Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others. Go to the BSA Advancement & Awards page.
- Scout
- Tenderfoot
- Second Class
- First Class
- Star
- Life
- Eagle
Other Resources & Helpful Tips:
- Boy Scout Uniform Inspection Sheet (and patch placement)
- Scout Ranks courtesy of U.S. Scouting Service Project
- Boy Scout Awards
Advancement Process
Rank Advancement:
- Requirements: All requirements completed, signed, and dated in your handbook except Position of Responsibility, Scout Sprint, Being Active – these are signed off by a Scoutmaster
- Position of Responsibility: when you complete all the requirements on your position of responsibility form, obtain the required signatures on the form. Forms are under Files folder.
- Scoutmaster Conference: Contact the Scoutmaster to schedule a Scoutmaster Conference
- Board of Review: Contact the BoR Coordinator to request being added to the next available Board of Review. Meetings are pre-scheduled every week prior to normal meeting times.
- Turn in Advancement Plan: following the BoR, obtain all signatures and turn in the form to the Advancement Chair. Ranks are usually awarded during the meeting. Credentials are given at the Court of Honor.
Merit Badges Steps:
Apply toward Star, Life, and Eagle ranks only.
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Scout DEVELOPS an interest by reviewing the Merit Badge Pamphlet for requirements.
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Scout DISCUSSES his interest with the Scoutmaster
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Scoutmaster SIGNS a blue card and provides a list of approved Merit Badge Counselors to contact. The Scout should not contact a counselor until after this step.
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Scout CONTACTS the counselor and makes arrangements to meet. Scout always takes a buddy when meeting with counselors.
- Counselor CONSIDERS any work toward requirements completed prior to initial meeting.
- Scout, buddy, and counselor MEET several times to review progress.
- Scout FINISHES the requirements
- Counselor APPROVES by signing blue card
- Scout RETURNS blue card to Scoutmaster for signature
- Scout TURNS IN the blue card to Advancement Chair / Front Desk
- Troop REPORTS merit badge completion to Council
- Scout RECEIVES merit badge at Court of Honor
Eagle:
- MEET with an Eagle Advisor: Schedule an initial meeting with one of the Eagle Advisors after earning Life rank to learn about the special advancement processes for Eagle. Scouts should use their advisor as a mentor through out the process.
- REFERENCE the Trail to Eagle Presentation: Click here this presentation outlines the Eagle Application, Eagle Project, and review process.