Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. Scouts plan their own advancement and progress at their own pace as they meet each challenge. Scouts are recognized and rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.
Advancement is the process by which youth members of the Boy Scouts of America progress from rank to rank and is the method by which we promote and encourage the ongoing involvement and commitment that keeps members coming back for more. It works best when it is built into a unit’s program so that simply participating leads to meaningful achievement and recognition—and to a continually improving readiness for more complex experiences.
BSA Advancement Tools
Guide to Advancement
The current edition of the Guide to Advancement is the official source for administering advancement in all Boy Scouts of America programs: Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts. It replaces any previous BSA advancement manuals and previous editions of the Guide to Advancement.
BSA Advancement News
As programs and opportunities modify over time, your friends at Advancement News will share these changes with you and offer insights. Advancement News will be uploaded directly to the Advancement Resources page of Scouting.org. Each bimonthly edition will be found at the Advancement News page. Since advancement evolves and occasionally changes, please note that the most current information found in Advancement News and the online version of Guide to Advancement supersedes previous versions.
Visit the BSA’s web site to learn more about Advancement in Scouting and view the latest official Scouts BSA requirements for merit badges, rank advancement, Eagle Palms and other opportunities. Also see:
- Scouts BSA Advancement Resources provide additional information about advancement. Links are provided to materials that are available online.
- Awards Central is where the most up-to-date information about BSA-related awards may be found, including award applications and nomination forms.
Advancement & Awards Resources
There’s An App For That…
Are you a Scout or a Parent of a scout? Try out the Scouting Mobile App for Individual Advancement tracking.
This free app is available for both iPhone and Android devices.
Search for “Scouting BSA” in the Apple App Store or Google Play and download today!
