BSA Rank Reqirements in 1911

[Frank17]

Came across these on the net while responding to another thread. TF-FC Requirements in 1911. Thought they would be appropriate to post in this forum. Interesting compared to today.

 

Tenderfoot

To become a scout a boy must be at least twelve years of age and must pass a test in the following:

1. Know the scout law, sign, salute, and significance of the badge.

2. Know the composition and history of the national flag and the customary forms of respect due to it.

3. Tie four out of the following knots: square or reef, sheet-bend, bowline, fisherman's, sheepshank, halter, clove hitch, timber hitch, or two half hitches.

He then takes the scout oath, is enrolled as a tenderfoot, and is entitled to wear the tenderfoot badge.

 

Second-Class Scout

To become a second-class scout, a tenderfoot must pass, to the satisfaction of the recognized local scout authorities, the following tests:

1. At least one month's service as a tenderfoot.

2. Elementary first aid and bandaging; know the general directions for first aid for injuries; know treatment for fainting, shock, fractures, bruises, sprains, injuries in which the skin is broken, burns, and scalds; demonstrate how to carry injured, and the use of the triangular and roller bandages and tourniquet.

3. Elementary signaling: Know the semaphore, or American Morse, or Myer alphabet.

4. Track half a mile in twenty-five minutes; or, if in town, describe satisfactorily the contents of one store window out of four observed for one minute each.

5. Go a mile in twelve minutes at scout's pace about fifty steps running and fifty walking, alternately.

6. Use properly knife or hatchet.

7. Prove ability to build a fire in the open, using not more than two matches.

8. Cook a quarter of a pound of meat and two potatoes in the open without the ordinary kitchen cooking utensils.

9. Earn and deposit at least one dollar in a public bank.

10. Know the sixteen principal points of the compass.

 

First-Class Scout

To become a first-class scout, the second-class scout must pass the following tests:

1. Swim fifty yards.

2. Earn and deposit at least two dollars in a public bank.

3. Send and receive a message by semaphore, or American Morse, or Myer alphabet, sixteen letters per minute.

4. Make a round trip alone (or with another scout) to a point at least seven miles away, going on foot or rowing boat, and write a satisfactory account of the trip and things observed.

5. Advanced first aid: Know the methods for panic prevention; what to do in case of fire and ice, electric and gas accidents; how to help in case of runaway horse, mad dog, or snake bite; treatment for dislocations, unconsciousness, poisoning, fainting, apoplexy, sunstroke, heat exhaustion, and freezing; know treatment for sunburn, ivy poisoning, bites and stings, nosebleed, earache, toothache, inflammation or grit in eye, cramp or stomach ache and chills; demonstrate artificial respiration.

6. Prepare and cook satisfactorily, in the open, without regular kitchen utensils, two of the following articles as may be directed. Eggs, bacon, hunter's stew, fish, fowl, game, pancakes, hoe-cake, biscuit, hardtack or a "twist," baked on a stick; explain to another boy the methods followed.

7. Read a map correctly, and draw, from field notes made on the spot, an intelligible rough sketch map, indicating by their proper marks important buildings, roads, trolley lines, main landmarks, principal elevations, etc. Point out a compass direction without the help of the compass.

8. Use properly an axe for felling or trimming light timber; or produce an article of carpentry or cabinet-making or metal work made by himself. Explain the method followed.

9. Judge distance, size, number, height and weight within 25 per cent.

10. Describe fully from observation ten species of trees or plants, including poison ivy, by their bark, leaves, flowers, fruit, or scent; or six species of wild birds by their plumage, notes, tracks, or habits; or six species of native wild animals by their form, color, call, tracks, or habits; find the North Star, and name and describe at least three constellations of stars.

11. Furnish satisfactory evidence that he has put into practice in his daily life the principles of the scout oath and law.

12. Enlist a boy trained by himself in the requirements of a tenderfoot.

 

[Buffalo Skipper]

Wow! That's really neat. I have been planning to do a 3-5 minute segment on scouting history, leading up to the Centennial celebration. This is something I can include at some point. Thanks.

[Beavah]

For those wonderin', my inflation calculator says that $1 in 1911 would be $22 now.

 

Of course, if a lad deposited only $22 in a bank, in less than a year da account maintenance fees would reduce it to zero.

 

B

 

[shortridge]

"how to help in case of runaway horse"

 

I can't think of anything beyond getting other people the heck out of the way, and keep from getting trampled yourself!

 

"Use properly an axe for felling or trimming light timber; or produce an article of carpentry or cabinet-making or metal work made by himself. Explain the method followed."

 

I guess this was offered because of the difference between city- and rural-based Scouts. Interesting. I'd rather chop down a tree than try to be a carpenter any day... I can't nail worth anything.

[Frank17]

"Track half a mile in twenty-five minutes; or, if in town, describe satisfactorily the contents of one store window out of four observed for one minute each."

 

Another difference put in for rural vs. urban scouts.

 

[Kahuna]

I can't think of anything beyond getting other people the heck out of the way, and keep from getting trampled yourself!

Nope, 1911 book says you run alongside the vehicle (the danger to the public would be the vehicle, the horse by itself wouldn't be a big deal) with one hand on the shaft to keep yourself from falling, grasp the reins with the other hand and pull the horses head towards you. That's supposed to slow him down so you can turn his head towards a wall and he will probably stop. What would G2SS say about that!

$1 in 1911 would be $22 now

I'll bet it was a lot harder for a boy to come by than $22 today. In my neighborhood you can pick up $15 mowing one lawn.

[Gold Winger]

Of course that was in a time when most boys were around horses even if they didn't ride them (the milk man, produce man, etc) and most boys were in good enough shape to run.

 

Now the appropriate action would be to call 911 and then get out of there.

[Gold Winger]

Of course that was in a time when most boys were around horses even if they didn't ride them (the milk man, produce man, etc) and most boys were in good enough shape to run.

 

Now the appropriate action would be to call 911 and then get out of there.