Advancing in rank expands a Scout’s horizons
Advancement is the process Scouts use to progress from rank to rank. It is one of eight methods Scouting America has developed to help leaders carry out Scouting’s aims and mission. Everything a Scout does to advance – to earn ranks and other awards and recognitions – is designed to educate or to otherwise expand a Scout’s horizons. From the time a member joins, they learn and develop according to defined standards.
Experiential learning is key to meeting these standards. When Scouts are offered exciting and meaningful activities, education happens. Learning comes from doing. For example: Scouts may read about first aid, hear it discussed and watch others administer it, but they will not learn it until they practice it themselves.
Rushing through the requirements to obtain a badge is not the goal. Advancement should be a natural outcome of a well-rounded unit program, rich in opportunities to work toward the ranks.

The Advancement and Recognition Committee’s role
The GreatSW-Yucca Council’s Advancement Committee is responsible for serving our Scouts’ advancement and recognition needs and providing guidance for Scouters who administer the program. Along with District Advancement Chairs (DAC), our committee is tasked with ensuring adherence to the requirements established by the National Council and the GreatSW-Yucca Council. Our Council’s Advancement Committee includes each of the District Advancement Chairs and other volunteers. Each DAC is an experienced advancement volunteer. Other committee members join us to share their expertise and to keep learning more. Our committee is advised by and reports to a
professional staff advisor who provides coaching and guidance – especially as it relates to National Policies and Procedures. We work closely with the other efforts and functions within the GreatSW- Yucca Council to deliver and support the Scouting program.
Scouts and Scouters with advancement and recognition related comments, issues, or concerns should first contact their District Advancement Chair for guidance or resolution. The chart below will help you determine which District you are in. As necessary, the DAC will contact the correct individuals on the Council Advancement Committee for further guidance or resolution.







Eagle Scout Requirements
Look first at your Scout Handbook for the general idea of what is required to earn the Eagle Rank. The current Eagle Scout Rank Application from the National site shows the exact requirements you need to meet to earn the Eagle Rank. The Eagle Service Project is one of the requirements and the Eagle Project Workbook is the workbook you will need to use before, during and after your Eagle Project. The main reference for all Advancement is the Guide to Advancement (GTA). Section 9 is about the Eagle Scout Rank and has links to many resources. National keeps these items updated, so you are getting the most current information.All this can be confusing, so remember that your leaders can contact your local DistrictAdvancement Chair for clarification. They are very familiar with the ins and outs of earning Eagle.

Training for Scouts and Parents
Date/Time: Usually in Oct, 10 am to 12 pm
Location: TBD, probably one of the 2 Scout offices.
Becoming an Eagle Scout is one of the most challenging yet rewarding things that you can achieve. Working through the requirements to become an Eagle Scout gives you invaluable experience in a wide variety of fields of study and allows for firsthand interaction; not just a lesson from a book. These experiences will become an important part of your life that will remain with you forever. The information in the links below serve as guides for the Life Scout, Their Scout Leaders, and their families. Share the information you find and share your progress with the adults helping you along
the trail to the Eagle Rank. Ou will do the work, but it helps to have one or more adults monitoring your progress to decrease the risk of time-consuming mistakes on your journey. After looking at the linked resources you may be glad to hear that the Life to Eagle Training will explain the process and the paperwork required to attain the Eagle Rank. We invite the Life Scout, their parents, and their Leaders to attend physically or via Zoom. The Advancement Committee offers this training each Fall and it usually runs from 10 am to noon on a Saturday. 2025 date TBD.
Changes in the Eagle process are frequent, and this training will help you succeed within the current expectations that apply to you. We will attach the Zoom link ASAP for the Life to Eagle class. We are excited to see what your Eagle Service Project will be! Click on Advancement Committee if you have any questions.



Are you having fun with Advancement and want to dive a little deeper?Contact Lois Caipen GreatSW-Yucca Council Advancement Chair at Locaipen@aol.com