Advancement Overview
Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. Scouts plan their own advancement and progress at their own pace as they meet each challenge. Scouts are recognized and rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.
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Advancement is the process by which youth members of the Boy Scouts of America progress from rank to rank and is the method by which we promote and encourage the ongoing involvement and commitment that keeps members coming back for more. It works best when it is built into a unit’s program so that simply participating leads to meaningful achievement and recognition—and to a continually improving readiness for more complex experiences.
​Arrow of Light Transition to Scouts BSA
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Arrow of Light is the final badge of rank in Cub Scouting for 5th graders and is designed to prepare Cub Scouts to join a Scouts BSA Troop.
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The newly graduated scout and their family should be familiar and comfortable with the youth and adult leaders of the Scouts BSA troop, their role in the troop and troop activities, and feel excited about beginning this new adventure.
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The key factor to a strong Arrow of Light to Scouts BSA transition is the ongoing working relationship of the leaders of a Cub Scout pack, the Arrow of Light den leader, and the adult leaders of the Scouts BSA troop.
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By planning and coordinating their efforts, the pack and troop can help make the Arrow of Light - to - Scouts BSA transition seamless and give all Arrow of Light Scouts a chance to experience the fun and excitement of joining a Scouts BSA troop.
Arrow of Light to
Scouts BSA Guide
Tenderfoot
TENDERFOOT, the second rank, recognizes new skills in Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth, and Scout Spirit. To earn the Tenderfoot rank, you’ll spend the night in a tent you help pitch, begin learning first aid, assist in preparing a camp meal, and begin learning to use and care for camp tools like a knife, saw, and ax.
Second Class
To earn the SECOND CLASS rank, you’ll expand your Scoutcraft skills, spending more nights outdoors, building a campfire, planning and cooking camp meals, the using a compass and map, identifying wild animals and plants, and developing swimming and water rescue skills. You’ll also perform community service and begin learning about things like earning and saving money.
