Advancement
Advancement is how Scouts set goals, build skills, and recognize their progress throughout the Scouting program.
Use the resources below to find information about advancement, merit badges, Eagle Scout requirements, and other recognition programs.
Quick Links
Eagle Scout
Find Eagle Scout process information, project resources, requirements, and local procedures.
Visit All Things Eagle Scout →Merit Badge Counselors
Learn how to become a Merit Badge Counselor and share your knowledge with Scouts.
Become a Merit Badge Counselor →Guide to Advancement
Use Scouting America's Guide to Advancement as the primary reference for advancement policies and procedures.
View the Guide to Advancement →Other Advancement Information
Venturing & Sea Scout Leadership Awards
Find information about leadership awards for Venturing and Sea Scouts.
View Leadership Award Information →Cake & Logo Release Requests
Need permission to reproduce the Eagle Scout rank or another Scouting America logo on a cake?
Submit a Cake Release Form →District Advancement Support
Your local district Advancement Chair can help with advancement questions and local procedures.
Find Your District →Merit Badge Counselors
Merit Badge Counselors give Scouts the opportunity to learn directly from adults with knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm for a subject. Whether your expertise comes from your career, a hobby, or special training, becoming a Merit Badge Counselor is a great way to share what you know.
Become a Merit Badge Counselor
Greater Tampa Bay Area Council limits counselors to a maximum of 20 merit badges to help ensure counselors have meaningful knowledge and experience in the subjects they teach.
Merit Badge Counselors must renew annually in accordance with Scouting America policy.
To register:
- Complete and submit a Scouting America Adult Application using Position Code 42. There is no fee to register as a Merit Badge Counselor.
- Submit a Merit Badge Counselor Application.
- Submit proof of current Youth Protection Training.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be proficient in the merit badge subject through your vocation, avocation, or special training.
- Be able to work with Scout-age youth.
- Complete any required training through my.scouting.org.
Additional information is available through Scouting Magazine .
Share What You Know
Your profession, hobby, or experience can help a Scout discover something new. Merit Badge Counseling is one of the easiest ways to turn the skills you already have into a meaningful volunteer role.
Nova Counselors & Supernova Mentors
Nova Counselor
Follow the Merit Badge Counselor registration process above using Position Code 58.
No additional Nova Counselor Application is required.
Supernova Mentor
Use Position Code 52 and submit the Supernova Mentor Information Form in place of the Merit Badge Counselor Application.
Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors must be at least 21 years old.
Advancement Resources
General Advancement
Cub Scout Advancement
Scouts BSA Advancement
Venturing & Sea Scouts
Advancement Questions?
Your first resource should be your local district Advancement Chair .
For council-level advancement questions, contact John Sangiorgio, Greater Tampa Bay Area Council Advancement Chair, at gtbac.adv@gmail.com .
The Guide to Advancement should be used as the primary reference for advancement policies and procedures.