Advancement Method
Active Scout Requirement
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.
Advancement time line for those scouts wishing to achieve the rank of Eagle
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.
When reviewing these time lines please consider the Troop’s scheduled Board of Review dates which normally are held on the last Tuesday of each month. These dates are normally highlighted on the Scout Calendar that is posted on the Troop Website (http://www.bsatroop103.org). Scoutmaster conferences should be scheduled by the scout with the scoutmaster two weeks prior to the Board of Review dates.
Advancement Time line Guide for those with a long-term goal of seeking to achieve Eagle.
- Scout – It is recommended that scouts achieve this rank within the first 2 months of joining the Troop.
- 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.
Additionally, it is important that each scout fulfills his position of responsibility required for each of the above ranks.
Awarding the new Rank
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