Advancement

Our Scouting year runs from September through August of each year with the majority of our meetings and activities taking place during the school year – September through mid-June; however, we do have Pack activities during the summer months.

For most meetings, Scouts will meet with their Den (age level group) to work on requirements (adventures or pins) toward rank advancement. Most adventures are separated into 2 Den meetings and an outing. Approximately every 6 meetings, a Pack meeting is held to award advancement belt loop adventures and pins earned since the previous Pack meeting. It is the responsibility of the parents and the Den Leader to keep track of the Scouts’ advancement progress (tracked through the Scoutbook program).

Cub Scouts have the opportunity to earn both required and elective recognition devices as they work toward their ranks. Each Cub Scout rank advancement requires the completion of 8 total adventures as shown below. The Scout handbook outlines each rank’s advancement plan and required adventures. They also can earn recognition for additional elective adventures they choose to complete beyond those required for their rank. Lion, Tiger, Wolf, and Bear Scouts earn adventure loops to be worn on their belt, and Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts earn pins they wear on their Adventure Rank Colors.

• Cub Scouts have the opportunity to earn both required and elective recognition devices as they work toward their rank badge. Each Cub Scout rank advancement requires the completion of 8 total adventures.

• The Scout handbook outlines each rank’s advancement plan and required adventures. Cub Scouts also can earn recognition for additional elective adventures they choose to complete beyond those required for their rank.

• Pack 215 tracks all advancement through the Scoutbook online system. 

  • Parents are asked to sign up for a free account to help track their Scouts’ advancements progress and account.

  • If adventure requirements are completed at home, parents are encouraged to enter those into Scoutbook for their Scout for approval and recognition.

• Lion, Tiger, Wolf, and Bear Scouts earn adventure loops which are to be worn on their belt, and Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts earn pins they can wear on their Webelos colors.

• Pack 215 holds an awards night approximately every 6 weeks with families and friends invited. Pack Awards Nights are a joyous occasion where all Scouts who have moved up a rank or who have earned adventure loops/pins since the last awards night are recognized.

  • Pack 215 holds a special awards night in celebration of the Cub Scout birthday in February each year. The "Blue & Gold Banquet" may be organized as a birthday party or may be held with a catered meal (depending on funds for the year). Special awards are given in addition to the normal Scout awards.

  • At the end of the “Scouting year” in June, Pack 215 holds an End-Of-Year Celebration. During the evening, final awards and ranks for the year are given out, Scouts are promoted to their next den. Family and friends are always invited to join the Pack for this celebration.

  • Arrow of Light Scouts are “crossed over” to the Scouts BSA (troop) program through a special ceremony which may be done at either the Blue & Gold Banquet or during the End-of-Year Celebration.