Advancement & Awards — Big Cypress District

Guide to Advancement

The Guide to Advancement is the official source for administering advancement in helps Scouters understand and implement the advancement programs and procedures of the Boy Scouts of America. Policies and procedures outlined in the Guide to Safe Scouting apply to all BSA activities, including those related to advancement and Eagle Scout service projects.

Additional information and best practices appear in other official BSA resources such as BSA Advancement News, the national Advancement Team’s Twitter feed, and the advancement educational presentations released by the national Advancement Committee. The latest advancement resources can be found on the BSA advancement resources page.

Units enter youth advancements, awards, and merit badges utilizing internet advancement.

Boards of Review

After a Scout in a troop has completed the requirements for any rank, they appear before a board of review. Its purpose is to determine the quality of their experience and decide whether they have fulfilled the requirements for the rank.

Eagle Scout Boards of Review: At least one district or council representative must serve as a member of an Eagle Scout board of review.

Request an Eagle Scout Board of Review

Eagle Scout Service Project

While a Life Scout, plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or your community. The project must benefit an organization other than Scouting. A project proposal must be approved by the organization benefiting from the effort, unit leader and unit committee, and the council or district before beginning. The Scout should request an Eagle Scout project approval meeting.

Request an Eagle Scout Project Approval Meeting

Resources:

STEM / NOVA Program

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are considered by many to be the foundation of an advanced society. In many forums - including political, governmental, and academic - the strength of the STEM workforce is viewed as an indicator of a nation's ability to sustain itself. The BSA's STEM initiative gives Scouts and opportunity to explore relevant skills and experiences and to be recognized for their achievements. The aim is to expose youth to new opportunities and help them develop the STEM skills critical for the competitive world marketplace.

Learn More

Resources

Advancement Educational Programs has several presentations that will enhance the Scouting advancement program.
BSA Advancement Resources
BSA Advancement News
Calendar of New Merit Badges
Guide to Advancement helps Scouters understand and implement the advancement programs and procedures of the Boy Scouts of America.
Eagle Scout Service Project Fundraising Application must be used by Scouts to obtain approval for Eagle Scout project fundraising or securing donations of materials for their Eagle projects.
Life to Eagle Scout resources
Policies and Guidelines
Service Project Guidelines contains age guidelines for tool use and work at elevations or excavations.
Service Project Planning Guidelines can be utilized for all Scouting service projects including Eagle Scout service projects.

Contacts

For additional information or questions about advancement, contact the district advancement chair.