6 Eagle Scouts from Troop 49 Ossining, awarded June 2011

Advancement is one of the methods used to achieve the aims of Scouting in all four phases of the Scouting program.

The aims of Scouting are character building, citizenship training, and physical and mental fitness.

Cub Scouting
The Cub Scout program in the den and the pack is the basis for Cub Scout advancement.

The steps in Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, and Webelos Scout advancement procedures are preparation, qualification, and recognition.

Cub Scouting has the following ranks: Tiger Cub, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light.

The requirements to reach each rank are authorized by the National Executive Board and set forth in the Tiger Cub Handbook, Wolf Cub Scout Book, Bear Cub Scout Book, and Webelos Scout Book.

Boy Scouting
The Boy Scout requirements for rank are the basis for a Boy Scout's advancement.

There are four steps in the Boy Scout advancement procedure: learning, testing, reviewing, and recognition.

Boy Scouting has the following ranks: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle.

The requirements for each rank are those authorized by the National Executive Board and set forth in the Boy Scout Handbook and the current Boy Scout Requirements book.

Merit Badge Counseling
Life to Eagle 

NESA Scholarship Forms

Varsity Scouting
The Varsity Scout requirements for rank advancement are the same as for Boy Scouts.
However, the advancement program is supervised by a youth member called an advancement program manager, who is assisted by an adult on the team committee.

Venturing
A male Venturer who has achieved the First Class rank as a Boy Scout in a troop or as a Varsity Scout in a team may continue working toward the Eagle Scout rank as a Venturer until his 18th birthday. There is no alternate Venturing advancement route to qualify for the Eagle Scout rank.

The Venturing Bronze, Gold, Silver, Ranger, and Quartermaster Awards may be earned by all Venturers who meet certain requirements. Details on Venturing advancement can be found in the Venturer Handbook, Ranger Guidebook, Venturing Leader Manual, and Sea Scout Manual.

In Westchester-Putnam Council, the Advancement Committee is dedicated to assisting our fellow volunteers at the unit and district level in any way possible to bring a balanced, uniform complete Advancement program to all Cubs, Boy Scouts and Venturers throughout the council. At any time, any one should be feel comfortable discussing questions or concerns with any of the chairmen listed below.

Advancement Policies & Procedures

Internet Advancement

Lifesaving and Meritorious Awards