Life Badge

Life is second highest rank attainable by a Scout in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Life Scout ranks above Star Scout and below Eagle. Life is awarded when the Scout serves actively in the troop, team or crew, serves in a position of responsibility for 6 months, and performs 6 hours of community service.[6] Another thing a scout must do in order to achieve Life is earn an additional five merit badges (three of which are required for the rank of Eagle), to make a minimum total of eleven merit badges (including the six previously required for Star). Finally, the scout must pass a scoutmaster conference, and board of review.

Life was originally lower than Star. It was changed in the 1920s when it was decided that the five-pointed star better represented the five merit badges required for Star, and the two were switched.


In order to receive this rank you must complete:

  1. Be active in your troop and patrol for at least 4 months as a Star Scout. 
  2. Demonstrate scout spirit by living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your everyday life. 
  3. Earn 5 more merit badges ( total of 11) including 3 from required Eagle list.
    ___________________________________(required for Eagle)
    ___________________________________(required for Eagle)
    ___________________________________(required for Eagle)
    ____________________________________________________
    ____________________________________________________
  4. While a Star Scout, take part in service projects totaling at least 6 hours of work. These projects must be approved by your Scoutmaster. 
  5. While a Star Scout, serve actively 6 months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility (or carry out a Scoutmaster-assigned leadership project to help the troop):  
    • Patrol leader, 
    • assistant senior patrol leader, 
    • senior patrol leader, 
    • troop guide, 
    • Order of the Arrow troop representative,
    • den chief, 
    • scribe, 
    • librarian, 
    • historian, 
    • quartermaster, 
    • bugler,
    • junior assistant Scoutmaster, 
    • chaplain aide, or
    • instructor.
  6. Take part in a Scoutmaster conference 
  7. Complete your board of review.