Instructor
In Fred’s words
Each instructor is an older troop member proficient in a Scouting skill who must also have the ability to teach that skill to others. An instructor typically teaches subjects that Scouts are eager to learn—especially those such as first aid, camping, and backpacking—that are required for outdoor activities and rank advancement. A troop can have more than one instructor.
- teaches basic Scouting skills
- schedule/coordinate merit badge counselor(s) for troop/Scout instruction
- sets a good example
- wears the Scout uniform correctly
- lives by the Scout Oath and Law
- shows Scout spirit
Does it count for rank?
Positions that count for Star and Life: patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, troop guide, OA troop representative, den chief, scribe, librarian, historian, quartermaster, bugler, junior assistant Scoutmaster, chaplain aide, instructor, webmaster and outdoor ethics guide.
Scouts BSA Rank Requirements (Scouting America, December 2025) · Scout troop positions, Star and LifeCollected and written by Fred W. Kimball, Troop 7 Scoutmaster from 1987 to 2003, who kept the troop's website for many years. Brought here with his blessing, in his words. Rank, advancement and position-of-responsibility rules are named here in our own short words; the wording is Scouting America’s, and each one links to where it says it.