Advancement is the responsibility of the Scout!
Boy Scouting’s ranks, merit badges, and special awards recognize the Scouts for learning skills and taking on responsibilities, and that recognition encourages them to learn more skills and take on greater responsibilities.
Scouts advance at very different rates. Advancement is based on personal performance, and is at ‘your own pace’. Advancement should not be considered a competition; where a Scout is in relation to other Scouts is not important, rather where a Scout is in relation to his own personal goals is all that matters.
Through participation at troop meetings, outdoor activities, and working on his own, the Scout will have an opportunity to work on badges and skills that will help him advance through the Scouting ranks. However, this does not mean that all advancement requirements will be completed during troop meetings and activities.
The advancement program includes two primary elements: ranks and merit badges.
THE FOUR STEPS TO ADVANCEMENT
1. The Scout learns.
2. The Scout is tested.
3. The Scout is reviewed.
4. The Scout is recognized.