Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to overcome them through the advancement method. Scouts plan their own advancement and progress at their own pace as they meet each challenge. Scouts are recognized and rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.
Below are some general resources for units for commonly requested awards and other advancement tools. A full list of awards can be found at Awards Central.
Scout Book & Online Advancement
Units and Scouts can now track their advancement completely online! Whether through the my.scouting.org online advancement tool or through Scoutbook, scouts and leaders can mark off requirements, find and approve merit badge counselors, and access advancement forms. To get started, navigate to either the Online Advancement tool in my.scouting or visit the Scoutbook website.
Guide to Advancement
The current edition of the Guide to Advancement is the official and invaluable source for administering advancement in all Boy Scouts of America programs: Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts. Now available both in .pdf format and as a website. The most current guide should always be used.
Eagle Scouts
Scouts working towards the rank of Eagle Scout, can find relevant information on our Eagle Trail / Eagle Scout Board of Review page. They receive guidance through the process or working on their Eagle Scout Service Project from an Eagle Project Counselor.
Adults wishing to become an Eagle Project Counselor can apply here.
Merit Badges
Merit badges are an important part of the Scouts BSA program, and over 125 merit badges are currently offered.
Adults with experience in a merit badge subject are encouraged to become Merit Badge Counselors. To learn more, see our Merit Badge Counselor page.
Religious Awards
To encourage members to grow stronger in their faith, religious groups have developed Religious Awards programs. Scouting America has approved of these programs and allows the emblems to be worn on the official uniform. The various religious groups administer the programs. Check with your religious organization or the Scout Shop directly to obtain the curriculum booklets.
Distinguished Conservation Service Awards Program
(formally Hornaday Award)
Conservation and the Scouting America have been partners for a long time. Camping, hiking, and respect for the outdoors are a part of the Scouting heritage. Many of the requirements for advancement from Tenderfoot through the Eagle Scout rank call for an increasing awareness and understanding of the natural sciences. Many former Scouts have become leaders in conserving our environment and protecting it from abuse. Right now, Scouts are involved in learning about environmental problems and actively working to make a difference.
The fundamental purpose of the BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Awards program is to encourage learning by the participants and to increase public awareness about natural resource conservation. Understanding and practicing sound stewardship of natural resources and environmental protection strengthens Scouting’s emphasis on respecting the outdoors. The goal of this awards program is to encourage and recognize truly outstanding efforts undertaken by Scouting units, Scouts and Venturers, adult Scouters, and other individuals, corporations, and institutions that have contributed significantly to natural resource conservation and environmental protection.
BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award Individual awards are granted by the National Council through the local Council’s Conservation Committee to a member of a Scouts BSA, Sea Scout, or Venturing unit for exceptional and distinguished service to conservation and environmental improvement.
The BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Awards are presented for distinguished service in natural resource conservation. The award is given in one of three forms:
- Youth: BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award
- Adult: BSA Distinguished Conservationists
- Organizations and Individuals: BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award Certificate
Lifesaving / Heroism Meritorious Action Awards
Scouting America teaches emergency preparedness and first aid to even the youngest of our members. Statistics show that 1 out of every 100 Scouts will use the skills they learned in Scouting to save another person’s life.
There are several recognition levels to honor Scouts who knew what to do, how and when to do it, and applied their Scouting skills in an emergency situation.
Any Scout or adult volunteer can qualify the following awards: Lifesaving, Heroism, & Meritorious Action Award Form
Silver Beaver Award
The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of Scouting America. Recipients of this award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council.
Silver Beaver Award is given to Scouters who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service.
