Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. Scouts plan their own advancement and progress at their own pace as they meet each challenge. Scouts are recognized and rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.
Advancement is the process by which youth members of the Boy Scouts of America progress from rank to rank and is the method by which we promote and encourage the ongoing involvement and commitment that keeps members coming back for more. It works best when it is built into a unit’s program so that simply participating leads to meaningful achievement and recognition—and to a continually improving readiness for more complex experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Other Recognition
The Order of the Arrow (OA) is Scouting’s national camping honor society. It recognizes Scouts and Adult Leaders who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as well.
Members of the Order of the Arrow are known for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long-term resident camping, and providing cheerful service to others. OA service, activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of quality leadership development and programming that enrich and help to extend Scouting impact to youth.
Scouts are elected to the Order by their peers in the Troop during a special election in the Spring. Our Troop’s OA Members are a part of the Kuskitannee Lodge.
Eligibility
To be eligible for election, a Scout must:
- Be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America.
- Have experienced 15 nights of camping while registered with a troop, crew, or ship within the two years immediately prior to the election. The 15 nights must include one, but no more than one, long-term camp consisting of at least five consecutive nights of overnight camping, approved and under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America. Only five nights of the long-term camp may be credited toward the 15-night camping requirement; the balance of the camping (10 nights) must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps of, at most, three nights each. Ship nights may be counted as camping for Sea Scouts.
- At the time of their election, youth must be under the age of 21, hold the Scouts BSA First Class rank, the Venturing Discovery Award, or the Sea Scout Ordinary rank or higher, and following approval by the Scoutmaster, Crew Advisor or Sea Scout Skipper, be elected by the youth members of their unit.
Adults (age 21 or older) who meet the camping requirements may be selected following nomination to and approval by the lodge adult selection committee.
Reference Information
The BSA has many additional awards Scouts (and leaders) can earn while participating in the program. Each of these awards has their own unique requirements, so we won’t cover them in the bootcamp. Scouts can earn additional awards such as:
- Recruiter Strip (for those who recruit a new Scout to the Troop)
- Religious Emblems for the Scout’s faith
- Achievements in Swimming, Hiking, Canoeing and more such as “50-miler award” or the mile swim
- Completion of additional Training such as Boardsailing, Lifeguard, or Standup Paddle Boarding.
- Environmental recognition (i.e. EPA Award, Distinguished Conservation Service award)
- And more
A full list of awards and requirements is available on Scouting.org.
Scouts who are interested in earning one of these awards should discuss their goals and objectives with the Scoutmaster who will guide them through the process of earning the award.
Rank Advancement
In Scouts BSA, there is only one set time requirement for earning Ranks. Any Scout wishing to become an Eagle Scout must complete all requirements (except the Eagle Scout Board of Review) by their 18th birthday. All other ranks can be earned at the Scout’s own pace.
Keep in mind that several ranks have requirements that include a minimum amount of time to complete. These include:
- Tenderfoot Requirements 6b and 6c (30 days)
- Second Class Requirement 7a (4 weeks)
- First Class Requirement 8a (4 weeks)
- Star Requirements 1 and 5 (4 months)
- Life Requirements 1 and 5 (6 months)
- Eagle Requirements 1 and 4 (6 months)
Many ranks also include requirements to participate in a specific number of Service Hours and Troop activities (including outdoor activities). These could add to the time needed to complete each rank based on the Troop’s schedule and Scout’s participation in these activities.
Finally, required and non-required merit badges must be earned for the Star, Life, and Eagle ranks. Some merit badges include requirements that must be completed for a specific period of time. (For example, Personal Fitness includes a requirement to develop and follow a 12 week fitness program. Family Life includes a requirement for the Scout to list home duties and chores and show that they have been completed over 90 days.)
Individual ranks must be earned sequentially (you must earn the Scout Rank before earning Tenderfoot, Tenderfoot before Second Class, etc.) However requirements may be worked on concurrently unless otherwise stated by the requirements.
Scout, Tenderfoot, Second and First Class rank requirements can be worked on at the same time except for the Scoutmaster Conference and Board or Review requirements. The Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review requirements must be completed after earning the previous rank. It is possible to have completed the non Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review requirements for the Second and First Class ranks but be unable to earn the ranks if a Tenderfoot requirement has not yet been completed.
Rank requirements for Star, Life and Eagle Scout must be completed after earning the previous rank. The exception to this rule are the merit badge requirements. Scouts may begin working on merit badges as soon as they join Scouts BSA and merit badges are applied to the rank requirements regardless of when they were earned.
Per the BSA’s Guide to Advancement:
That means that Leaders and Merit Badge Counselors are not permitted to add to, modify, or remove from the approved list of merit badge or rank requirements as published by the BSA. Some limited exceptions are permitted for Scouts with special needs.
REMEMBER: Advancement requirements must be passed as written. For example, if a requirement uses words like “show,” “demonstrate,” or “discuss,” then the leader / counselor should expect that the Scout show, demonstrate or discuss the requirement and would be appropriate if they rejected a completed worksheet as proof that the requirement had been completed. (Guide to Advancement 4.2.0.1)
Scouts should immediately inform the Scoutmaster, Troop Committee, or Council representative if leader or Merit Badge counselor takes any action that conflicts with the Guide to Advancement.
Your Scout Handbook is the primary record of your advancement requirements. The requirements are documented started on page 440. There is space for leaders and other Scouts to initial and date showing you have successfully demonstrated completion of the requirement.
Adult leaders may also track completion of requirements in TroopTrack. This provides our leadership with a quick glance look at a Scout’s advancement requirements and helps to ensure focus is provided to help Scouts achieve their next rank. Ideally, Adult Leaders will update TroopTrack at the same time as signing off on requirements in your Scout Handbook. However, an adult leader may period ask to see your handbook in order to true up TroopTrack with your requirement completion.
Every Rank in Scouts BSA has a requirement that a Scout participate in a Scoutmaster Conference and, with the exception of the Scout Rank, a Board of Review.
Scoutmaster Conference
The Scoutmaster Conference is a meeting between the Scout and the Scoutmaster (or their delegate) that allows the Scoutmaster to review:
- a Scout’s growth in his understanding of Scouting’s ideals
- how the Scout applies these ideals in his daily life and in the troop
- the requirements of the Scout’s next rank so that he can be properly encouraged
The Scoutmaster Conference is not a retest of the Scout’s completion of the requirements, however the Scoutmaster may ask questions about the Scout to ensure they have developed the skills needed for future ranks.
Board of Review
The purpose of a Board of Review is to determine the quality of the Scout’s experience and decide whether the requirements for the rank have been fulfilled. If so, the board not only approves the Scout’s advancement but also provides encouragement to continue the quest for the next rank.
Boards of Review are conducted by 3 to 6 committee members that are not the Scout’s parents, relatives, or guardians. The Scoutmaster is permitted to attend as an observer but is not an active participant unless called upon.
Boards of Review should not become a retest or “examination” or a challenge of the Scout’s knowledge. In most cases it should, instead, be a celebration of accomplishment.
Requesting a Scoutmaster Conference or Board of Review
Scouts may request a Scoutmaster Conference or Board of Review at any time when they are confident the requirements for their rank have been achieved. Adult leadership will do their best to accommodate requests in a timely fashion.
It is strongly encouraged that Scouts request a Scoutmaster Conference / Board of Review at least one week in advance since these meetings require multiple adults to participate. This can be done in person at a Troop meeting or by submitting a form on the Troop website.
REMEMBER:
- Scouts should come to the Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review prepared to demonstrate the skills they learned in the rank they are pursuing and any prior rank. This includes bringing any supplies needed to demonstrate the skills.
- A Board of Review should be requested after Scout has completed the Scoutmaster Conference requirement.
At Troop 457, rank requirements may be signed off by:
- Any registered leader
- Any Scout who has earned at least 2 ranks higher than the rank in which the requirement is being signed off (i.e., a Scout rank requirement may be signed off by a Scout who holds at least the Second Class rank, Tenderfoot requirements may be signed off by a Scout with the First Class rank or higher)
Parents or guardians are involved at home encouraging, mentoring, and supporting, but they do not sign for rank advancement requirements unless they serve as registered leaders and have been designated by the unit leader to approve advancement. (Guide to Advancement Section 4.2.0.0)
As a general rule of thumb, Troop 457 encourages Scouts to have rank requirements signed off by leaders who are not related to or guardians of the Scout.
On January 1, 2023 the BSA revised Scout and Star rank requirements (#6) as follows (edits in red):
With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide and earn the Cyber Chip Award for your grade or view the Personal Safety Awareness videos ( with your parent or Guardian’s permission)
There are two components of this requirement.
How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parents Guide
Parents and Scouts should read the Youth Protection pamphlet that is included at the front of your Scout’s Handbook. (An online version is available here.)
Discuss the questions at the end of the pamphlet and make sure everyone understands what the BSA’s policies are regarding youth protection.
Cyber Chip / Personal Safety Awareness videos
The BSA is phasing out the Cyber Chip program in favor of the Personal Safety Awareness videos so the Troop encourages our Scouts to watch these videos on Scouting.org.
The Troop typically spends one or two meetings each year for Scouts to watch the Personal Safety Awareness videos. If a Scout misses one of those meetings, they can watch these videos on Scouting.org.
After Completing These Activities
Once a Scout has completed the pamphlet exercises and watched the Personal Safety Awareness videos, parents should email the Scoutmaster to inform him the Scout has completed the requirement. At our next Troop meeting, the Scoutmaster or other leader may ask some quick questions to confirm understanding before approving the requirement.
Merit Badges
Merit badges are awarded to Scouts who complete additional requirements related to a specific topic. There are over 130 merit badges that cover many different topics from camping and first aid to robotics and game design.
The list of of all merit badges and their requirements can be found in the Scouts BSA Requirements book on Scouting.org. This is the BSA’s official repository for the most current requirements and supersedes any requirements included in the published merit badge pamphlets.
If a new edition of a merit badge pamphlet is introduced with updated requirements after the Scouts BSA Requirements book has been released, a Scout who is starting the badge may choose to follow either set of requirements until the end of the year. At the start of the new year, Scouts who are beginning must use only the new requirements.
If a Scout has already started working on a merit badge when a new edition of the pamphlet is introduced, they may continue to use the same pamphlet and fulfill the requirements therein to earn the badge. They need not start over again with the new pamphlet and revised requirements.
As of July 2022, a Scout must earn at least 14 of the following 18 “required” merit badges in order to become an Eagle Scout:
- First Aid
- Citizenship in the Community
- Citizenship in the Nation
- Citizenship in the World
- Citizenship in Society (new in July 2022)
- Communication
- Cooking
- Personal Fitness
- Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving
- Environmental Science OR Sustainability
- Personal Management
- Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling
- Camping
- Family Life
In situations where there are multiple “required” merit badge options (i.e., 9, 10, 12 above), only one of the merit badges counts towards the 14 required merit badges. Any of the other merit badges would then count towards the nine additional merit badges needed to become an Eagle Scout. For example, if a Scout earns the Swimming, Hiking, and Cycling merit badges, one of those merit badges would count toward the 14 required merit badges and the other 2 would count towards the 9 other merit badges.
Merit Badge requirements may only be signed-off by a Merit Badge Counselor who has been registered with the Council for that Merit Badge.
Only adults of good character, age 18 or older, are approved to register as merit badge counselors. Merit badge counselors are expected to have the necessary skills and education to offer quality experiences in the badges they counsel. The intent is for Scouts to learn from those with an appropriate level of expertise.
It is important too, that potential counselors have a good rapport with unit leaders and Scout-age youth.
Instructions for registering as a Merit Badge Counselor can be found HERE.
Per the BSA’s Guide to Advancement:
That means that Leaders and Merit Badge Counselors are not permitted to add to, modify, or remove from the approved list of merit badge or rank requirements as published by the BSA. Some limited exceptions are permitted for Scouts with special needs.
REMEMBER: Advancement requirements must be passed as written. For example, if a requirement uses words like “show,” “demonstrate,” or “discuss,” then the leader / counselor should expect that the Scout show, demonstrate or discuss the requirement and would be appropriate if they rejected a completed worksheet as proof that the requirement had been completed. (Guide to Advancement 4.2.0.1)
Scouts should immediately inform the Scoutmaster, Troop Committee, or Council representative if leader or Merit Badge counselor takes any action that conflicts with the Guide to Advancement.
Before you start working on a merit badge, you should:
The “Blue Card” is a two-sided, tri-section document that is formally known as The Application For Merit Badge. It is an official Boy Scout of America document that serves as a record of progress toward completion of a merit badge. The Blue Card is the first thing you need when you decide you would like to earn a merit badge. Blue Cards will be available at every Troop meeting and Scouts are encouraged to keep a few extra blue cards in their Scout Handbook or notebook so they always have one available.
In the 2021 Guide to Advancement (section 7.0.0.2), Units are being encouraged to use other innovations such as Scoutbook or computer-generated spreadsheets to track advancement. The Troop and Moraine Trails Council are expected to accept these alternative forms of documentation as long as the documentation provides the information necessary to track and record the Scout’s progress.
Blue Cards must be completed before the Scoutmaster signs the card authorizing the Scout to begin working on the merit badge. You can find instructions for completing the blue card on THIS PAGE.
It is the responsibility of the Scout, and the Scout alone, to decide what merit badges he would like to earn. However, the Scout must obtain Scoutmaster approval (documented on the Blue Card) before working with a counselor or attending a group or virtual merit badge opportunity. This is the Scoutmaster’s opportunity to:
- give guidance on the wisdom of pursuing a selected badge,
- advise the Scout on how work might be approached and what may be encountered along the way.
- Provide the names and contact information for one or more approved counselors
It is also how the Troop’s Advancement Chair is made aware that the merit badge is being pursued. Ultimately, it is the Scout’s decision whether or not to proceed with the merit badge even if a leader voices a concern. (Guide to Advancement Section 7.0.0.3)
Scouts can meet with the Scoutmaster during any Troop meeting to request approval. Alternatively, Scouts may submit THIS FORM to request Scoutmaster approval (ideal when the Scout or Scoutmaster is not in attendance at a meeting or if the Scout choses to attend a merit badge class between meetings). Submitting this form will automatically email the Scoutmaster and the Advancement Chair to inform them of the request. The Scoutmaster will reply to the Scout and CC the Scout’s parents via TroopTrack email with additional information or approval. The email approving the Scout to pursue the merit badge is considered the documented approval until the Scout can obtain the Scoutmaster’s signature at a future meeting.
Once you have completed the Blue Card and obtained the Scoutmaster’s approval, you are ready to start working on the merit badge. The following are the recommended next steps:
- Obtain a copy of the Merit Badge pamphlet and review it in detail. You will find that most of the requirements are thoroughly explained in the contents of the pamphlet.
- The Scout contacts the counselor while following youth protection requirements. >Even though Scouts may benefit from reviewing requirements with a merit badge counselor before getting to work, a Scout may begin the effort on any badge at any time after registering in Scouts BSA.
- The counselor considers any work toward requirements completed prior to the initial discussion with the unit leader. It is the counselor’s decision whether to accept work or activities completed prior to any meeting with the unit leader or the merit badge counselor. Common sense should prevail, however. For example: nights already camped as a Scout in Scouts BSA, or coins or stamps already collected, would count toward their respective badges.)
- The Scout, the Scout’s buddy, and the counselor meet (often several times).
- Partial progress is recorded as requirements are completed.
- The Scout finishes the requirements.
- The counselor approves completion.
Remember, advancement requirements must be passed as written. If, for example, a requirement uses words like “show,” “demonstrate,” or “discuss,” then that is what Scouts must do. Filling out a worksheet, for example, would not suffice. (Guide to Advancement 4.2.0.1)
Resources:
- Troop Library (via TroopTrack): A listing of the Merit Badge pamphlets in the Troop library and whether they are currently checked out. See the Troop Librarian to checkout or return a Merit Badge Book.
- Merit Badge Pamphlets (via ScoutShop.org): Scouts can also purchase physical and digital versions of the Merit Badge pamphlets from the BSA’s Scout Shop or at a local Scout Shop.
- Merit Badge Requirements and Workbooks (via usscouts.org): The US Scouting Service Project has created a series of Merit Badge workbooks to help Scouts organize notes, listen actively, and document their work. These workbooks can help you but you still need to read the merit badge pamphlet. The work space provided for each requirement should be used by the Scout to make notes for discussing the item with his counselor, not for providing the full and complete answers. Each Scout must do each requirement. Completing these worksheets may suffice where a requirement calls for something in writing, but this would not work for a requirement where the Scout must discuss, tell, show, or demonstrate, etc. Scouts are NOT required to use these learning aids in order to complete a merit badge.
Upon completion of a merit badge, the merit badge counselor will remove the third of the card labeled COUNSELOR’S RECORD and retain it for their records. The remaining two sections should be turned in to the Troop’s Advancement Chair or the Scoutmaster at the next Troop meeting. The Advancement Chair will then process your merit badge application and you will be awarded your patch at the next suitable occasion.
At that time, the third of the Blue Card labeled APPLICANT’S RECORD will be returned to the Scout for their records. Keep this card in a safe place and DO NOT throw it away. This card is the record that you have successfully earned the merit badge. Many Scouts keep the blue cards in baseball card pages in a binder.
General Advancement
Courts of Honor are gatherings for Scouts, families, and guests where the troop and troop members are recognized for what’s been accomplished and achieved. They are presented in a manner appropriate for a special occasion and can feature a variety of impressive ceremonies.
Troop 457 tries to hold a Court of Honor once a quarter (typically on the month with a fifth Tuesday). Family and friends are encourage to attend these events. The Troop plans these events.
An Eagle Scout Court of Honor is a more rare and special event. This Court of Honor is focused on the Scout who is receiving their Eagle Scout award and may include additional participants, recognition, and celebration on achieving this major accomplishment. The new Eagle Scout and their family are actively involved in planning their own Court of Honor.
On January 1, 2023 the BSA revised Scout and Star rank requirements (#6) as follows (edits in red):
With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide and earn the Cyber Chip Award for your grade or view the Personal Safety Awareness videos ( with your parent or Guardian’s permission)
There are two components of this requirement.
How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parents Guide
Parents and Scouts should read the Youth Protection pamphlet that is included at the front of your Scout’s Handbook. (An online version is available here.)
Discuss the questions at the end of the pamphlet and make sure everyone understands what the BSA’s policies are regarding youth protection.
Cyber Chip / Personal Safety Awareness videos
The BSA is phasing out the Cyber Chip program in favor of the Personal Safety Awareness videos so the Troop encourages our Scouts to watch these videos on Scouting.org.
The Troop typically spends one or two meetings each year for Scouts to watch the Personal Safety Awareness videos. If a Scout misses one of those meetings, they can watch these videos on Scouting.org.
After Completing These Activities
Once a Scout has completed the pamphlet exercises and watched the Personal Safety Awareness videos, parents should email the Scoutmaster to inform him the Scout has completed the requirement. At our next Troop meeting, the Scoutmaster or other leader may ask some quick questions to confirm understanding before approving the requirement.