In Scouts BSA, each scout advances at their own pace. Attending meetings and campout is a great way to learn new skills, visit with friends, and…advance. Each scout should own a physical Scoutbook where they can track their skills and campouts. To formally register your skills, you must meet with a scout two ranks higher to talk about what you did to learn the skill. Once you are signed off, give your book the the Advancement Chair for entry into our online tracking system.
Scout Oath and Law
Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Law
A Scout is …
Trustworthy,
Loyal,
Helpful,
Friendly,
Courteous,
Kind,
Obedient,
Cheerful,
Thrifty,
Brave,
Clean,
and Reverent.
We recite the Scout Oath and Law at every meeting and Board of Review — but do we really think about what we’re saying?
Understanding the Oath and Law is required for earning the Scout rank, and more importantly, it’s the foundation of what it means to be a Scout.
When we say “do my duty to God and my country,” it doesn’t mean becoming a priest or joining the military. It means showing respect for faith, participating in religious life, and supporting our country — even by encouraging your parents to vote.
“To help other people at all times” is simple: if someone needs help, offer it.
“To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight” means taking care of your body, staying aware of the world around you, and living by strong values — even when no one’s watching.
The Scout Law reminds us what a Scout is — trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
These aren’t just words — they’re a guide to how we live, serve, and lead every day.
Merit Badges
Merit Badges are unique rewards. Each one teaches a separate skill, and there are currently over 100 different merit badges. To get to Eagle a scout must first complete merit badges. Some of them must be specific merit badges with fundamental scouting values such as camping or first aid. These are eagle required. The scout can also choose from any merit badge to get the remaining merit badges. Adults in the troop can also get involved by volunteering to teach a merit badge.
Troop 10 has written a detailed document describing the Merit Badge Progress, which can be found here: Policy for Merit Badge Progress
Scouting.org also has a series of pages with information on every merit badge and its requirements.