For Parents

Advancement Tips for Success

As your Scout moves from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA, here’s what you need to know to support their advancement:

Youth-Led Troop: Encourage your Scout to ask the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) for help. Adults support, but Scouts lead.
Scout’s Role: Advancement is their responsibility—they must request Scoutmaster Conferences, Boards of Review, and contact merit badge counselors (except for summer camp or badge colleges). All work must be approved by the Scoutmaster first.

First Class in One Year: Set a goal to earn First Class in the first 12 months. Scouts may work on multiple ranks, but must earn them in order.
Use the 48-Month Plan: Our Path to Eagle plan helps track long-term progress.

Be Involved: Help set weekly goals and check in often—treat it like schoolwork (just 30 minutes a week will help!).
Know the Handbook: Review it together to track completed requirements.
Prioritize Camping: Attend monthly campouts and summer camp. Both are essential for advancement.
Merit Badge Strategy:
- Prioritize Eagle-required badges first. Start with First Aid, it is often a prerequisite.
- Sign up for Merit Badge Colleges.
- Use meritbadge.org for details.
Stay on Track: Finish partial badges promptly and encourage service projects—up to 6 hours are required per rank.
Leadership Counts: Run for a troop position each cycle—there are over 15 roles.
Learn the Basics: Swimming, cooking, knots, and fire building are key skills (and several are Eagle-required).

Visit and review our Advancement Page.
Review the monthly Individual History Advancement Report emails from TroopMaster with your Scout.
- Sample Report: Individual History
Questions? Contact a Troop 65 leader anytime.

We’re working on helpful guides for:

💡 Have ideas or questions? Email us at webmaster@troop65nc.org

Page updated

Report abuse