Rank Advancement

Advancement is a key part of the Scouting experience. Information regarding advancement can be found in a number of areas. Rank advancement information can be found in the Boy Scout Handbook. Information regarding merit badge requirement is located in the individual merit badges books (troop librarian has these for a Scout to use or for purchase at the Scout store). Additionally, there is a merit badge book that summarizes the requirements for all merit badges, which is available at the Scout store.

Log Forms

As part of both rank and merit badge advancement there are requirements to participate in certain types of outings. The Scouts are provided with log forms to track these events. All campouts, hikes, service projects and other outings must be documented using these troop log forms and will need to be presented at rank or merit badge advancement meetings to receive credit for these requirements.

Leadership Position Requirements for Higher Ranks

Additionally, when a Scout reaches Star, Life, and Eagle ranks, he is required to hold a leadership position within the troop. To advance, the Scout's leadership must be active and notable.

Scoutmaster Conference

It is the responsibility of the Scout to request a Scoutmaster's Conference and Board of Review.

Merit Badge Counselors

Earning merit badges is a key component of Scouting. To earn a merit badge the Scout will be working with a merit badge counselor who will guide him through the process and is the person who will perform the final check-off that the Scout has truly earned the badge. They will then sign-off on a card that will be given to the Advancement Chair. There are a number of adults in our troop that have signed up to be merit badge counselors. A list of those badges and the associated counselor can be found in the Merit Badge Cards tab in the BSA Troop 23 Handbook (binder). For merit badges that the troop does not have a counselor for the Scout needs to see the Advancement Chair and they can provide him with a list of external counselors that the Scout can meet with for any merit badge.

Eagle Scout

Eagle Scout rank is the highest award and we take a great deal of pride in the quality of our Eagle Scouts. The Scoutmaster's Conference is handled differently than other ranks. For Eagle, the Scout will meet with the Scoutmaster and at lease two Assistant Scoutmasters.