Advancement & Awards
Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. Scouts plan their own advancement and progress at their own pace as they meet each challenge. Scouts are recognized and rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.
Advancement is the process by which youth members of the Boy Scouts of America progress from rank to rank and is the method by which we promote and encourage the ongoing involvement and commitment that keeps members coming back for more. It works best when it is built into a unit’s program so that simply participating leads to meaningful achievement and recognition—and to a continually improving readiness for more complex experiences.
COVID 19 Resources
Guidelines, updates, and resources to help units keep Scouting going safely under COVID-19 restrictions. You can find more resources at the Scouting At Home page.
Advancement Activities
Life to Eagle
William D. Boyce New Unit Organizer Award
In a heavy London fog in 1909, American businessman William D. Boyce became lost. He was approached by a youth who took Mr. Boyce to his destination. When offered a tip by Boyce, this unknown Scout refused to accept it, saying that he could not accept money for a good turn. This “Good Turn” gave birth to the Scouting movement in America. William D. Boyce was one of those organizing individuals who could see thousands of American youth exhibiting similar values. To support efforts to have Scouting in every community in America, the Boy Scouts of America presents the William D. Boyce New-Unit Organizer Award to volunteers who organize one new traditional unit.
The award consists of a square knot against a background of gold, green, and red, the three colors representing the three traditional programs of the Boy Scouts of America. A device for each type of traditional unit organized can be worn with the square knot. Learn more here: https://www.scouting.org/
Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting
The Worcester Diocese Catholic Committee on Scouting is calling for nominations for Adult Catholic Religious Awards due by February 8, 2023.
The awards are to recognize those adults in Scouting who have participated in promoting and teaching Catholic Faith Formation in Scouting through religious emblem programs, Scout Sunday observance, and various other activities relating to the Faith.
Nomination Forms:
Nomination forms should be submitted by February 8th to:
Vincent Matulaitis
DCCOS Nomination Chair
70 Moore Ave.
Worcester MA 01602
Email: matulv@yahoo.com
Background: The Bronze Pelican and the St. George Emblem are for those adults involved in the Cub and/or Boy Scout programs. A nominee for the Bronze Pelican has significantly influenced Catholic Scouting for at least three years. Nominees for the St. George emblem have previously received the Bronze Pelican and have made significant and outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youths through Scouting. Nomination forms should give a detailed description of how the nominee provides such outstanding contributions.
The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award and the St. Anne Adult Award are for those adults involved in Girl Scouts and/or American Heritage Girls programs. The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton award is intended to recognize notable contributions to the field of youth ministry. The St. Anne award is to honor the outstanding service of adults contributing to the spiritual development of Catholic members of girls’ organizations. A candidate for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton must have given a minimum of three years active service to youth as an adult. A candidate for St. Anne must have given a minimum of seven years active service to youth as an adult. A candidate for St. Anne must also have previously been awarded the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award.