Advancement is a very important part of Scouting. It is a measure of a Scout’s growth and achievement. To this end, Scouts in the Troop are encouraged and guided through the advancement ranks. Through participation in Troop events you will, learn new skills, complete requirements for rank advancements and have a lot of fun. These skills will not only assist you in advancement but will no doubt assist you later in life. The ultimate goal is the attainment of your Eagle Scout Award.

Each Scout keeps his own personal advancement record in his Boy Scout Handbook. You will also record your service hours, campouts, Troop activities and leadership positions in your Handbook. Note that there are specific service and leadership requirements for upper ranks of advancement. Leadership positions are often elected positions or positions appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader. Adult leaders do not appoint boys to leadership positions. The Troop also keeps advancement records on each Scout. Your Handbook will identify all rank advancement requirements as well as major merit badges on which you may wish to work on. Further information on merit badge requirements are available in the individual Merit Badge pamphlets, available for loan from the Troop Library, or if you desire your own, they may be purchased at the Boy Scout Service Center for about $3 each.

Your advancement in your first year with our Troop should concentrate on achieving the First Class rank. As such, you should not be working on many merit badges. Specific exceptions can be made however. Once you have attained First Class rank you may work on virtually any merit badge that interests you.

When you are ready to begin a merit badge, see your Scoutmaster or other adult leader for possible merit badge counselors and get a Blue Card. You must do this prior to beginning a merit badge. You must then make an appointment with your merit badge counselor to do the work required for your badge. Some badges require a great deal of work with the counselor. Others just need verification of information and demonstration of knowledge. In any case, it is your responsibility to obtain and read the entire merit badge handbook prior to your sessions with your counselor. To avoid problems, parents are not permitted to pass a Scout son on a merit badge or rank advancement, unless specifically permitted to do so by your Scoutmaster or the Troop Committee. Certain merit badges will be taught in a classroom setting at Troop meetings, but we do not want our meetings to be dominated by merit badge classes.

You will participate in a Scoutmaster conference prior to each rank advancement. This is to discuss your goals and accomplishments and to be assured that you are prepared for your Board of Review. A Board of Review will be given for each rank advancement by a group of three (3) registered parents in Troop 103. They will assess your development along your trail to Eagle and evaluate you in terms of Troop activities and worthiness for the next rank. Do not expect to pass every Board of Review the first time. Troop 103 wants you to realize that you must truly earn your ranks before they are awarded.

After attaining your Life Scout Rank, you will meet with one of the adult leaders and receive your Life to Eagle Pamphlet. This is to discuss ideas and suggestions for your Eagle Scout Service Project. Special requirements have been outlined for this project and Troop Committee Chairman must approve your project, in addition to the District Advancement Chairman, before you start your project.