What is 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, from joining until leaving the program, should be designed to help the your 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, Boy  Scouting and Venturing is the growth a young person achieves as a result of  his/her participation in unit program.

Scouting skill - what a young person knows how to do - are important, but they are not the most important aspect of advancement.   Scouting's concern is the total growth of youth.  This growth may be measured by how youth live the Scouting ideals, and how they do their part in  their daily lives.

A Cub Scout, Boy Scout or Venturer may read about fire building  or good citizenship.  He/she may hear it discussed, and watch others in actions, but he/she has not learned first aid until he/she has done it.

Advancement in not a competition among individual young people,  but is an expression of their interest and participation in the program.   Youth must be encouraged to advance steadily and set their own goals with guidance from their parents, guardians, or leaders.

A badge is recognition of what a young person is able to do, not merely a reward for what he or she has done.  The badge is proof of certain abilities, and is not just a reward for the completion of a task.

Scouting teaches a young person how to care for himself/herself  and help others.  Advancement should reflect the desire to live the Cub  Scout, Boy Scout or Venturing Oath in his/her daily life.

Click on one of the symbols below to explore more information  about advancement in an individual Scouting program.