EDGE Method

Updated to the 2016 Requirements

EDGEâ„¢ is the method you will use to teach in your troop. The key to making EDGEâ„¢ work is to use it for all teaching opportunities.

  • Explain—The trainer explains how something is done.
  • Demonstrate—After the trainer explains, the trainer demonstrates while explaining again.
  • Guide—The learner tries the skill while the trainer guides him through it.
  • Enable—The trainee works on his own under the watchful eye of the trainer. The trainer’s role in this step is to remove any obstacles to success, which enables the learner to succeed.

The EDGE Method has been incorporated into BSA Rank Advancement in both the Tenderfoot and Life rank requirements. To make this easier to review we have included the requirements that are specific to the EDGE Method. Please note that the most complete listing of the rank requirements is in your scout handbook or by clicking the rank insignia below and reviewing the requirements directly at scouting.org.

Tenderfoot
  1. Describe the steps in Scouting’s Teaching EDGE method. Use the Teaching EDGE method to teach another person how to tie the square knot.
Life
  1. While a Star Scout, use the Teaching EDGE method to teach another Scout (preferably younger than you) the skills from ONE of the following choices, so that he is prepared to pass those requirements to his Scoutmaster’s satisfaction.
  1. Tenderfoot—4a and 4b (first aid)
    4a. Show first aid for the following: ·

    • Simple cuts and scrapes
    • Blisters on the hand and foot
    • Minor (thermal/heat) burns or scalds (superficial, or first-degree)
    • Bites or stings of insects and ticks
    • Venomous snakebite
    • Nosebleed
    • Frostbite and sunburn
    • Choking

    4b. Describe common poisonous or hazardous plants; identify any that grow in your local area or campsite location. Tell how to treat for exposure to them.

  2. Second Class—Second Class 2b, 2c, and 2d (cooking/tools)
    2b. Use the tools listed in Tenderfoot requirement 3d to prepare tinder, kindling, and fuel wood for a cooking fire.
    2c.  At an approved outdoor location and time, use the tinder, kindling, and fuel wood from Second Class requirement 2b to demonstrate how to build a fire.Unless prohibited by local fire restrictions, light the fire. After allowing the flames to burn safely for at least two minutes, safely extinguish the flames with minimal impact to the fire site.
    2d. Explain when it is appropriate to use a lightweight stove and when it is appropriate to use a propane stove. Set up a lightweight stove or propane stove. Light the stove, unless prohibited by local fire restrictions. Describe the safety procedures for using these types of stoves.
  3. Second Class 3a and 3d (navigation)
    3a. Demonstrate how a compass works and how to orient a map. Use a map to point out and tell the meaning of five map symbols.
    3d. Demonstrate how to find directions during the day and at night without using a compass or an electronic device.
  4. First Class 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d (tools)
    3a. Discuss when you should and should not use lashings.
    3b. Demonstrate tying the timber hitch and clove hitch.
    3c. Demonstrate tying the square, shear, and diagonal lashings by joining two or more poles or staves together.
    3d. Use lashings to make a useful camp gadget or structure.
  5. First Class 4a and 4b (navigation)
    4a. Using a map and compass, complete an orienteering course that covers at least one mile and requires measuring the height and/or width of designated items (tree, tower, canyon, ditch, etc.).
    4b. Demonstrate how to use a handheld GPS unit, GPS app on a smartphone, or other electronic navigation system. Use GPS to find your current location, a destination of your choice, and the route you will take to get there. Follow that route to arrive at your destination.
  6. Second Class 6a and 6b (first aid)
    6a. Demonstrate first aid for the following:

    • Object in the eye
    • Bite of a warm-blooded animal
    • Puncture wounds from a splinter, nail, and fishhook
    • Serious burns (partial thickness, or second-degree)
    • Heat exhaustion
    • Shock
    • Heatstroke, dehydration, hypothermia, and hyperventilation

    6b. Show what to do for “hurry” cases of stopped breathing, stroke, severe bleeding, and ingested poisoning.

  7. First Class 7a and 7b (first aid)
    7a. Demonstrate bandages for a sprained ankle and for injuries on the head, the upper arm, and the collarbone.
    7b. By yourself and with a partner, show how to:

    • Transport a person from a smoke-filled room.
    • Transport for at least 25 yards a person with a sprained ankle
  8. Three requirements from one of the required Eagle merit badges, as approved by your Scoutmaster