Advancement

Rank Advancement

Scouts advance by learning skills, practicing leadership, and living the Scout Oath and Law. Advancement is self-paced—there are no deadlines. The different ranks, in order, include Scout → Tenderfoot → Second Class → First Class → Star → Life → Eagle. Scouts work on requirements during troop meetings, campouts, summer camp, and on their own. Adult and/or youth leaders sign off when skills are learned and demonstrated.

Merit Badges

Merit badges are like mini-courses that let Scouts explore interests, learn life skills, and try new things. There are 130+ merit badges available. Scouts need a total of 21 merit badges to obtain the rank of Eagle, though often scouts will obtain many more. Of the 21, 13 are required (e.g., first aid, personal fitness, camping) and the others are electives based on interests (sports, trades, STEM, arts, outdoors). While you can obtain merit badges at any time, some of the ranks require you to have obtained a certain number of merit badges in order to advance to that rank. Merit badges are earned by working with a registered Merit Badge Counselor, who teaches and verifies completion of requirements. Our troop has designated merit badge meetings throughout the year. Summer camp is also a popular and efficient way to earn several merit badges simultaneously. Finally, being in the DC Metro area, there are many other organizations and scout camps that offer opportunities for earning merit badges.

Board of Review

Approximately 3 times a year, or as needed, our troop holds Boards of Review for scouts ready to advance in rank (once all requirements for that rank are signed off). A Board of Review is a short, friendly conversation between a Scout and 3 or more parents; it marks the transition from one rank to another.

Court of Honor

A Court of Honor is a special ceremony where the troop recognizes and celebrates Scouts’ achievements including rank advancements, merit badges, and other awards. They are typically held 3 times a year, in the weeks following the Boards of Review. Families are invited and encouraged to attend.

Eagle Projects

Scouts aspiring to attain Eagle plan, develop, and lead an Eagle service project for the community—and everyone joins in to help!

Recent Eagle projects:

Catfish spawning boxes in Lake Thoreau
Pollinator garden at Hunters Woods ES
Adirondak chairs for U.S. Navy veterans at Falcons Landing retirement home
Tetherball at Lemon Road ES
Room renovation for Track Team at SLHS
Raised garden beds at Sunrise Retirement Home
Pupkin patch and a Three Sisters Garden at Sunrise Valley ES

We are Scout Driven

Every Scout’s journey looks different, and that is okay. Scouts are encouraged to take ownership of their rank advancement and merit badge activities. Parents can support their Scouts by speaking with them about their goals, encouraging participation, helping them understand the requirements for various ranks and merit badges, and enrolling them in Scouting activities.

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