Note that Scout troops and Varsity Scout teams are separate units.
Scouts & Varsity Scouts are male only.
Boy Scouting adults are coed, with all positions open to those 21 or older, and only Assistant Scoutmaster & Assistant Varsity Scout Coach open to those ages 18 to 20.
Age Range / Highest Award
Program
Minimum Age
Maximum Age
Highest Award
Scouts
age 11 OR
finished grade 5 + min. age 10 OR
earned Arrow of Light + min. age 10
until age 18
Eagle Scout
Varsity Scouts
age 14
until age 18
Eagle Scout
Advancement for Scouts and Varsity Scouts
Scouts/Varsity Scouts wear only the highest rank earned.
All ranks must be earned in order.
The first 3 ranks cover basic Scout skills.
The higher 3 ranks include merit badges, service, and leadership.
Each Eagle Palm represents 5 additional merit badges plus 3 months active service. Note that the Silver Palm is higher than the Gold Palm!
In addition to (or instead of) standard Scout advancement, Varsity Scouts can also earn the 'Varsity Letter' and the Denali Award.
The Varsity Letter is primarily for active participation.
The Denali Award requires earning the Varsity Letter, advancing a rank toward Eagle (or earning a Palm), and holding a Varsity leadership position for 6 months.
Boy Scouting Division (BSA)
