Scouting 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: Scouting Advancement
There are many facets to Scouting Advancement, here's info on Rank Advancement including Boards of Review and Merit Badges.Rank Advancement
Boards of Review BOR
Board Review Process
Merit Badges
Scouts, earning Merit Badges
Other information
Religious Emblems
Adults, Merit Badge Counselors
Rank Advancement
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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Merit Badges
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.
- Summer Camp
- Merit Badge Colleges
- Merit Badge Counselors
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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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