A fundamental purpose of advancement is the self-confidence a young man or woman acquires from his participation in Scouting.
Scouting uses eight methods to fulfill its aims of character development, citizenship training, leadership, and physical fitness.
Cub Scouts use activities call Adventures to earn promotion, following a three step process of: preparation, qualification, and recognition.
Youth participate in Cub Scouting from age 5 to 10, working through Lion, Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light.
The first phase of Scout to First Class is designed to teach the Scoutcraft skills, how to participate in a group and to learn self-reliance.
Focus turns toward individual achievement, leadership and community service once First Class is earned.
The ranks of Star,[9] Life[10] and Eagle[11] require a set number of merit badges (minimum of 21 for Eagle Scout, with 13 from a compulsory list), as well as a minimum of time spent in a troop leadership position, and community service requirements, among other things.
The Order of the Arrow (OA) is the BSA's national honor society for experienced campers, based on American Indian traditions, and dedicated to the ideal of cheerful service.
[14] A Bronze Award[15] may be earned for each category of arts and hobbies, outdoor, community and religious life, sea Scouting and sports.
In Sea Scouts, the traditional advancement program consists of the 4 ranks in the following order Apprentice, Ordinary, Able, and finally Quartermaster.
These STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) awards are for all three levels of youth scouting.
Cub Scout leaders who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by a system of awards.
Scouts, BSA adult leaders who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by a system of awards.
Venturing adult leaders who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by a system of awards.
Sea Scout adult leaders who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by a system of awards.
Unofficial knots with multiple tridents are sometimes worn to represent a staff member or course director.
The Scouter's Key is a set of recognitions for primary unit leaders who complete advanced tenure, training and performance requirements.
Named after Whitney M Young Jr., and recognizes outstanding services by an adult individual or an organization for demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for youth from rural or low-income urban backgrounds.
Recognizes outstanding services by an adult individual or an organization for demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for Hispanic American/Latino youth.
Recognizes outstanding services by an adult individual or an organization for demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for Asian American youth.