Advancement Program
Internet Advancement Users: Please be sure that you are using www.samhoustonbsa.org. This is the only web address that will support internet advancement.
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 should be designed to help the young person have an exciting and meaningful experience.
Advancing from Life to Eagle MORE
Eagle Scouts MORE
Internet Advancement MORE
Council Advancement Contacts MORE
NEW: Advancement News is the official e-letter of the Boy Scouts of America National Advancement Team. Its intent is to suppost and claify procedures found in the Guide to Advancement, announce various changes and updates, and to assist advancement committees in making decisions that can increase the rate at which youth earn ranks.
In this first issue you can read all about the new Guide to Advancement and when it is effective.
Advancement News October 2011
Advancement News November 2011
Advancement News February 2012
Advancement News March 2012
Advancement News April 2012
Advancement News, May 2012
Advancement News, June/July 2012
Advancement News, August/September 2012
Advancement News, October 2012
Advancement News, November 2012
Advancement News, December 2012/January 2013
Advancement Principles
- Personal growth is the prime consideration in the advancement program.
- Learning by doing.
- Each youth progresses at his or her own rate.
- A badge is recognition of what a young person is able to do, not merely a reward for what he or she has done.
- Advancement encourages Scouting ideals.
Cub Scouting
Cub Scouting is home- and neighborhood-centered for the Cub Scout. Advancement involves parental approval of requirements. The adult's standard for completion of any requirement should be based on the Cub Scout motto, "Do Your Best."
Completion of Tiger Cub, Bobcat, Wolf, and Bear requirements is approved by the boy's parent. Completion of the Webelos requirements is approved by the Webelos Den Leader or assigned to someone else to approve it - that could be a parent, resident camp counselor, or teacher.
Boy Scouting
Boy Scouting advancement program places a series of challenges in front of a Scout in a manner that is fun and educational. The job of adults concerned with advancement is to provide the right environment in which a Scout is nourished. Advancement accommodates the three aims of Scouting: citizenship, growth in moral strength and character, and mental and physical development. Each Scout is provided a chance to achieve the aims of Scouting through self-confidence, peer confidence, and confidence in leaders.
A Boy Scout badge recognizes what a young man is able to do; it is not a reward for what he has done. No council, district, unit, or individual has the authority to add to or subtract from any advancement requirement.
Four Steps of Advancement
1. The Boy Scout learns.
2. The Boy Scout is tested.
3. The Boy Scout is reviewed.
4. The Boy Scout is recognized.
You may download the Eagle Scout Application, Eagle Scout Palm Application, and the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook for use.
View a copy of the
Aggie Eagle Newsletter (PDF format)
Venturing
The Venturing advancement program is available to all youth Venturing members of the BSA. It;s purpose is to:
- Provide a pathway for personal development.
- Encourage Venturers to learn, grow, and serve.
- Recognize the high level of achievement of Venturers who acquire Venturing skills.
- Identify trained and highly motivated Venturers who will be a training, leadership, and program resourcee for other Venturers, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, organizations, and the community.
Venturing Awards
- Bronze Award
- Gold Award
- Silver Award
- Ranger Award
- Quartermaster Award
