(adapted from Woods Wisdom - Scoutmaster's Minutes)
In our everyday speech, "first class" means the best. When we say that someone is traveling first class, or that's a first-class restaurant, everyone understands what we mean.
In Scouting, "First Class" has another meaning. As we all know, it's the third of our six ranks. In some ways it's the most important because it's the hump you must climb over to reach the Star, Life, and Eagle ranks. A First Class Scout has mastered the basics of Scouting and is ready for the advanced course.
You fellows who joined the troop last fall ought to be setting your sights on the First Class badge now. Most of you have made Second Class by now, and you'll soon have been in Scouting long enough to be eligible to earn the First Class rank. Why not make it your goal to reach First Class by our next court of honor?
In this troop, we try to be first class in everything we do - camping, hiking, camporees, Scout shows, trips. To achieve that, we need lots of first-class Scouts - those who have earned the First Class rank.
Last Revised 11/23/01