Advancement Committee

Advancement is the process by which youth members of the Boy Scouts of America progress from rank to rank in the Scouting program. Advancement is simply a means to an end, not an end in itself. Everything done to advance and earn these ranks, from joining until leaving the program, should be designed to help the young person have an exciting and meaningful experience. Education and fun are functions of the Scouting movement, and they must be the basis of the advancement program. A fundamental principle of advancement in Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing is the growth a young person achieves as a result of his/her participation in unit program.

Resources

Scouts BSA Rank Requirements

Scouts BSA Program Updates as January 1, 2025

ScoutsBSA Personal Safety Awareness for Scout through and Star Ranks

Eagle Scout Advancement

Guide for Merit Badge Counselors

The merit badge counselor is a key player in the Boy Scout advancement program. Whatever your area of expertise or interest—whether it is a special craft or hobby (basketry, leatherwork, coin collecting), a profession (veterinary medicine, aviation, engineering), or perhaps a life skill (cooking, personal management, communications)—as a merit badge counselor, you can play a vital role in stirring a young man’s curiosity about that particular topic. By serving as a merit badge counselor, you offer your time, knowledge, and other resources so that Scouts can explore a topic of interest.

If you are not yet a merit badge counselor, it is easy to become a volunteer. You will need to register with the Boy Scouts of America, through your BSA local council. This entails contacting the local council, then obtaining, completing, and turning in the “Adult Application.” The council will then process the application. (Every applicant is screened.)

In order to register, merit badge counselors are expected to complete BSA Youth Protection. This training can be done through The BSA’s Online Learning Center . The Boy Scouts of America seeks to create a safe environment for young people and adult leaders to enjoy the program and related activities. BSA Youth Protection training helps preserve that environment.

For more information, consult the Guide for Merit Badge Counseling, No. 512-065  or Merit Badge Counselor Information, No. 34405 . To learn more about the merit badge program, see section 7 of the Guide to Advancement, “The Merit Badge Program.”

 

Merit Badge Program

Before you can start a Merit Badge, you must verify with your Scoutmaster or Unit Leader who assigns the blue cards that you can start a Merit Badge.  

As it is stated at the front of the blue card: "I have discussed this merit badge with this scout and recommended at least one merit badge counselor." If your Unit is allowing you to sign up for a "Merit Badge Fair", that would indicate their approval.

Scout Book 

National Links

Merit Badge Makeup Day

Council Advancement Committee Members

  • Current List of MCBSA Advancement Committee Members (page is being updated- infromation to come)