Most boys earn the First Class rank within two years. They do this by learning their "Scout skills" in the areas of camping, knots, cooking, map and compass, physical fitness, first aid, citizenship, patrol, swimming, nature and safety. Boys learn these skills at meetings and on camping trips, but may also review them at home. See the link to "rank requirements" for a requirements list. See the "skills videos" link for more information on each skill.
Boys earn the higher ranks by earning merit badges, doing community service, holding leadership positions within the Troop, and living by the Scout Oath and Law.