Advancement & Awards — Texas Skies District, SHAC

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.

COVID-19 FAQ

Internet advancement allows units to enter youth advancements, awards, and merit badges.

Boards of Review

After a Scout 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. To schedule an Eagle Scout board of review, contact the district advancement chair.

Eagle Scout Service Projects

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 the Boy Scouts of America. A project proposal must be approved by the organization benefiting from the effort, your unit leader and unit committee, and the council or district before you start. To obtain approval from the district for an Eagle Scout service project, contact the Eagle Scout service project review chair.

Resources:

How to Request an Eagle Scout Service Project District Review:

After completing the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook and securing approval signatures from the beneficiary and unit, the Scout should email contact the Eagle Scout service project review chair and include:

troop number
scanned copy of the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook with signatures (except the district signature)
Cc the parent or adult leader (e.g., Scoutmaster, Life to Eagle Advisor)

Expect a response within one to two weekdays. For the council/district contact, type Derek Spier with the council address and phone. Initial communications will be conducted via email and then a time will be scheduled to meet and discuss the project to get approval (typically at the district roundtable). For more info, please visit SHAC Advancing from Life to Eagle. For questions, contact the district Eagle Scout Service Project Review Chair (not the council office).

Advancing from Life to Eagle Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook Questions

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.