Scouts BSA Advancement

Scouts advance through seven ranks (Scout, Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle) by completing a series of learning and service tasks. Each rank has specific requirements that a Scout plans and completes at their own pace. When a Scout earns a rank, they are recognized and rewarded Through advancement, Scouts grow in confidence and self-reliance. Each rank has specific requirements that include a combination of Rank requirements, Merit Badges, Service Hours, and Leadership Positions of Responsibilty. The Eagle rank includes the Scout planning, developing and providing leadership in completing a service project. Learn More: Scouts BSA Advancement

Scouts BSA Merit Badges

There are many facets to Scouts BSA Advancement, here's info on Merit Badges and Boards of Review
General description
Troop 7 Resources
Scouts, earning Merit Badges
Boards of Review BOR
Board Review Process

Other information
Adults, Merit Badge Counselors
Religious Emblems

General Description

A Scout, of any rank, can choose from more than 130 merit badges to explore fitness, skills, science, environment, nature, business and possible future careers and interests. A Scout is free to pursue any of the merit badges that interest him.
However, there are certain merit badges that are Eagle Required to earn Eagle rank. Eagle Scouts younger than 18 can earn additional merit badges to earn Eagle Palms. The Eagle Palms are Bronze for 5 merit badges, Gold for 10 and Silver for 15.

Troop 7 Resources

Troop 7 Scouts generally earn merit badges via

Summer Camp
Merit Badge Colleges
Merit Badge Counselors

Individual Merit Badge requirements can be found online Merit Badges

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Scouts, earning Merit Badges

     Pick a merit badge: Read the requirements and find a merit badge that interests you. You can read about specific Merit Badge requirements online.
    Talk to the Scoutmaster about your interest and get a signed merit badge application 'Blue Card'. Scouts should have a signed Blue Card before starting any requirements.
     Use the Scout Buddy System: Scouts must have another person (another Scout, relative or guardian) with you at each merit badge meeting.
     Contact the Merit Badge Counselor: Troop 7 merit badge counselors can be found in Scoutbook. A counselor will be provided at Summer Camp and Merit Badge College activities.
    Complete the requirements: Following the requirements of the merit badge, read, complete the activities and learn the skills. The merit badge counselor will be available to guide you and answer questions.
    Demonstrate your skills for sign off: Demonstrate understanding and completion of the requirements for the counselor. The counselor will sign off each completed requirement. Once all requirements are met and demonstrated, the merit badge counselor signs the Blue Card showing completion.
     Submit your completed requirements: Remember to turn in your completed requirements (either partial or full) to the Advancement Chair. Once the merit badge is completed, the earned merit badge patch will be awarded to the Scout at the next Court of Honor.

Merit Badge Blue Card:

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Board of Review (BOR)

As a Scout advances, the last requirement for each rank is to complete a formal Board of Review (BOR) staffed by Committee Members. The BOR purpose is to determine how well the Scout is benefiting from the program, evaluate the quality of the Scout's experience and assess the effectiveness of the troop program.. Further information is available at Board of Review.
A Scout schedules a BOR after completing a Scoutmaster Conference. Boards of Review are available at most Monday evening meetings but not on Committee Meeting nights. Scouts must contact the Advancement Chair to schedule the BOR. A Scout is responsible for scheduling their own BOR.

Board of Review (BOR) Process

     The Scout should be in uniform for the BOR: Scout belt up for all ranks. Scout pants (full uniform) are strongly recommended for First Class rank and above.
    A Scout must provide, to the BOR Committee Members, his Scout Handbook showing a signed Scoutmaster Conference and preferably a rank advancement printout from the Advancement Chair. (If needed, a Scout can print their own advancement report from Scoutbook).
     On successful completion of the BOR, the Scout's rank advancement is recognized at the Troop 7 meeting closing. The Scout is again recognized for rank advancement at the next Court of Honor.

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