The ranks of Star, Life and Eagle require a scout to be active in the Troop and Patrol for a specified period of time. For a scout to get the most out of the a quality scouting program, he is expected to participate in Troop activities. The Troop recommends that a scout participate in an average of two or more scout-related activities per month. This includes but is not limited to: meetings, merit badge classes, outdoor activities, service projects. Additionally, scouts should participate in 6 or more outdoor activities throughout the year. This recommendation is based on national guidelines for the Quality Unit Award. Scouts who are serving as patrol leaders are expected to attend Patrol Leader Council meetings.

Achieving the rank of Eagle is a goal for many scouts, but less than 6 out of every 100 scouts achieve this goal. One of the reasons that 94% do not achieve the rank of Eagle is they run out of time. The following is a time line of when scouts must attain a certain rank relative to their 18th birthday. Meeting these time lines will give the scout barely enough time to achieve the remaining ranks prior to his 18th birthday. Because advancement does not always occur like clockwork, we recommend that the scout does not wait until the last minute.

Advancement Time line Guide for those with a long-term goal of seeking to achieve Eagle.

Tenderfoot - The scout must achieve Tenderfoot no later than 18 to 20 months prior to 18th birthday.

Second Class - The scout must achieve Second Class no later than 17 to 20 months prior to 18th birthday.

First Class - The scout must achieve First Class no later than 16 to 19 months prior to 18th birthday.

Star - The scout must be a First Class for 4 months and achieve Star class no later than 12 to 15 months prior to 18th birthday.

Life - The scout must be a Star rank for 6 months and achieve the rank of Life no later than 6 to 7 months prior to 18th birthday.

Eagle - The scout must be a Life rank for 6 months and complete the requirements for Eagle at least 2 weeks to 1 month prior to 18th birthday.

A Scout should be awarded his new badge of rank and or merit badge at the next scheduled Troop meeting and the advancement card at the next Court of Honor.

Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.

Click here for Guidelines for Scouts and Parents in their journey through the Life-to-Eagle Process

Troop 103 is proud to have been recognized as a Quality Unit for many, many years running. In 2007, The National Council began a special 4 year Centennial Quality Unit Award program in preparation for the 100th anniversary in 2010. Again, Troop 103 rose to the challenge and exceeded the new requirements needed to be designated as a Quality Unit for 2007, 2008, and 2009. The Troop intends to pursue and achieve this award again in 2010.

Here is a link to the qualifications.

When Baden-Powell started the Scouting movement, he felt that any Scout who took the time and trouble to master skills should be rewarded for his efforts.

The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it special significance, not only in Scouting, but also as he enters higher education, business or industry, and community service. More than one million Boy Scouts have earned the rank since 1911 Nevertheless, the goals of Scouting -citizenship training, character development and personal fitness -remain important for all Scouts, whether or not they attain the Eagle Scout rank.

In order to earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the area of leadership, service and outdoor skills. While there are many options available to demonstrate proficiency in these areas, a number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks -Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle. To advance, a Boy Scout must pass specific tests, which are organized by requirements and merit badges.

Merit badges signify the proficiency of certain Scoutcraft skills, as well as serving to increase skill in an area of personal interest. Of the more than one hundred merit badges available, twenty-one must be earned to qualify for Eagle Scout.

At each of his advancements, a Boy Scout takes part in a Scoutmaster conference. These conferences help the Scout to set goals for himself in line with his individual talents and abilities.

Beginning with the Star rank, and continuing through Life and Eagle, a Scout must demonstrate participation in increasingly more responsible service projects. At these levels, he must also demonstrate leadership skills by holding one or more specific youth positions of responsibility in his patrol and/or troop.

Click here for Guidelines for Scouts and Parents in their journey through the Life-to-Eagle Process

Click here to list the recipients of Scouting's highest rank.

Click here for information about the Scout of the Year Program and the recipients of this distinguished award.

Click here to see recipients of various religious emblems.

Click here to see recipients of various adult recognition and service awards.