Advancement & Recognition Committee

Adventure West Council

The Advancement and Recognition Committee’s role

The Adventure West Council’s (AWC) Advancement and Recognition Committee (ARC) is responsible for serving our Scout’s advancement and recognition needs and provides guidance for Scouters who administer the program. Along with District ARCs, our Council’s ARC is tasked with ensuring adherence to the requirements established by the National Council and the AWC.

The Council’s ARC includes chairs of the District ARCs and other volunteers. District ARCs are made up of the advancement representatives from each unit within that District.

The Council’s ARC is advised by a professional staff advisor who provides coaching and guidance – especially as it relates to national policies and procedures. The Council and District ARCs work closely and in harmony with the other efforts and functions within the AWC to deliver and support the Scouting program.

Scouts and Scouters with advancement and recognition-related questions, comments, issues, or concerns should first contact their District Advancement Chair for guidance or resolution. As necessary, District Advancement Chairs will contact the correct individuals on the Council ARC for further guidance or resolution.

The Council ARC meets quarterly (February, May, August, November) on the third Wednesday at 7:00 PM, usually virtually.

Advancing in rank helps expand a Scout’s horizons

Advancement is the process Scouts use to progress from rank to rank. It is one of several methods Scouting America has developed to help leaders carry out Scouting’s aims and mission.

Everything done to advance – to earn ranks and other awards and recognition – is designed to educate or to otherwise expand a Scout’s horizons. From the time a youth joins, they learn and develop according to defined standards. The same process applies as they move from Cub Scouting to Scouts BSA, to Venturing or Sea Scouts.

Experiential learning is key to meeting these standards. When Scouts are offered exciting and meaningful activities, education happens. Learning comes from doing. A Scout may read about first aid, hear it discussed, and watch others administer it, for example, but they will not learn it until they practice it themselves.

Rushing through the requirements to obtain a badge is not the goal. Advancement should be a natural outcome of a well-rounded unit program, rich in opportunities to work toward the ranks.

No council, committee, district, unit, or individual has the authority to add to, or subtract from, advancement requirements. There are limited exceptions relating only to youth members with disabilities or special needs.

Scouting Programs

Cub Scouts Scouts BSA Venturing Sea Scouts

Boys & Girls Grades K-5 Youth 11-17 Coed Ages 14-20 Coed Ages 14-20

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Scouts BSA Advancement

Merit Badge Information

Merit badges are awards earned by Scouts in Scouts BSA for completing specific requirements in various subjects, such as sports, crafts, and life skills. Merit badges play a key role in a Scout's advancement, especially towards achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The earning of merit badges is overseen by a registered merit badge counselor, who is someone knowledgeable in the subject matter of the specific merit badge and is willing to share that knowledge and enthusiasm with Scouts.

To become a merit badge counselor (MBC), complete Safeguarding Youth Training at my.scouting.org, fill out a Merit Badge Counselor Information form and an Adult Application with Scouting Position Code 42, and submit to the Adventure West Council along with a copy of your certification of completion for Safeguarding Youth Training through your District Advancement Chair. If you are not already registered in another scouting position, there will be a $25 registration fee. The council and district advancement committee will review your information form and contact you regarding approval status.

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Special Merit Badge Restrictions

§ Several merit badges have specific training and/or certification requirements. The specific requirements of these merit badges are listed in the Guide to Advancement Section 7.0.1.0.

§ Citizenship in Society – Consistent with Scouting America guidance, the AWC does not authorize the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge to be offered in a camp setting or merit badge event. This includes summer camp, merit badge weekends, or other events which are held for Scouts to come together to earn merit badges.

Counselors for this merit badge must complete specific training requirements and be approved by their District Advancement Chair. (see below for requirements and link to progress record form)

§ AWC limits the number of merit badges an individual counselor can cover to 30 merit badges.

Serving Scouts with Disabilities

Scouting is a place where every young person can belong, grow, and thrive—regardless of ability. The Adventure West Council is committed to supporting youth with disabilities and special needs by fostering inclusive environments, offering personalized advancement pathways, and providing access to meaningful outdoor adventures. Whether your family is just beginning its Scouting journey or looking for additional support along the way, our goal is to ensure that every Scout has the opportunity to experience success, friendship, and leadership development at their own pace.

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Awards and Recognition

ARCs promote and present non-advancement awards and recognitions in accordance with the local council policies and procedures, including those related to training, leadership, outdoors, conservation, lifesaving, and others. A guide to available awards and recognitions is available at Scouting America’s Award Central.

Advancement Resources

General Information

Guide to Advancement

Scouting America Advancement Resources

Request for Extension of Time to Earn Eagle Scout Rank

MBC Information

Merit Badge Counselor Registration & Management Procedures

A Guide for Merit Badge Counseling

Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Counselor requirements

Council Policies & Procedures

Eagle Scout Candidate’s Guidebook

Special Needs and Disability Resources