Introduction to Advancement:

The Scouting program provides many opportunities for a Scout to learn skills and take part in terrific adventures.  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 by awarding badges of rank, 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. As Boy Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth.

The badges of rank (as pictured above) are:  Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle.  Advancement requirements for all Scout ranks are in the Scout Handbook.  To advance, a Scout must be active, do his best to live by the Scout Law and Promise, practice leadership, give service to others, learn Scout skills (mostly in the outdoors), and earn merit badges (primarily from adult counselors other than his parents).  Each rank is more challenging than the one before it.  Each prepares the boy to be a better camper, hiker, and Scout.  As he completes the requirements for a rank on patrol and troop outings, he will find that he can use his new knowledge immediately.  He will also have the background needed for achieving even more as he sets out towards the next rank.

1. The Boy Scout Learns (Hands-on Experiences). A Scout learns by doing. As he learns, he grows in ability to do his part as a member of his patrol and the troop. As he develops knowledge and skill, he is asked to teach others; and in this way he begins to develop leadership.

2. The Boy Scout is Tested (Troop Policies/Procedures).  A Scout may be tested on rank requirements by his patrol leader, Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmaster, troop committee member, or another member of his troop. The Scoutmaster maintains a list of those qualified to give tests and to pass candidates. The Scout's merit badge counselor teaches and tests on the requirements for merit badges.

3. The Boy Scout is Reviewed (Board of Review).  After a Scout has completed all requirements for a rank, he has a board of review. For Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle Palms, the review is conducted by members of the troop committee. The Eagle Scout board of review is conducted in accordance with local council procedures.

4. The Boy Scout is Recognized (Court of Honor). When the board of review has certified a boy's advancement, he deserves to be recognized as soon as possible. This should be done at a ceremony at the next troop meeting. The certificate for his new rank may be presented later at a formal court of honor.

Ways Parents Can Help Advancement:

• Be sure you son attends weekly troop meetings, monthly campouts, and summer camp.

• Offer constant encouragement and support.

• Know what your son needs for his next rank.

• Be active in Scouting with him.

• Strongly encourage him to attend as many Scout activities as possible (only active Scouts advance).