Advancement

The Scouting program has three specific objectives, commonly referred to as the "Aims of Scouting." They are character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. The methods by which the aims are achieved are listed below in random order to emphasize the equal importance of each:

Ideals  •   Patrols  •   Outdoor Program  •   Advancement  •   Associations with Adults  •  
Personal Growth  •   Leadership Development  •   Uniform

Note that advancement is only one of these 8 methods. See the Troop 226 Family Guidebook for detailed descriptions of each of these methods.

Advancement in Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them. The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.