Are you open to lead?

Advancement is one of the methods of Scouting, serving its aims: character, citizenship, leadership and fitness.

What advancement is: moving from rank to rank.

A means, not an end: the badge serves the Scout, not the other way round.

Learning by doing: a Scout learns a skill by practicing it, and rushing for a badge is not the goal.

A good troop program brings most new Scouts to First Class in their first year to year and a half.

Who may test: the troop decides; often patrol leaders, the senior patrol leader, the Scoutmaster, assistants or other Scouts.

After the badge: practice keeps the skill.

As written: requirements are passed exactly as written, nothing added or taken away.

Star, Life and Eagle: everything but merit badges is done after the board of review for the rank before.

Star 5 · 4 months in a position of responsibility, or an approved leadership project

Positions that count for Star and Life: patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, troop guide, OA troop representative, den chief, scribe, librarian, historian, quartermaster, bugler, junior assistant Scoutmaster, chaplain aide, instructor, webmaster and outdoor ethics guide.

Eagle 4 note · Not for Eagle: assistant patrol leader, bugler, or a leadership project in place of a position.

Star 5 note · Assistant patrol leader does not count for Star.

No required position: a troop may not require one position, such as senior patrol leader, for a rank.

Two at once: holding two positions does not shorten the months.

Meeting expectations: in a position, something must actually get done.

Support: leaders give a position description, then direction and coaching.