Advancement

Rank Advancement

Scouting America has seven ranks that are typically separated into two categories.

The first category contains the first four ranks: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. These ranks focus on basic scout skills. In earning these ranks, a Scout will learn camping, cooking, navigation, first aid, fitness, and more. Once a Scout has demonstrated these necessary skills by earning the First Class rank, they are ready to begin working on further advancement.

The second category contains the other three ranks: Star, Life, and Eagle. These ranks are more focused on leadership and earning merit badges, as Scouts have learned the basic scout skills from their first four ranks. In earning these ranks, a Scout gives back to the troop by helping to teach and lead younger Scouts.

For rank requirements and more information about rank advancement, visit the national Scouting America website.

Merit Badges

Merit badges give Scouts the opportunity to learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers. Scouting America has over 135 different merit badges that Scouts can earn!

To work on a merit badge, you should follow the steps below:

Reach out to Scoutmaster to get approval to start a new merit badge.
Scoutmaster will then assign you a Merit Badge Counselor (MBC).
Reach out to that MBC to make arrangements to work on the merit badge.
Finish all merit badge requirements and have your MBC sign completion on blue card or on Scoutbook.
Get Scoutmaster’s signature on blue card or Scoutbook.
Receive merit badge at next Court of Honor.

Some helpful resources for merit badges include the official merit badge booklets and the US Scouting Service Project merit badge workbooks. Both resources are linked below. You can also purchase merit badge booklets from the Scout Shop or check our troop library.

Merit Badge Booklets

Merit Badge Workbooks

Trail to Eagle

The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Scouting America program. Life Scouts who wish to pursue this lofty goal must earn 21 merit badges (14 of which are mandatory), serve in various leadership positions, and live the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This includes leading an extensive service project called the Eagle Scout Project.

For Scouts in Troop 192 to work on Eagle, you start looking for an Eagle Coach and begin thinking about what you would like to do for your project. Work to earn your 21 merit badges and make sure that you are in an appropriate leadership position. While doing this, you should also talk to the Scoutmaster and relay your plan for working towards the Eagle rank.

To download the official Eagle Scout Workbook, visit this link.

Leadership

Troop 192 is a Scout-led troop, where Scouts are elected into leadership positions by their peers and supported by an experienced group of adult Scouters.

The troop leader is the Senior Patrol Leader, who is supported by a group of Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders. The troop is organized into patrols, which are each led by a Patrol Leader. These positions, along with the troop Quartermaster, who manages the troop’s gear, make up the Patrol Leader’s Council (PLC). The PLC plans and leads troop activities with assistance from adult leaders.

Each year, the Scouts in new leadership positions attend Junior Leadership Training in March with Troops 804 and 1214. There they learn valuable leadership skills and plan for the coming year!

Youth Leadership Position Descriptions

Service

Not only is service part of the requirements for the ranks in Scouting, it also provides an opportunity to help others in our community and “do a good turn daily.” Troop 192 places a big emphasis on service both inside and outside of Scouting, and many of our girls are involved in service organizations outside of Scouting America.

Listed below are just some of the service opportunities available for Scouts in Troop 192.

Volunteering at Camp River Hawk (formerly Camp Tomahawk) during the summer as a youth aide.
Helping at Eagle Scout Projects.
Clearing invasive species off of hiking trails in the area.
Attending service days like Jingle Bell Beaver Day at Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation.
Collecting food every year from neighbors, families, and friends for Scouting For Food.
Getting involved in the Order of the Arrow (Scouting’s National Honor Society) if you are a member. The OA places a huge emphasis on cheerful service and there are lots of opportunities for service in the organization.