The Scouts BSA Advancement Program is subtle. It places a series of challenges in front of a Scout in a manner that is fun and educational to a boy or girl. As Scouts meet these challenges, they achieve the aims of  Scouts BSA. A boy or girl advances and grows in the Scouts BSA program in the same way a plant grows by receiving nourishment in the right environment. The job of adults concerned with advancement is to provide the right environment.

One of the greatest needs of boys and girls is confidence. There are three kinds of confidence that boys and girls need: in themselves, in peers, and in leaders. Educators and counselors agree that the best way to build confidence is through measurement. Self-Confidence is developed by measuring up to a challenge or a standard. Peer Confidence develops when the same measuring system is used for everyone – when all must meet the same challenges to receive equal recognition. Confidence in Leaders comes about when there is consistency in measuring – when leaders use a single standard of fairness.

When a badge and certificate are awarded to a Scout to recognize that he or she has achieved a rank, they represent that a boy or girl has:

• Been an active participant in their troop and patrol.
• Demonstrated living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Law in their daily life.
• Met the other requirements and/or earned the Merit Badges for the rank.
• Participated in a Scoutmaster conference.
• Satisfactorily appeared before a board of review.

In the advanced ranks (Star, Life and Eagle), the badge represents that the boy or girl has also:

• Served in a position of responsibility in the troop.
• Performed service to others.

No council, district, unit or individual has the authority to add to or subtract from any advancement requirement. A Scouts BSA badge recognizes what a boy or girl is able to do; it is not a reward for what they have done. Standards for joining a Scouts BSA troop and for advancement are listed in the latest printing of the Scouts BSA Handbook and the Scouts BSA Requirements book.