Advancement

 

You can find all these new resource links in Scoutbook and new digital resources on our Merit Badge Hub. And this is just the beginning – we have more merit badges coming soon!

Where to Find Everything

Check out the Merit Badge Hub at https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/

Scouts BSA Test Lab Releases the new Dance Badge

• November 7, 2025

The Scouts BSA Test Lab just added the Dance badge—one of the most requested topics for potential future merit badges. Available now through November 1, 2026, this badge gives Scouts the chance to explore different dance styles, learn proper warm-up techniques, research famous dancers, and perform their own routine.

The Test Lab helps develop new topics for the Scouts BSA program. After completing the requirements, Scouts take a survey that shapes what becomes an official merit badge. If the feedback shows strong support, the Test Lab badge moves into the official merit badge lineup—and Scouts who earned it through the Test Lab get full credit.

Any registered adult can work with Scouts on Test Lab badges. When requirements are complete, Scouts receive a certificate of completion. Check out the full requirements and resources at https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/test-lab/dance/.

Scouts BSA Develops New Tech Merit Badges

• October 15, 2025

AI and Cybersecurity badges help Scouts learn digital skills

Scouting America and Scouts BSA is excited to launch two new merit badges that teach technology skills every young person needs. Two new merit badges highlighting artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, are now available to all Scouts nationwide!

Young people already use AI and face online risks every day. These new badges will help them understand how this technology works and how to stay safe online.

The badges will work with the recently released Scoutly AI Chatbot, giving Scouts real experience with AI tools. The new merit badges aim to help Scouts become smart, responsible users of technology.

What Scouts Will Learn

The AI Merit Badge teaches:

• AI basics and history- including different types of AI and how people use it daily
• Ethics and impact- exploring concepts of data privacy, unfair AI systems, and how AI affects jobs
• Future career options- in AI and related fields

The Cybersecurity Merit Badge covers:

• Finding cyber threats- like viruses, tricky emails, and weak spots in computer systems
• Learning real security skills- like making strong passwords, using firewalls, and protecting data
• Understanding online safety and smart digital behavior- risks of personal information, cyberbullying, and intellectual property
• Exploring cybersecurity careers- from security experts to digital crime investigators

Hands-On Learning

Both badges focus on real-world practice, not just reading about technology. The AI badge gets Scouts thinking about how to use technology responsibly. The cybersecurity badge teaches actual security skills along with safe online habits.

These badges join over 138 other merit badges that help young people explore new interests and possible careers. They’re part of Scouts BSA’s work to prepare Scouts for success in our digital world. For more information about merit badges and updates, visit scouting.org/skills/merit-badges.

Scouts BSA Launches Two New Test Lab Badges

• August 8, 2025

“Sewing and Needlework” and “Physics” now available for Scout feedback and exploration

Scouts BSA has two new badges coming to the Test Lab: the Sewing and Needlework badge and the Physics badge will be joining the Test Lab platform over the next few days for Scouts to test and share feedback.

These new Test Lab options came directly from requests we’ve received from Scouts and adult volunteers across the country. “We’re committed to listening to our Scouts and Scouters in the field and providing the best program opportunities possible,” said Scouts BSA communications representative Griffin Roblyer.

The Test Lab process is straightforward: Scouts can work on these experimental badges and tell us what they think. If enough Scouts participate and show interest, these options could become official merit badges down the road.

Our three original Test Lab badges are still going strong too. Auctioneering, Wildland Fire Management, and Life Skills are all available for Scouts to explore, and we haven’t made any decisions about their future yet. There’s still plenty of time for interested Scouts to jump in and help us figure out what works best.

The Test Lab gives Scouts a chance to try something new while helping shape the future of Scouting. If you have a Scout interested in developing basic hand and machine sewing skills or exploring the mysteries of motion, energy, and forces, now’s the time to get them involved!

Find all the Test Lab badges and get started at https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/test-lab/.

About the Scouts BSA Test Lab: The Test Lab is where we try out potential new merit badges with real Scouts before deciding whether to add them to the official program.

Digital Tools for Merit Badge Counselors Webinar Now Available

• November 7, 2025

Did you miss the Scouts BSA advancement webinar titled “Click, Learn, Earn: Digital Tools for Merit Badge Counselors”? The recording is now available to watch at your convenience. This session covers how to use digital tools effectively in the merit badge process, including best practices for incorporating digital resources, new online merit badges, the Scouts BSA Test Lab, and our new guide “Using Digital Tools to Strengthen the Merit Badge Experience.”

Whether you’re a unit leader, merit badge counselor, or parent helping your Scout, this webinar offers practical guidance on making the most of digital resources while maintaining the quality and excitement of the merit badge program.

Watch the full recording

Join us for future Scouts BSA Advancement Webinars! https://www.scouting.org/program-updates/new-advancement-webinars/.

Updates to the Guide to Advancement

Update of Eagle Extension and Special Needs Forms

• March 26, 2025

Scouting America has updated the following six forms to align with the new branding and the 2025 Guide to Advancement:

• 11.2.0.0 Request for Extension of Time (form), No. 512-077
• 11.2.1.0 Appeal of Extension Request Denial (form), No. 512-077a
• 11.3.0.0 Belated Rank Application, No. 512-076
• 11.4.0.0 Registration Beyond the Age of Eligibility, No. 512-935
• Individual Scout Advancement Plan, No. 512-936
• Application for Alternative Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges, No. 512-730

The most significant content update clarifies that only Life Scouts are eligible to apply for an extension of time to earn the Eagle Scout rank.

New forms can be found here: https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/resources/

Guidance for Updating Council Policies on Eagle Scout Letters of Reference

• February 14, 2025

The Scouts BSA Advancement committee has created two documents to assist Councils in updating their policies for Eagle Scout letters of Reference.

Eagle Scout References Pre and Post-January 1, 2025

This chart details the changes in the process of obtaining letters of recommendation for the rank of Eagle Scout, comparing pre and post-January 1, 2025. Download the file here

Considerations for the Life Scout

This document details some of the things Councils may want to share with their Eagle Scout candidates to maximize their chances of successfully obtaining letters of recommendation. Download the file here

• December 19, 2024

The Guide to Advancement has been updated and can be found https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/resources/
The majority of these changes were clarifications to reduce confusion and were based on feedback from the field. Significant changes may be found in Section 1.0.3.0. These changes will become effective on January 1, 2025.

For questions or concerns please email advancement.team@scouting.org

Merit Badge Updates for 2025

• December 10, 2024

Scouts BSA is excited to share the planned updates to Merit Badges that will take effect on January 1, 2025.  These updates will be reflected in Scoutbook and on our online Merit Badge Hub (https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/) towards the end of December.  These preliminary updates are subject to change before final implementation on January 1, 2025. 

Per the Guide to Advancement (https://www.scouting.org/resources/guide-to-advancement/), Section 7.0.4.3, any Scout beginning to work on a merit badge must use the updated online Merit Badge Hub requirements.  Scouts who have already started a Merit Badge may continue using the old requirements until the merit badge is completed or switch to the new requirements.

Download the Merit Badge Requirement Updates file here

Advancement Report Processing

Reporting Advancements to the council is required for all units.  Using Scoutbook to record unit advancement and to print an advancement report is highly recommended; but some circumstances may necessitate use of the BSA Advancement form which can be found here.

According to the Guide to Advancement 2021, all rank and merit badges are restricted items and will not be sold without the required advancement report or proof that one has already been submitted prior to their purchase.

Blue Card Records

Even with Scoutbook, blue cards are the Scout's official record for having completed merit badges.  Blue card records can be invaluable to confirm merit badges for Star, Life, and especially for Eagle Boards of Review. 

The Scout office no longer "stamps" the blue cards as they have done in the past.  It is advised that the Scout retain the blue cards for their records if verification of a merit badge needs to be confirmed as completed and signed off by a registered Merit Badge Counselor after turning in their Eagle Scout Project Workbook and Application.