Second Class
NOTE: These requirements are in effect beginning January 1, 2024. They may be worked on simultaneously with those for Scout, Tenderfoot and First Class; however these ranks must be earned in sequence. Click the  following link to view video clips of the requirements for Second Class.

Camping and Outdoor Ethics
   1a. Since joining Scouts BSA, participate in five separate troop/patrol activities, at least three of which must
         be held outdoors. Of the outdoor activities, at least two must include overnight camping. These
         activities do not include troop or patrol meetings. On campouts, spend the night in a tent that you pitch 
         or other structure that you help erect, such as a lean-to, snow cave, or tepee.
   1b. Recite the  Leave No Trace Seven Principles from memory. Explain how you follow them on all outings.
   1c. On one of these campouts, select a location for your patrol site and recommend it to your patrol
         leader, senior patrol leader, or troop guide. Explain what factors you should consider when choosing a
         patrol site and where to pitch a tent.

Cooking and Tools
   The meals prepared for Second Class rank requirement 2e may not count toward Cooking merit badge,
   requirements 4, 5, or 6. Meals prepared for Cooking merit badge requirements 4, 5, and 6 may not count
   toward Second Class rank requirement 2e.
   2a. Explain when it is appropriate to use a fire for cooking or other purposes and when it would not be
         appropriate to do so.
   2b. Use a pocketknife, and a saw or axe if needed, to prepare tinder, kindling, and fuel wood for a cooking
         fire.
   2c. Using a minimum-impact method, and at an approved outdoor location and time, use the tinder,
         kindling, and fuel wood from Second Class requirement 2b to demonstrate how to build a fire. Unless
         prohibited by local fire restrictions, light the fire. After allowing the flames to burn safely for at least two
         minutes, safely extinguish the flames with minimal impact to the fire site. Properly dispose of the ashes
         and any charred remains.
   2d. Explain when it is appropriate to use a lightweight stove and when it is appropriate to use a propane
         stove. Set up a lightweight stove or propane stove. Unless prohibited by local fire restrictions, light the
         stove. Describe the safety procedures for using these types of stoves.
   2e. On one campout, plan and cook one hot breakfast or lunch, selecting foods from MyPlate or the
         current USDA nutritional model. Explain the importance of good nutrition. Demonstrate how to
         transport, store, and prepare the foods you selected.
   2f. Demonstrate tying the sheet bend knot. Describe a situation in which you would use this knot.
   2g. Demonstrate tying the bowline knot. Describe a situation in which you would use this knot.

Navigation
   3a. Demonstrate how a compass works and how to orient a map. Use a map to point out and tell the
         meaning of five map symbols.
   3b. Using a compass and map together, take a 5-mile hike (or 10 miles by bike) approved by your adult
         leader and your parent or guardian.*
   3c. Describe some hazards or injuries that you might encounter on your hike and what you can do to help
         prevent them.
   3d. Demonstrate how to find directions during the day and at night without using a compass or an
         electronic device.

Nature
   4.   Identify or show evidence of at least 10 kinds of wild animals (such as birds, mammals, reptiles, fish,
         or mollusks) found in your local area or camping location. You may show evidence by tracks, signs, or
         photographs you have taken.

Aquatics
   5a. Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe swim.
   5b. Demonstrate your ability to pass the BSA beginner test: Jump feet first into water over your head in
         depth, level off and swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming, then return to
         your starting place.
   5c. Demonstrate water rescue methods by reaching with your arm or leg, by reaching with a suitable
         object, and by throwing lines and objects.
   5d. Explain why swimming rescues should not be attempted when a reaching or throwing rescue is
         possible. Explain why and how a rescue swimmer should avoid contact with the victim.

First Aid and Emergency Preparedness
   6a. Demonstrate first aid for the following:
         - Object in the eye
         - Bite of a warm-blooded animal
         - Puncture wounds from a splinter, nail, and fishhook
         - Serious burns (partial thickness, or second-degree)
         - Heat exhaustion
         - Shock
         - Heatstroke, dehydration, hypothermia, and hyperventilation
   6b. Show what to do for “hurry” cases of stopped breathing, stroke, severe bleeding, and ingested
         poisoning.
   6c. Tell what you can do while on a campout or hike to prevent or reduce the occurrence of the injuries
         listed in Second Class requirements 6a and 6b.
   6d. Explain what to do in case of accidents that require emergency response in the home and
         backcountry. Explain what constitutes an emergency and what information you will need to provide to
         a responder.
   6e. Tell how you should respond if you come upon the scene of a vehicular accident.

Fitness
   7a. After completing Tenderfoot requirement 6c, be physically active at least 30 minutes each day for five
         days a week for four weeks. Keep track of your activities.
   7b. Share your challenges and successes in completing Second Class requirement 7a. Set a goal for
         continuing to include physical activity as part of your daily life and develop a plan for doing so.
   7c. Participate in a school, community, or troop program on the dangers of using drugs, alcohol, and
         tobacco and other practices that could be harmful to your health. Discuss your participation in the
         program with your family, and explain the dangers of substance addictions. Report to your
         Scoutmaster or other adult leader in your troop about which parts of the Scout Oath and Scout Law
         relate to what you learned.

Citizenship
   8a. Participate in a flag ceremony for your school, religious institution, chartered organization, community,
         or Scouting activity.
   8b. Explain what respect is due the flag of the United States.
   8c. With your parents or guardian, decide on an amount of money that you would like to earn, based on
         the cost of a specific item you would like to purchase. Develop a written plan to earn the amount
         agreed upon and follow that plan; it is acceptable to make changes to your plan along the way.
         Discuss any changes made to your original plan and whether you met your goal.
   8d. At a minimum of three locations, compare the cost of the item for which you are saving to determine
         the best place to purchase it. After completing Second Class requirement 8c, decide if you will use
         the amount that you earned as originally intended, save all or part of it, or use it for another purpose.
   8e. Participate in two hours of service through one or more service projects approved by your Scoutmaster.
         Tell how your service to others relates to the Scout Oath.

Personal Safety Awareness
   9a. Explain the three R’s of personal safety and protection.
   9b. Describe bullying; tell what the appropriate response is to someone who is bullying you or another
         person.

Scout Spirit
   10. 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 (not to include those used for
         Tenderfoot requirement 9) in your everyday life.
   11. While working toward the Second Class rank, and after completing Tenderfoot requirement 10,
         participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
   12. Successfully complete your board of review for the Second Class rank.

  

* If you use a wheelchair or crutches, or if it is difficult for you to get around, you may substitute "trip" for "hike" in requirement 1b.

NOTE: Alternate Requirements for the Second Class rank are available for Scouts with physical or mental disabilities if they meet the criteria listed in the Boy Scout Requirements book. (The substitution mentioned in the footnote to item 1b does NOT require the actions listed under that topic.)
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