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Advancement

The Path to Preparedness

Why Advance? To be Prepared for Life.

Advancement is the process by which youth in the Boy Scouts of America progress from rank to rank, learning and growing to become better citizens, ready for career and life. It is the method by which we promote and encourage the ongoing involvement and commitment that keeps members coming back for more. 

It Is a Method—Not an End in Itself

Advancement is simply a means to an end, not an end in itself. It is one of several methods designed to help unit leadership carry out the aims and mission of the Boy Scouts of America. 

Advancement Is Based on Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is the key: Exciting and meaningful activities are offered, and education happens. Learning comes from doing. For example, youth may read about first aid, hear it discussed, and watch others administer it, but they will not learn it until they practice it. Rushing a Scout through requirements to obtain a badge is not the goal. Advancement should be a natural outcome of a well-rounded unit program, rich in opportunities to work toward the ranks.

Personal Growth Is the Primary Goal

Scouting skills—what a young person learns to do—are important, but not as important as the primary goal of personal growth achieved through participating in a unit program. The concern is for total, well-rounded development. Age-appropriate surmountable hurdles are placed before members, and as they face these challenges they learn about themselves and gain confidence.

Learning Scout skills and concepts through active participation is a vehicle for personal growth, but it is not the primary goal. For example, learning how to tie a knot, plan a menu, swim, or administer first aid may turnout to be critical in one’s life, but they are secondary to the goal of personal growth that comes with learning. As a Scout learns a skill and then is tested on it, and reviewed and recognized, they develop confidence. They come to realize he or she can learn and do other similar things. The retention of Scouting skills and knowledge is important, of course; but for retention to take place, it will be because Scouting skills and knowledge are used in our programs.

For information on advancement for each program (merit badges, segments, awards, patches etc,) please visit the Quick Links for the program of your choice or view the Boy Scouts of America’s “Guide to Advancement” and other resources here.

 

BSA Quick Links

Key Contacts

Michelle Baumann – (503) 225-5714
Volunteer Services Clerk

Todd McDonald – (503) 225-5711
Director of Program & Member Experience

Other Tools

Advancement Tools from the CPC

Webinar: Merit Badge Counselor Setup & Renewal

Webinar: Merit Badge Counselor Setup & Renewal

Learn the registration and re-registration process of becoming a Scouts BSA merit badge counselor. Also, we'll explain how ScoutCommunity.com and ScoutBook.com work together to help you help Scouts advance.  Quick Tips Merit Counselors Need to be Registered: deadline...

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Webinar: Virtual Cub Scout Advancement

Webinar: Virtual Cub Scout Advancement

Cub Scout Pack 351 Cubmaster, Deb Hilterbrand, shares the incredible virtual programs, courses and tools she has created for her pack.  She is generously offering access to Den Leaders, Cubmasters, Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors like you!  Watch or listen to...

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Stamp Collecting Merit Badge Help

Stamp Collecting Merit Badge Help

Need virtual help with Stamp Collecting merit badge? Our friends at First Stamps can help your Scouts complete it via Zoom! (The process is approved by National.) How it works: ZOOM A: schedule a 20 minute discovery session with (2) adults on zoom. 2 weeks delay to...

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Historic Hiking Trail Program

Historic Hiking Trail Program

Get your Scouts outdoors with the Historic Hiking Trail program. (Patches included upon completion!) Special thanks to volunteer, Jim Brossard for putting together this fantastic program for our Scouts! What Does Your Troop's Hiking Program Look Like? Every Scout in...

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Webinar: Cub Scout Science

Webinar: Cub Scout Science

Today, we're exploring some of the many, many Cub Scout science activities you can do with  your Den with our special guest and University of Scouting instructor, Cady Greer.  She'll share with us some great tips and fun activities you can do at your next...

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Trail to Eagle

Trail to Eagle

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement rank in Scouting, a youth must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. Although many options are available to demonstrate proficiency in these areas, a number of specific...

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