Advancement is a critical part of the Boy Scouts of America’s programs, and is the core vehicle where Scouts learn the skills that will make them successful later in life.
COVID-19 Updates
Below is a resource from the Boy Scouts of America, National Council to assist Scouts and units in advancement planning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Position Specific Information
If you are a Life Scout applying for Eagle Scout rank or are a Merit Badge Counselor, please go to the respective pages for more specific information.
Eagle Scouts
Visit this page for more information on scheduling an Eagle Board of Review, Service Project ideas, and specific paperwork.
Merit Badge Counselors
Visit this page for more information on registering and filling out the application.
Resources
Below are various resources that are open for use and download by units to support advancement tracking and related activities.
- Guide to Advancement, No. 33088 (PDF); Online view
- Advancement Educational Presentations
- Advancement News
- Abilities Digest
- Advancement Report, No. 34403
- Building Effective Advancement Committees, No. 510-756
- Eagle Scout Challenge, No. 542-900
- Friendstorming on Tour, No. 510-003
- Lone Scout Friend and Counselor Guidebook, No. 511-420
- On Increasing Advancement, No. 512-047
- Recommendations for Regional and Area Volunteers Supporting the Advancement Program, No. 512-048
- Troop Resource Survey, No. 512-116
- Guide to Awards and Insignia, No. 33066
- Venturing Board of Review Guide, No. 512-940
- 2019 Scouts BSA Rank Requirements
- Application for Alternative Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges, No. 512-730
- Belated Eagle Scout Rank Application, No. 512-076
- Eagle Scout Rank Application 2020, No. 512-728
- Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, No. 512-927
- Eagle Scout Service Project Coach Application, No. 512-069
- Individual Scout Advancement Plan, No. 512-936
- Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project; Information for Project Beneficiaries
- Request for Extension of Time to Earn Eagle Scout Rank, No. 512-077
- Request for Registration Beyond the Age of Eligibility, No. 512-935
- Venturing Summit Award Service Project Workbook, No. 512-938
- Venturing Summit Award Application, No. 512-941
Mechanics of Advancement
Advancement is conducted with different methods and procedures depending on the Scouting program that it is occurring in. Read here for more information on advancement specifics in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts.