The Requirements for Tenderfoot

The requirements for the Tenderfoot rank were revised effective April 1, 1999.
NOTE: These requirements may be worked on simultaneously with those for Second Class and First Class; however, these ranks must be earned in sequence.
  1. Present yourself to your leader, properly dressed, before going on an overnight camping trip. Show the camping gear you will use. Show the right way to pack and carry it.
  2. Spend at least 1 night on a patrol or troop campout. Sleep in a tent you have helped pitch.
  3. On the campout, assist in perparing and cooking one of your patrol's meals. Tell why it is important for each patrol member to share in meal preparation and cleanup, and explain the importance of eating together.
    1. Demonstrate how to whip and fuse the ends of a rope.
    2. Demonstrate you know how to tie the following knots and what their uses are: two half hitches and the tautline hitch.
  5. Explain the rules of safe hiking, both on a highway and cross-country, during the day and at night. Explain what to do if you are lost.
  6. Demonstrate how to display, raise, lower, and fold the American flag.
  7. Repeat from memory and explain in your own words the Scout Oath, Law, and slogan.
  8. Know your patrol name, give the patrol yell, and describe your patrol flag.
  9. Explain why we use the buddy system in Scouting.
    1. Record your best in the following tests:
      • Pushups
      • Pull-ups
      • Sit-ups
      • Standing long jump
      • 1/4 mile run/walk
    2. Show improvement in the activities listed in requirement 10a after practicing for 30 days.
  11. Identify local poisonous plants; tell how to treat for exposure to them.
    1. Demonstrate the Heimlich maneuver and tell when it is used.
    2. Show first aid for the following:
      • Simple cuts and scratches
      • Blisters on the hand and foot
      • Minor burns or scalds (first degree)
      • Bites and stings of insects and ticks
      • Poisonous snakebite
      • Nosebleed
      • Frostbite and Sunburn
    3. Participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
    4. Complete your board of review.

    NOTE: Alternate requirements for the Tenderfoot rank are available for Scouts with physical or mental disabilities if they meet the criteria listed on page 6 of the 1995-97 Boy Scout Requirements book. No. 33218 (See article entitled: Alt. Reqs.for Tenderfoot Second Class and First Class Ranks)

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