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.
A full description of the advancement method and its principles is available on the national Scouting advancement web page.
What is available to Scouts, Leaders, and Parents?
Advancement Resources
The following resources provide additional information about advancement. Links are provided to materials that are available online. Information specifically relevant at the unit, district, and specialized levels may be found within the sidebars.
Eagle Scout Rank Resources
- Click here to review the temporary transition rules for youth over 16 but not yet 18 years of age on February 1, 2019 interested in earning the Eagle Scout rank.
- Step-by-Step Process for the Eagle Scout Rank
- Ventura County Council “Trail to Eagle Presentation” Notes for Scouts & Parents
- Ventura County Council “Trail to Eagle Presentation” Notes for Unit Leaders
- The Eagle Scout Service Project – Ways to Come Up With a Project
- District/Council Eagle Scout Service Project Approval Representative Contact List
- The Eagle Scout Service Project – Parent’s Guide
- Eagle Scout Reference Solicitation Letter Template – MS Word Format
- Eagle Scout Rank Application
- Eagle Scout Project Workbook
- Application for Alternative Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges
- I’ve Submitted My Eagle Scout Materials – What’s Next?
Resources from the National Advancement Task Force
- Guide to Advancement (On-line version)
- Guide to Advancement (PDF download)
- Advancement Resources & Forms from the National Advancement Task Force
- Advancement News – Official Publication of the National Advancement Task Force
- Religious Emblems Programs
Resources from the Ventura County Council Advancement Committee
What’s New in Advancement & Recognition?
1/28/2019
- The Trail to Eagle Presentation Notes for Scouts and Parents has been updated.
- The Trail to Eagle Presentation Notes for Unit Leaders has been updated.
11/5/2018
- This page was updated to reference the National Advancement Task Force’s description of the advancement method and principles (now reflects what we used to have).
- This page has been reorganized to collect Eagle Scout rank information between Ventura County Council and national into one topic area.
- Click here to review the temporary transition rules for youth over 16 but not yet 18 years of age on February 1, 2019 interested in earning the Eagle Scout rank.
- The handouts from the Council/District Planning meeting of 11/3/2018 have been made available.
- The Trail to Eagle Presentation Notes for Scouts and Parents has been updated.
- The Trail to Eagle Presentation Notes for Unit Leaders has been updated.
- The Silver Beaver and Other Adult Awards page has been updated to include the Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award