Advancement

How do Scouts advance in rank?

As your Scout meets new requirements and earns his merit badges, he will advance in rank. Scouts need to have their requirements signed off in their Boy Scout Handbooks as they complete them. Boy Scout ranks are: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Life and Eagle. A Scoutmaster conference and the demonstration of scouting spirit are required to complete a rank advancement. See the Boy Scout Handbook for specific requirements for advancement in rank.

ADVANCEMENT – Merit Badges

What are the steps involved to earn a merit badge?

Merit badges encourage the Scout to increase his skills in areas where he already has an interest and provides adventure and opportunities to learn skills in new areas. Troop 1 offers merit badge classes throughout the year during regular Troop meetings. Scouts are also encouraged to work on badges independently with the assistance of a qualified merit badge counselor (always remembering to use the buddy system or have a parent or guardian present).

Steps toward earning a merit badge through a Troop 1 class during regular meetings:

1. Obtain the most current merit badge pamphlet from the Troop 1 library, the local public library or the River City Scout Shop (located at 251 Commerce Circle, Sacramento). (916) 649-1800.
2. Obtain a merit badge card (blue card) from the Advancement Chair. Your counselor will decide if you keep the card until the classes end or if they will.
3. Attend the weekly classes and be actively involved in the discussions and activities.
4. Complete any written work, site visitations or other out of class work that may be required. Show this work to your counselor and have them sign off your blue card for these requirements.
5. If you don’t complete the requirements by the end of the merit badge class sessions, complete them as soon as possible and contact the merit badge counselor to make an appointment to have your requirements checked and your blue card signed.
6. As soon as you have completed all of the requirements and your counselor has verified and signed your blue card present the signed blue card to the Advancement Chair.
7. The troop will purchase your badge and it will be presented to you at the next Court of Honor, along with your portion of the blue card.
8. It is important to retain the blue card for rank verification, especially when applying for Eagle rank.

Steps toward earning a merit badge working independently:

1. Obtain the most current merit badge pamphlet from the Troop 1 library, the local public library or the River City Scout Shop (located at 251 Commerce Circle, Sacramento). (916) 649-1800.
2. Obtain a merit badge card (blue card) from the Advancement Chair.
3. Obtain the list of counselors for your chosen badge from Merit Badge Coordinator. Contact a counselor and discuss the requirements with them. Make sure you know their expectations for each of the requirements.
4. Complete any written work, site visitations or other out of class work that may be required.
5. When you have completed all of the requirements, schedule an appointment with the merit badge counselor to verify successful completion of the badge requirements. Remember to use the buddy system or have a parent or guardian with you when you meet with your counselor.
6. As soon as you have completed all of the requirements and your counselor has verified and signed your blue card present the signed blue card to the Advancement Chair.
7. The troop will purchase your badge and it will be presented to you at the next Court of Honor, along with your portion of the blue card.
8. It is important to retain the blue card for rank verification, especially when applying for Eagle rank.

What are the available merit badges?

To see the current list of available merit badges, go to www.scouting.org.