Troop 4 Advancement

General Overview

Advancement a key method of Scouting.  A Scout actively participating in the Troop will most likely to advance as a result.  In earlier ranks, there is more involvement by Troop Guides, Senior Scouts and Adult Leaders to provide the Scout with more directed advancement opportunities.  The Scout will take on more advancement ownership as they progress to Second and First Class ranks.  By the time the Scout becomes First Class, they should completely own advancing for Star, Life and Eagle.  The BSA has a wonderful page on advancement that is well worth the time to read. 

For Scout rank through First Class, the requirements focus on core Scouting skills in progressive depth.  Examples of Scout Skills are First Aid, Knot Tying, Citizenship, Service, Camping, Personal Fitness, Cooking, etc.)  For Star, Life  and Eagle ranks, the focus shifts to Merit Badge work and increased service including the Eagle Scout Service Project.

There are four basic steps to be followed for each of the six ranks after Scout

1. A Scout Learns (Experiential Learning)

2. A Scout is Tested (When Requirement is Signed Off)

3. A Scout is Reviewed (Board of Review)

4. A Scout is Recognized (Court of Honor)

At each rank advancement step, a Scout must have a Scoutmaster Conference where they signify their a deeper understanding and commitment to the Scout Oath and Law (also referred to as Scout Spirit).  For every rank after Scout, the Scout must have a Board of Review  conducted by at least 3 committee members.  There is also a District Eagle Board of Review that an Eagle candidate must also have.

If you have any advancement questions, contact the Scoutmaster or Advancement Chair.

Being Active in the Troop on the Trail to Eagle

Requirement #1 for Star, Life and Eagle ranks requires being active in the troop for four, six and six months respectively.   Scouts on this journey will more deeply embody the Scout Oath and Law and contribute to the Troop.  As such, for each Star, Life and Eagle Scout rank advancement the Scout will:

• Hold a leadership position or SM approved project that benefits the troop as a way to give back

• Attend one full troop meeting a month and work with/support your patrol

• Go on at least one trip per rank and lead one of the trips across the three ranks

• Participate in 2-3 service projects (including Eagle Projects) with the troop or your patrol

• Work with the PLC and senior patrol to plan and lead a skills/activity at a troop meeting 

In addition, it is expected that throughout the trail to Eagle, the Scout will participate in Scouting for Food and Christmas Tree Pickup & Pancake Breakfast fundraisers as fundraisers help with trip subsidies and upkeep of the troop gear/equipment.  

Advancement Resources

Following are links to more detailed descriptions on the advancement processes in the Troop.  Every Scout should review these pages to ensure they understand the process

• • Early Ranks (Scout through First Class)

  • Merit Badges

  • Eagle Project

Using Scoutbook For Advancements

Scoutbook can be a very useful tool for tracking your advancements, but your physical handbook is your record of completing requirements.   Have your handbook in a cover and pack it in a Ziplock bag on outings to resist the elements.  

At this point in time, Scouts and Parents should not mark requirements complete in Scoutbook for subsequent approval.  This action opens up the possibility for administrative missteps and subsequent corrective actions.  Instead, periodically, take a picture of advancement pages and email to your patrol advisor and Advancement Chair so that they can be updated in Scoutbook.