BOY SCOUT RANKS

The Boy Scout advancement program is subtle. It places a series of challenges in front of a Scout in a manner that is fun and educational. As Scouts meet these challenges, they achieve the aims of Boy Scouting. The Scout advances and grows in the Boy Scout phase of the program in the same way a plant grows by receiving nourishment in the right environment. Parents must understand that a Scout may need encouragement from time to time but it must be done at his own pace.

The job with adults concerned with advancement is to provide the right environment. One of the greatest needs of young men is confidence. There are three kinds of confidence that young men need: in themselves, in peers, and in leaders.

The requirements must be met by completing exactly what is stated, no more; no less.  A Boy Scout badge recognizes what a young man is able to do; it is not a reward for what he has done. Standards for joining a Boy Scout troop and for advancement are listed in the latest printing of the Boy Scout Handbook and in the current Boy Scout Requirements book.

Advancement accommodates the three aims of Scouting: citizenship, growth in moral strength and character, and mental and physical development. The advancement program is designed to provide the Boy Scout with a chance to achieve the aims of Scouting. As a Scout advances, he is measured and grows in confidence and self-reliance. The ranks of Scouting are shown above. To view the specific requirements for each rank, click on the image. Eagle palms, merit badges & Order of the Arrow information can be found by clicking on the images below.

TROOP 151 BOARD OF REVIEW GUIDE A guide for the Board of Review team.

Scoutmaster Conferences (a guide for the Scoutmaster and the Assistants for each rank)

UNION DISTRICT BOARD OF REVIEW (Star, Life, Eagle)

BSA Advancement Videos

BSA Insignia Guide

ADVANCEMENT Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.scouting.org/BoyScouts/GuideforMeritBadgeCounselors/RankAdvanceFAQ.aspx

Merit Badges	Merit Badges classes may be offered in a group setting or more effectively done independently by the Scout. MERIT BADGE PROCESS:  The Scout meets with the Scoutmaster for approval and location of a merit badge counselor. A merit badge blue card is filled out with a counselor's name and address then the Scoutmaster signs the card approving that the Scout for work on the merit badge.  The Scout will contact the counselor to make an appointment. Some counselors will visit a troop meeting to counsel a Scout. Some will meet at the Scout's home or the counselor's home. BSA guidelines prohibit any adult from meeting alone with a boy. Someone else (another Scout or another adult) must always be present.  The blue merit badge application is in three tear-off sections: The application The applicant's record The counselor's record       As a Scout passes a requirement, the counselor dates and signs the chart on the back of the applicant's record.   When all requirements have been met: The counselor signs the back of the application and the applicant's record. The counselor keeps the counselor's record The Scout gives the application and the applicant's record to the Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster signs the applicant's record , gives it to the Scout, then sends the application along with an advancement report to the Scout council office. The applicant's record is the Scout's "receipt". He should keep it in a safe place like any other important record. We suggest a small loose-leaf binder with pages made for baseball cards. Keep all applicant's records, merit badge certificates, and rank certificates in the binder. Your wallet is not a good storage place.   Merit Badge Library Merit Badge Requirements http://usscouts.org/mb/mbbooks.asp Merit Badge passports (mini pamphlets) Merit Badge Counselors annually fill out a BSA Membership application and a Merit badge Counselor form which is to be submitted to council. Union District specifies that a maximum of 7 Merit Badges may be taught by an individual.
	Eagle Scout Rank Application Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook Contact Congress for Flag Orders
	National Eagle Scout Association http://www.nesa.org/
Eagle Palms	Awarded after serving the troop for 3 months and earning additional merit badges beyond the required 21 Merit Badges for Eagle Scout.  May be worn on the Eagle Ribbon or Knot. Bronze 5, Gold 10, Silver 15 Merit Badges Example: An Eagle Scout who earned 21+ 20 merit badges would wear a Silver and a Bronze Palm.
Order of the Arrow	Society of National Honor Scouts, for those that meet the requirements and are elected by their peers. Those elected would be acknowledged as having displayed, in the eyes of their fellow scouts, Scout virtues of unselfish cheerful service, camping skills, and leadership. Eligibility Requirements Be at least First Class rank Have at least 15 nights of camping, including one and only one 6-day long-term camp Be elected by his Boy Scout troop or Varsity unit. (election is typically conducted by the Chapter OA Elections team)  Election results are only to be revealed later as part of the Call out ceremony by the OA and no other individual Participate in the "Ordeal" and induction ceremony The Order of the Arrow, recognizing the attractiveness of the unknown, utilizes the form of mystery to enhance the quality of the program for the candidates.  Early disclosure in most all cases lessens the value of the experience.  OA Business shall NOT to be discussed with non-members.  Questions regarding the OA can be discussed in confidence with the Scoutmaster or a Professional Scouter.

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

BRAVERY AWARDS

LEADERSHIP & TRAINING AWARDS

HONOR AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE

RELIGIOUS AWARDS

SUPPORT OF SCOUTING