Intro to Advancement
Scouts have many opportunities to gain formal recognition for their efforts, such as earning ranks (including Eagle Scout), merit badges, and special awards. This is called “advancement”. It’s important to understand that advancement and the Eagle rank are not ends in themselves. Advancement is a way to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of scouts; the effort and commitment undertaken to earn the rank is where the rank’s value lies.
Requirements
Section titled “Requirements”Every rank and badge is earned by completing “requirements”. Requirements are a list of things that must be completed, such as demonstrating skills, showing knowledge, or doing activities. Once you’re ready, you complete a requirement by getting it “signed off” by the appropriate person. See the following pages on Ranks and Merit Badges for more information.