The Advancement Program

We believe that Scouts should be recognized for their achievements. In Scouting, recognition is gained through leadership in the unit; attending and participating in the activities; living the ideals of Scouting; and developing a proficiency in outdoor living and useful skills. Scouts also learn character building skills which contribute to the Scouts learning beyond Rank Advancement. These skills include Patrol and Troop leadership, personal leadership, time management, communication, decision making and personal initiative. Scouting recognizes these achievements through its Advancement Program.

Advancement follows this four-step process:

1. The Scout learns. A Scout learns by doing. As he learns, he grows in ability to do his part as a member of the Patrol and the Troop. As he develops knowledge and skill, he is asked to teach others. In this way, he begins to develop leadership.

2. The Scout is tested. A Scout may be tested on requirements by his Patrol Leader, Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, a Troop Committee member, or a Scout of First Class rank or higher, any of whom may sign off the requirement in The Boy Scout Handbook.

3. The Scout is reviewed. After a Scout has completed all requirements for a rank, he schedules a conference with the Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster will check to see that all requirements for the rank are complete, and confer with the Scout about his attitude toward Scouting, his goals and plans within the Troop and with other activities in which he is involved. For all ranks except Eagle, the Scout must then request the Advancement Chair to schedule a Board of Review, which is conducted by Adult Leaders or Troop Committee members. The purpose of the Board of Review is not to re-test the Scout, but to ensure that all requirements have been met, and that the Scout is engaged in the Troop and focused on developing himself. At the successful conclusion of the Board of Review, the rank will be considered earned as of that date.

4. The Scout is recognized. When the Board of Review has certified a boy's Advancement, he recognized at an upcoming Troop Meeting. The certificate for his new rank may be presented later at a formal Court of Honor. These events are meant to be special, and all family members are invited to the ceremony to celebrate the Scout’s achievements.

Although a Scout will learn many skills with his Troop, Patrol, or the help of a high-ranking Scout, he must also do much of the work on his own. The Scout himself is responsible for understanding what the requirements are and working to complete them himself. While the Troop leadership is responsible for providing assistance and guidance, it is up to the Scout to set his own personal goals in order to advance and to proceed at his own pace.

Advancement also requires the Scout to be active in the Troop, including attending weekly Troop Meetings and other Troop activities. Scouts need to regularly attend these events to be eligible for Rank Advancements. Scout dues must be current in order for the Scout to be awarded Rank Advancement, merit badges or other awards.

Advancement sets a pattern of setting positive goals and reaching them throughout life. Even though it’s not one of the primary aims of Scouting, Advancement is a natural byproduct when your Scouting experience is acquainting you with the BSA ideals, the Patrol method, the outdoors, association with adults, personal growth, leadership development, and the Scout uniform. Advancing in rank is not the final goal, but a first step which gives a Scout confidence to proceed through life on his own.

See Also

• Merit Badges
• Service Projects
• Rank Advancement
• Scoutmaster Conference
• Board of Review
• Court of Honor
• Recordkeeping
• Trail to Eagle
• Parent Responsibilities