Trail to First Class
When the First Class rank is attained, a scout has learned all the basic camping and outdoors skills of a scout. He can fend for himself in the wild, lead others on a hike or campout, set up a camp site, plan and properly prepare meals, and provide first aid for most situations he may encounter. A First Class scout is prepared.
Individual requirement items for Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, and 1st Class ranks may be worked on simultaneously depending on your program offerings but the ranks must be earned in the proper sequence.
Trail to First class Troop 773 guide:
Session 1. (Tenderfoot)
1. Fuse the ends of a rope, have each boy demonstrate how to do this
2. Explain the edge method, have each boy use the edge method to teach each other how to tie a square knot.
3. Tie a bowline knot and describe several ways it can be used (First Class)
4. Repeat from memory, scout oath, law, motto, and slogan.
5. Explain the importance of the buddy system as it relates to personal safety on outings and in your neighborhood. Describe what a bully is and how to respond to it.
6. Identify poisonous plants; tell how to treat for exposure for them.
Session 2. (Tenderfoot)
1. Demonstrate how to care for someone who is choking
2. Show first aid for the following:
a. Simple cuts and scrapes
b. Blisters of the hand and foot
c. Minor (Thermal/Heat) burns or scalds (Superficial or first degree)
d. Bites or stings of insects or ticks.
e. Venomous snakebite
f. Nosebleed
g. Frostbite and sunburn
Session 3 (Second class)
1. Demonstrate how a compass works and how to orient a map. Explain what map symbols mean.
2. Demonstrate the principles of leave no trace
3. Demonstrate proper care, sharpening, and use of a knife, saw, and ax, and describe when they should be used. (Totem Chip)
4. Demonstrate how to build a fire and light a fire
5. Discuss when it is appropriate to use a cooking fire and a lightweight stove. Setup a lightweight stove. (Patrol Kit)
6. Each Scout must assist planning and cooking one hot meal, breakfast or lunch. Explain the importance of good nutrition and the food guide pyramid. Have each scout discuss how to transport, store and prepare the foods selected.
7. Identify 10 kinds of wild animals (Birds, mammals, fish, mollusks) found in your community.
Session 4 (Second class)
1. Show what to do for hurry cases of stopped breathing, serious bleeding, and ingested poisoning.
2. Demonstrate first aid for the following:
a. Object in the eye
b. Bite of a rabid animal
c. Puncture wounds from a splinter, nail, and fishhook
d. Shock
e. Heatstroke, dehydration, hypothermia, and hyperventilation
First Class
f. Demonstrate bandages for a sprained ankle, and for injuries on the head, the upper arm, and the collarbone
g. Tell the 5 most common signals of a heart attack, explain the steps for CPR.
h. Show how to transport by yourself, and with another person from:
i. A smoke filled room
ii. With a sprained ankle for at least 25 yards
Trail to first class video resources:
Online Resources
Individual requirement items for Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, and 1st Class ranks may be worked on simultaneously depending on your program offerings but the ranks must be earned in the proper sequence.
Trail to First class Troop 773 guide:
Session 1. (Tenderfoot)
1. Fuse the ends of a rope, have each boy demonstrate how to do this
2. Explain the edge method, have each boy use the edge method to teach each other how to tie a square knot.
3. Tie a bowline knot and describe several ways it can be used (First Class)
4. Repeat from memory, scout oath, law, motto, and slogan.
5. Explain the importance of the buddy system as it relates to personal safety on outings and in your neighborhood. Describe what a bully is and how to respond to it.
6. Identify poisonous plants; tell how to treat for exposure for them.
Session 2. (Tenderfoot)
1. Demonstrate how to care for someone who is choking
2. Show first aid for the following:
a. Simple cuts and scrapes
b. Blisters of the hand and foot
c. Minor (Thermal/Heat) burns or scalds (Superficial or first degree)
d. Bites or stings of insects or ticks.
e. Venomous snakebite
f. Nosebleed
g. Frostbite and sunburn
Session 3 (Second class)
1. Demonstrate how a compass works and how to orient a map. Explain what map symbols mean.
2. Demonstrate the principles of leave no trace
3. Demonstrate proper care, sharpening, and use of a knife, saw, and ax, and describe when they should be used. (Totem Chip)
4. Demonstrate how to build a fire and light a fire
5. Discuss when it is appropriate to use a cooking fire and a lightweight stove. Setup a lightweight stove. (Patrol Kit)
6. Each Scout must assist planning and cooking one hot meal, breakfast or lunch. Explain the importance of good nutrition and the food guide pyramid. Have each scout discuss how to transport, store and prepare the foods selected.
7. Identify 10 kinds of wild animals (Birds, mammals, fish, mollusks) found in your community.
Session 4 (Second class)
1. Show what to do for hurry cases of stopped breathing, serious bleeding, and ingested poisoning.
2. Demonstrate first aid for the following:
a. Object in the eye
b. Bite of a rabid animal
c. Puncture wounds from a splinter, nail, and fishhook
d. Shock
e. Heatstroke, dehydration, hypothermia, and hyperventilation
First Class
f. Demonstrate bandages for a sprained ankle, and for injuries on the head, the upper arm, and the collarbone
g. Tell the 5 most common signals of a heart attack, explain the steps for CPR.
h. Show how to transport by yourself, and with another person from:
i. A smoke filled room
ii. With a sprained ankle for at least 25 yards
Trail to first class video resources:
Online Resources
- A series of videos that demonstrate how to meet all of the requirements for the Tenderfoot through First Class rank is available on the BSA Web site here.
