Advancement

The Advancement Trail

Scouts progress from rank to rank, learning new skills as they go. Remember that the goal in advancement is not the skill itself, but personal growth.

In Cub Scouting, each of the ranks and awards has its own requirements. As Cub Scouts get older and advance through the ranks, the requirements become more challenging to match their new skills and abilities.

Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and the steps to overcome them through the rank advancement method. Each Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. Rank advancement is one method used by Scout leaders to help boys fulfill the aims of Scouting: character development, citizenship training, and mental and physical fitness.

Find more advancement resources for Scouts here.  This page includes the most updated for rank advancement requirements.

Merit Badges

Earning merit badges offers Scouts the opportunity to learn skills and information that they would not otherwise have the opportunity to learn in school. Many merit badges, especially the Eagle-required ones, teach valuable life lessons and skills. Earning a merit badge should never be a “check the box” experience for a Scout, earning a merit badge for the sake of the patch.

The process on how to earn a merit badge is described in the BSA Merit Badge website.  Scouts should always start the merit badge process by getting the approval of their Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster can provide a list of approved merit badge counselors.  The list of approved Council merit badge counselors is available here.  Note that log-in information is required.

Due to the changing times, we are encouraging everyone to consider online merit badge options during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order. Please email cheyenne.vandegrift@scouting.org or kevin.buhr@scouting.org in order to receive the contact information of all the leaders that are able to do merit badges virtually! Scouts shouldn’t be forced to halt all of the valuable lessons they can learn just because we have to stay inside!

Eagle Scout

The Council website provides a great deal of information on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.  The Life to Eagle 2020 provides helpful District-specific information.  

Extension-Request-COVID-19-Form-002

Life to Eagle Seminars

Scouts should plan to attend a Life to Eagle Seminar to help you get started with your plan to advance to Eagle Scout or to get answers to your specific questions. Please visit the Council website to obtain the most recent Eagle documents including the workbook, application, special extension for 2019, scholarship opportunities, etc.  

Fall 2020

Comming Soon

Spring 2021

TBA