Advancement

Advancements are a well-known part of the Boy Scouts of America. From Cub Scouts with rank advancements, belt loops, and activity pins and Boy Scouts with rank advancements and merit badges to Venturing Scouts with Ranger awards, advancements help Scouts learn about many different things to make them not only stronger leaders, but well-rounded individuals.

The new edition of the Guide to Advancement is now available.

2011 Advancement Guidebook

New in this edition:

  • Reorganization for easy reference
  • Frequently Asked Questions index
  • A new approach to "active participation" and "positions of responsibility."
  • Internet advancement highlights
  • A helpful appendix
  • A searchable online version is available

To assist units with keeping track of advancements, the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America offers Internet Advancements, which updates your Scouts records with ScoutNET.

How Internet Advancement Works:

Each unit will receive a unique ID, and the unit will select and assign an adult to record youth advancements. Information input on ranks will be recorded based on program identification and can only be entered in the correct rank and date sequence. (For instance, if a Scout is registered as a Bear in a Cub Scout Pack, it will not be possible to list him as having earned a Merit Badge that has to be earned as a Boy Scout.)

Awards that can be entered through BSA Internet Advancement do not include nominated awards, such as those for meritorious action, the Eagle Scout rank, which involves a board of review, and awards which are controlled by other organizations.

There is a Frequently Asked Questions link on the Internet Advancement site, as well as an extensive Help Guide. If you need further help, you can contact the Council Service Center at 618-234-9111.

Using Internet Advancement:

  • Select the unit advancement processor
  • Obtain a unit ID code from the council
  • Gather the needed information for entry of advancements, including the merit badge applications and advancement records with dates
  • Select the Internet Advancement link on this page and follow the instructions to process advancements and print the advancement report
  • Obtain the required signatures on the printed unit advancement report and submit to the Council Service Center at 335 West Main Street, Belleville, IL 62220
  • Save a copy for your files

 

Internet Advancements      |      Help