Advancement

Overview

Advancement is central to Scouting—it helps youth grow in skills, leadership, and confidence. Each rank, from Scout to Eagle, builds on outdoor skills, responsibility, service, and leadership.

Scouts are expected to take ownership of their progress by setting goals, tracking requirements, and working with troop leaders to plan activities that support advancement.

More than earning badges, advancement teaches Scouts to lead, serve, and persevere—preparing them for life.

TroopMaster Reports

Each month, you’ll receive an Individual History report from TroopMaster by email.

• Use it to track your advancement and check it against your Scout handbook often.

• If something doesn’t match, see an Adult Leader to correct it.

• Accurate records are important—TroopMaster is used to plan Troop activities.

Sample Report: Individual History

Tip: You can bookmark the link from the email in your web browser to generate a new report anytime.

Rank Advancement

Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is a major milestone that reflects commitment, perseverance, and hard work. The path is challenging, but the leadership skills and life experiences gained along the way are invaluable and long-lasting.

Advancement Process

• Scouts are responsible for tracking their progress and working toward advancement goals. Ranks can be earned in any order, as long as prerequisites are met.

• Plan advancement-focused activities with your Patrol and Senior Patrol Leader.

  • For ideas, visit Troop Meeting Activities.

• When ready to complete a requirement, find an Adult Leader—be prepared to demonstrate or explain.

• After all requirements are done, schedule a Scoutmaster Conference.

• Then, complete a Board of Review with three Adult Leaders.

Path To Eagle

To help you stay on track, we’ve created a 48-month guide you can use as a roadmap on your path to Eagle.

Rank Requirements and Resources

Use the links below to explore the requirements for each rank. Each page includes:

• A Rank Worksheet to track your progress

• A full list of Rank Requirements

• Helpful resources like videos, guides, and tips for completing each requirement

Merit Badges

Earning Merit Badges is one of the most rewarding parts of Scouting. Here’s how to get started:

Steps to Begin a Merit Badge

• Talk to the Scoutmaster to get approval.

• Print the Merit Badge Worksheet to help guide your progress.

• Check with the Troop Librarian for a copy of the Merit Badge book.

• Contact a Merit Badge Counselor — start with those in the Troop if available.

➡️ Learn More About Merit Badges

📘 List of All Merit Badges

🦅 List of Eagle-Required Merit Badges

Tips for Success

• Attend Summer Camp – it’s one of the best ways to start and complete multiple merit badges.

• Watch for Merit Badge Colleges – we’ll post these opportunities on the Troop Calendar.

• Prioritize Eagle-required badges – some take over 13 weeks to complete.

• Don’t leave partials unfinished – keep working until they’re done.

• You can complete a badge with any registered Adult Leader in the Troop, even if they aren’t the original Counselor.