other electronic navigation systems may be used.

14. Tenderfoot through 1st Class
Aquatics
1st Class – Identifying boat and paddle parts and proper positioning in boats does not require a scout to take a boat afloat.
Internet Safety
Safety requirement discussion was reassigned to other rank requirements (Scout and Star).

15. Star through Eagle Ranks
Personal Safety
Scouts will be asked to repeat reviewing the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse” and earn the Cyber Chip Award for your grade.
The above pamphlet can be downloaded at

16. Star through Eagle Ranks
Position of Responsibility
Leave No Trace trainer is now called the Outdoor Ethics Guide.
Credit for service of the LNT trainer will be literal. Credit must be earned as the outdoor ethics guide.
Venture Patrol Leader is no longer a position since Venture Patrols no longer exist.

17. Some Requirements have been reassigned to other ranks.

18. Questions & Answers