It should be said, that although the outward recognition of Eagle Scout is quite an achievement to be celebrated, there is much more to scouting than earning Eagle – or any other rank for that matter. The term “advancement” refers to earning ranks through a system of tasks and skills. The aims of scouting include many other attributes such as leadership, life skills, outdoor program, working with adults, etc. – earning a rank is a recognition of that achievement but not the main focus of the program. We hope that along the way, our Scouts build lifelong friendships and memories and will have an amazing experience!
Troop meetings and outings are planned to contain skills instruction that will help both new and experienced Scouts earn rank advancement. It is important to attend as many of the troop meetings and outings (camps and activities) as possible in order to advance. Once a skill is learned and demonstrated, the Scout may have the handbook signed by the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster. Youth leaders that have attained the rank of Star and are serving in a role of SPL, ASPL, Patrol Leader, Troop Guide or Troop Instructor may also sign off on advancements for Scout, Tenderfoot, and Second Class ranks. Our troop also records advancements on the BSA tracking website Scoutbook.com – but your Scout should retain the paper handbook as a back-up.
Basic camping and scouting skills are taught in the first ranks, and can be worked on simultaneously: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class. The next three ranks of Star, Life and Eagle are more individualized, where a Scout develops personal interests and more advanced life skills through patrol leadership and earning merit badges. The higher one climbs, the more challenging and more rewarding the task.
The purpose of the advancement program is to spur a Scout to learn, to achieve, and to mature. Through consistent advancement, scouting’s aims are reinforced repeatedly.
If you are advancing from the Cub Scout program, you will find the advancement system in the Scouts BSA is different. In the Cub Scout program, a den usually advances together through den activities organized by the adult leader. In Scouts BSA, individual initiative is the primary force behind rank advancement – especially for the ranks of Star, Life and Eagle. Parents are encouraged to follow their Scout’s progress through Scoutbook.com to stay up to date.
Our mission is to support new Scouts in achieving the rank of First Class in their first 12-18 of membership. To do this, Scouts will work in a New Scout patrol with an adult leader and a troop guide (experienced youth member). Scout handbooks should be brought to every meeting and activity. This is very important so that the Scout’s progress can be promptly recorded. Please encourage your Scout to advance through the ranks.