Advancement

Scout Advancement

Scouts advance through the ranks by completing the requirements for each rank as outlined in the Scout handbook. Scouting is scout run, especially for Troop 28, which means that scouts play a large role in advancing other scouts. In many cases, the advancement of an older scout requires them to advance younger scouts.

To advance up the ranks, scouts need to:

  • Review and understand the rank requirements that they need to fulfill

  • Bring their handbooks to meetings and campouts so they can work on requirements with their patrol and scout leaders

  • Participate in weekly meetings, campouts/events, and service projects to give back to the community

  • Complete merit badges (link to additional info). Which badges are you interested in?

  • Take on Positions of Responsibility within the troop (see below). Holidng a position fo rfour months is a requirement to advance to Star Rank and above. Which positions are you interested in?

Once a scout fulfills a rank's requirements, the scout must then:

  • Request and have a Scoutmaster Conference with either the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster

  • Upon successful completion of the Scoutmaster Conference, the scout would then request and have a Board of Review

  • Successful completion of the Board of Review earns the scout the rank

Note: Scouts must be in their full Class A uniform in order to conduct a Scoutmaster Conference or Board of Review

Visit the scouting.org website to learn more about all the available advancements and awards.

If you have questions about advancement, we would encourage a scout, to communicate directly with their Patrol Leader or Advancement Chair.

Its a Journey

Advancing through the ranks requires hands on learning and personal growth as well as mentorship adult leaders, fellow scouts, volunteers and merit badge counselors.

my.scouting.org is where the scouts and the troop log all advancement records and can view rank requirements. Click the icon above to access the site.

SCOUT BOOK is a downloadable BSA advancement tracking app for your mobile device. A my.scouting log in is required.

Download: IOS or Android

Link: Scout Book FAQs

Resources

Advancement Ranks

(Click on each Rank title to see the specific Advancement requirements)

Key Troop 28 Positions of Responsibility

(Click here for a full list of Positions of Responsibility)

Required for All Roles

  • Set a good example

  • Wear the Scout uniform correctly

  • Live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law

  • Show and help develop Scout spirit


Note: Positions change annually

Sr. Patrol Leader (SPL)

  • Preside at all troop meetings, events, activities, and annual program planning conference.

  • Chair the patrol leaders’ council

  • Appoint youth leaders with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster

  • Assign responsibilities and duties to other youth leaders

  • Assist the Scoutmaster in training youth leaders

Patrol Leader (PL)

  • Plan and lead patrol meetings and activities

  • Keep patrol members informed

  • Assign each patrol member a task and help them succeed

  • Represent the patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual program planning conference

  • Prepare the patrol to take part in all troop activities

  • Work with other troop leaders to make the troop run well

  • Know what patrol members and other leaders can do

Assistant PL (APL)

  • Help the patrol leader plan and lead patrol meetings and activities

  • Help the patrol leader keep patrol members informed

  • Help the patrol leader prepare the patrol to take part in all troop activities

  • Lead the patrol in the patrol leader’s absence

  • Represent the patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings in the patrol leader’s absence

  • Work with other troop leaders to make the troop run well

Troop Guide

  • Introduce new Scouts to troop operations

  • Guide new Scouts through early Scouting activities

  • Shield new Scouts from harassment by older Scouts

  • Help new Scouts earn the First Class rank in their first year

  • Coach the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol on his or her duties

  • Work with the patrol leader at patrol leaders’ council meetings

  • Attend patrol leaders’ council meetings with the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol

  • Assist the assistant Scoutmaster with training

  • Coach individual Scouts on Scouting challenges

  • Teach basic Scout skills

Quartermaster

  • Keep records of patrol and troop equipment

  • Keep equipment in good repair

  • Keep equipment storage area neat and clean

  • Issue equipment and see that it is returned in good order

  • Suggest new or replacement items

  • Work with the troop committee member responsible for equipment

Librarian

  • Establish and maintain a troop library

  • Keep records on literature owned by the troop

  • Add new or replacement items as needed

  • Have literature available for borrowing at troop meetings.

  • Maintain a system to check literature in and out

  • Follow up on late returns

Chaplain Aide

  • Keep troop leaders apprised of religious holidays when planning activities

  • Assist the troop chaplain or religious coordinator in meeting the religious needs of troop members while on activities

  • Encourage saying grace at meals while camping or on activities

  • Lead worship services on campouts

  • Tell troop members about the religious emblems program for their faith

Webmaster

  • Establish and maintain a safe and secure troop website

  • Ensure that the troop website is a positive reflection of Scouting to the public

  • Work with the scribe to manage the troop’s electronic communication tools