Advancement is one of the methods used to achieve the aims of Scouting in all four phases of the Scouting program (Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing). The aims of Scouting are character building, citizenship training, and physical and mental fitness.
The Cub Scout program in the den and pack is the basis for Cub Scout advancement. The steps in
Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, and Weblos Scout advancement procedures are preparation, qualification, and
recognition.
Cub Scouting has the following ranks: Tiger Cub, Bobcat. Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light.
The requirements to reach each rank are authorized by the National Executive Board and Set forth in
the Tiger Cub Handbook, Wolf Cub Scout Book, Cub Scout Bear Book, and Webelos Scout Book.
The Boy Scout requirements for rank are the basis for Boy Scout advancement. There are four steps
in the Boy Scout advancement procedure: learning, testing, reviewing, and recognition.
Boy Scouting has the following ranks: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle.
The requirements for each rank are those authorized by the National Executive Board and set forth
in the Boy Scout Handbook and the current Boy Scout Requirements book.
The Varsity scout requirements for rank advancement are the same as for Boy Scouts. However, the advancement program is supervised by a youth member called an advancement program manager, who is assisted by an adult on the team committee.
A male Venturer who has achieved the First Class rank as a Boy Scout in a troop or as a Varsity Scout in
a team may continue working toward the Eagle Scout rank as a Venturer until his 18th birthday. There is no
alternate Venturing advancement route to qualify for the Eagle Scout rank.
The Venturing Bronze, Gold, Silver, Ranger, Quest, and Quartermaster awards may be earned by all Venturers
who meet certain requirements.
Details on Venturing advancement can be found in the Venturer/Ranger Handbook, Venturing Leader Manual,
Quest Handbook, and Sea Scout Manual.