Advancement & Awards Archives - Scouting magazine

Earn a BSA aquatics award this summer

By Mark Ray

From the Mile Swim award, Boardsailing, Stand Up Paddleboarding and more, find out how your Scouts can earn a special aquatics award.

Answers to FAQs About Merit Badge Counselors

By Scouting magazine

Merit Badge Counselors are essential players in the advancement program. Here’s what you need to know.

The sky’s the limit with the Astronomy merit badge

By Scouting magazine

You don’t need expensive equipment to introduce your Scouts to astronomy, according to veteran merit badge counselors.

Tips for teaching Family Life merit badge today

By Scouting magazine

Family Life merit badge can be both interesting and challenging for many Scouts, no matter what kind of family they come from.

Scouting’s core leadership awards can help you be a better leader

By Scouting magazine

The BSA’s training awards and keys can help you track your progress and help you be a more successful leader.

Getting schooled on rules for merit badge classes, fairs and universities

By Michael Freeman

The rules of group merit badge instruction.

Strike a chord with the Music merit badge

By Michael Freeman

The right location makes the Music merit badge really resonate.

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

By Michael Freeman

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

By Michael Freeman

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

By Michael Freeman

Tips for teaching the Oceanography merit badge.