Advancement & Awards Archives - Scouting magazine

Scouts and Scouters discover their inner strength on a bike ride across the country

On a cross-country journey, the group of Scouts and adults crossed four time zones and 15 states, making memories with each revolution of their pedals.

A path to earning the Hiking merit badge in a big city

Former Scoutmaster Mike DiTrani has completed five Philmont treks and frequently hikes in the Adirondacks, but some of his favorite hiking happens much closer to his Staten Island home.

Make a splash with the Oceanography merit badge

Tips for teaching the Oceanography merit badge.

Moviemaking merit badge lets Scouts be the stars

Your Scouts are the stars when they work on this badge.

Show others you speak their language with a special patch for your uniform

Interpreter strips speak to others that you’re the one to talk to.

Carve out some time for the Wood Carving merit badge

Tips for teaching a classic merit badge.

Hello, Scouts BSA!

Check here for frequently asked questions about the Scouts BSA program.

Scout them in, ASAP

Here are some tips on starting an all-girl troop from those who plan to do so when Scouts BSA launches in 2019.

Take your Scouts to new heights with the Climbing merit badge

Climbing is one of the most exciting merit badges available. It’s also one of a dozen badges where counselors and supervisors must have special qualifications.

Communication merit badge imparts an essential life skill

Communication is one of the merit badges required for the Eagle Scout rank. But counselor Paul McDonald of Overland Park, Kan., thinks it’s even more important than that.