General Links

• Character Development
• Citizenship Training
• Mental and Physical Fitness

Scouting America uses eight methods to achieve its aims:

The ideals of Scouting are expressed in the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout Motto, and Scout Slogan. Scouts measure themselves against these ideals and strive to improve. The goals are high, and as Scouts reach for them, they shape who they become.

The patrol method gives Scouts experience in group living and participatory citizenship. It places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches youth how to accept and manage it. Patrols allow Scouts to interact in small groups, make decisions, and plan activities through elected representatives.

Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. In nature, Scouts share responsibilities, learn to live cooperatively, and apply skills learned in troop meetings. The outdoors fosters appreciation for the natural world and serves as a living classroom for ecology and conservation.

Scouting provides a series of achievable challenges through the advancement method. Scouts plan their progress and move at their own pace, gaining confidence with each accomplishment. Advancement promotes self-reliance and the ability to help others. The four steps in advancement are: Learn → Test → Review → Recognize

Scouts learn by observing how adults conduct themselves. Leaders serve as role models, offering encouragement, guidance, and sincere interest. Positive adult relationships can have a lasting impact on a Scout’s development.

As Scouts plan activities and work toward goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn is central to this method—Scouts grow through service and daily acts of kindness. The religious emblems program and regular conferences with leaders also support personal development.

Scouting encourages youth to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has opportunities to lead and to support others in leadership roles. Understanding leadership helps Scouts become effective team members and responsible citizens.

The uniform makes the troop visible as a force for good and promotes a positive image in the community. Wearing the uniform shows commitment to Scouting’s values and connects Scouts to a global movement. It also provides a way to display achievements and rank.

• Getting Started: Scout
• Scout Skills: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class
• Journey to Eagle: Star, Life, Eagle, Eagle Palms

Scouts are responsible for tracking their own progress using their Scout Handbook and Scout Binder, including:

• Rank requirements
• Days camped
• Miles hiked, backpacked, biked, or floated
• Service projects and hours
• Leadership positions
• Blue Cards, Merit Badge Cards, and Rank Cards

The Troop Advancement Chair (adult leader) tracks all troop advancement activities and reports them to Scouting America in a timely manner.

• Troop Guide
• Senior Patrol Leader
• Adult Leaders
• Scouts First Class and above for Scouts below First Class

• Merit Badge Counselor
• Scoutmaster
• Advancement Chair

• Be your Scout’s cheerleader—this is their journey
• Encourage and motivate them
• Remember: it’s not a race—it’s about fun, growth, and leadership
• Ask to see their book and know who signs off on requirements
• Ensure they attend meetings and events

Before a Board of Review, the Scout must complete a Scoutmaster Conference 

The Board of Review includes:

• 3 to 6 troop adult leaders
• Scout presenting in full Class-A uniform, preferably
• Recitation of the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan
• Discussion of rank requirements and leadership roles
• A unanimous decision by the board
• Duration: typically, 15 to 30 minutes