Often some Scoutmasters can get off the trail to first class. A technique to overcome this is to group advancement together by subject that is being taught and not rank, it can sometimes make for a more efficient path to obtaining the rank of 1st Class Scout. This can often serve as a great "theme" for monthly planning, in addition, it sometimes keeps the boys focused on a particular subject without jumping around. by grouping them together this way it keeps the kids focused on a particular subject and by doing things that are related, they retain this information longer.

*TF: Tenderfoot   *SC: Second Class   *FC: First Class

Camping

• TF-1: Prep to Camp
• TF-2: Camp & pitch tent
• SC-2B: Select campsite
• FC-7C: make camp gadget

Knots

• TF-4A: Demo whip and fuse rope
• TF-4B: Demo hitch knots
• FC-7A: Discuss lashings
• FC-7B: Demo lashings
• FC-8A: Demo rescue knot (bowline)

Cooking

• TF-3: Prepare / cook meal
• SC-2D: Prep cook fire
• SC-2E: Fire & stove safety
• SC-2F: Light fire / stove
• SC-2G: Cook over wood fire
• FC-4A: Plan patrol menu
• FC-4B: Make food list
• FC-4C: Cooking utensils / gear
• FC-4D: Safe food handling
• FC-4E: Serve as patrol cook

Map & Compass

• SC-1A: Map & compass use
• SC-1B: Map & compass hike
• FC-1: find way without compass
• FC-2: Orienteering course

Physical Fitness

• TF-10A: Physical fitness test
• TF-10B: Show improvement

First Aid

• TF-12A: Heimlich maneuver
• TF-12B: Show first aid
• SC-6A: handle hurry cases
• SC-6B: make first aid kit
• SC-6C: Show first aid
• FC-8B: Demo bandages
• FC-8C: Moving the injured
• FC-8D: Heart attack / CPR

Citizenship

• TF-6: Demo flag care
• SC-3: Flag ceremony
• FC-5: Visit civic leader

Patrol

• TF-7: Scouting principles
• TF-8: Patrol knowledge
• SC-4: Service project

Swimming

• SC-7B: Demo swim ability
• SC-7C: Demo water rescue
• FC-9B: BSA swimmer's test
• FC-9C: Show Line rescue

Nature

• TF-11: Identification of poisonous plants
• SC-2C: Knife, ax & saw
• SC-5: Identification of wild animals
• FC-6: Identification native plants

Safety

• TF-5: Explain hiking rules
• TF-9: Buddy system
• FC-9A: Safe trip afloat
• SC-7A: Swimming precautions
• SC-8: Drug and alcohol program