Whether you’re looking for information regarding the many Advancement opportunities or Awards that may be earned, you’ve come to the right place! Click on the drop-downs below to explore the opportunities that are available to leaders, parents, and youth.
Advancement
Update September 8, 2023- Units will no longer need to turn in an advancement form to the local scout shops. Units will need continue to log their rank advancements in Scoutbook or using Internet Advancement. Scoutbook and Internet Advancement all sync with the our National system. When purchasing restricted items from the your local Scout Shop units must show proof-e.g display on phone, printed purchase order, etc- that ranks have been earned and recorded correctly. Nothing will be collected from the customer.
The (original) Internet Advancement platform was closed June 10, 2019 for use by Packs, Troops, Crews, and Ships. This platform is still available for use by Explorer Posts. When a unit tries to login or create an account, they will be redirected to a landing page with additional explanation on the changes.
- Scoutbook/Internet Advancement information
- Link to the Scoutbook
- FAQ for Scoutbook and Internet Advancement
- Religious Emblems Program
- Scouts BSA Rank and Badge changes effective January 01, 2024
- Link to most current badge requirements
- Guide to Advancement
Eagle Scouts
Reaching the Top
The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest and most prestigious achievement a Scout can achieve. Highly respected, the title of Eagle Scout carries with it a special significance not only in Scouting, but also in school, business and the community for a lifetime. To attain Eagle, a Scout must earn at least 21 merit badges, display leadership and outdoor skills, demonstrate by example the Scout Oath and Law and complete a comprehensive service project in the community.
Eagle Rank Resources
- Electronic Eagle Scout Application Process (how to contact the Council through email)
- Life to Eagle Process
- Eagle Scout Scholarship Opportunities
- Eagle Scout Association
- Forms (includes the Eagle Rank Application and the Workbook)
- License Plates (after clicking, scroll down to the Other Giving accordion, on the left side of the page, for more information)
- Eagles Lifting Eagles Support our annual class of Eagle Scouts with sponsoring their Eagle Award Kit.
Eagle Scout Palms
- Scouts BSA will no longer have to wait three months between Eagle Palms. They will have to
earn five additional merit badges, and live by the Scout Oath and Law. Effective date January 01, 2024
Eagle Scout Extension Process
The Council has authority to grant limited extensions of time to complete Eagle, Quartermaster and Summit requirements. These will be reviewed at a local Council level following the National guidelines. Youth members who qualify under the three tests listed in the guide material may apply.
- Eagle Extension Instructions
- Eagle Extension Form (Submit this form to eagle@stlbsa.org)
- Eagle Extension FAQ
- Eagle Extension Request and Review Process
- Appealing A Time Extension Request Denial
- Appeal of Extension Request Denial Form
Citizenship in Society Merit Badge- The Eagle requirements (1 through 6) must be completed before July 1, 2022. The application does not have to be verified, nor the Board of Review held before July 1st. But if any requirements are not finished before 7/01/22 the Scout must do the Citizenship in Society merit badge.
Eagle Trail Workshop
Eagle Trail Workshops
Jump start your journey along the trail to Eagle with this workshop! The workshop is a unique experience where Scouts work with counselors on three Eagle required badges and the Life-to-Eagle process.
2025 Workshop Dates
August 4th-7th 9:00am-1:30pm| REGISTER HERE
Learn About Nova - S.T.E.M. based awards
- National Nova Program – Familiarize yourself with the BSA NOVA program and find all the newest updates.
- STEM STAR Patch - New to GSLAC Scouts. Earn this patch by going down the STEM trail while earning other core BSA advancements. Can you be a star in STEM, absolutely. The application is now available - apply HERE! Thanks to Daugherty Business Solutions as our patch sponsor!
- Nova Unit Guides – Need some help bringing STEM to your Unit? The National STEM Committee developed STEM Unit Guides for Cub Scouts and for Scouts BSA.
- STEM merch can be found at Gateway Traders.
Merit Badge Counselors
More detailed information here
Guide for Merit Badge Counseling
Merit Badge Counselor Training - As of February 2024 the Advancement Committee adopted the policy that Merit Badge Counselors must be trained for this position. This will help ensure that all scouts are receiving the same counseling experience. All existing counselor must be trained by June 1, 2024. New counselor request or additional badge request will not be approved until the training has been completed. This is a one time training. The training is located in my.scouting.org in the Scouts BSA section.
New Counselors (who are not a current member )- when a non-member wishes to apply to become a counselor please do not schedule any time with scouts until you have received an email from the Council office stating that approval has occurred. All training must be completed (Youth Protection Training and Merit Badge Counselor Training), all documentation must be received at the Council office along with any fee that applies. The District must approve the application and the background check must be completed. The background check takes approximately 3 to 5 business days. District approval takes a varied amount of time, anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Merit Badge Counselor Renewals - You will be contacted via email the month your registration will expire with instructions on how to renew and pay the $25 fee if applicable. To make the renewals run smoothly please make sure you have completed the Merit Badge Counselor Training and make sure your Youth Protection Training up to date.
Merit Badge Counselor Fees - The new merit badge counselor fee became effective on August 1, 2023 for anyone becoming a merit badge counselor that is not registered in a unit or district. If you are considering joining a unit in addition to becoming a merit badge counselor it is best to join the unit first. The merit badge counselor position would then be a multiple position at no cost.
- How to Become a Member and MBC - Non members instructions
- How to Become a Counselor or add a badge - Member instructions
Forms
- Merit Badge Counselor Application 2023 (click to open a downloadable PDF in a new browser tab)
- Supernova Mentor Application (click to open a fillable PDF in a new browser tab)
- Fillable Blue Cards
- Adult Application 2023
Badge Request and Directory Search
Counselor Directory and Online Application
My.Scouting help: If you experience issues with my.scouting please clear cache/cookies from your computer as these can cause the program to hang up. Using an incognito or private window can be helpful, though if you do this please make sure to save the completion certificate you receive at the end. Update your browser if you are running an older version. Clear browser history. Use Chrome.
New Badge - Citizenship in Society- When applying to become a counselor for this badge please complete the supplemental form and email it to 312meritbadgecounselor@stlbsa.org or deliver/mail it to any of our council service centers. This badge requires additional training due to the unique way this badge is conducted. Please take the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Scouting Training located at my.scouting.org required training. On your counselor application please list your qualifications and and any experience you have regarding this topic. Anticipate that counselor approval for this badge may take longer than usual.
CITIZENSHIP IN SOCIETY agreement (supplemental form)
Diversity- Equity-Inclusion Training
If you experience any issues with the Merit Badge Counselor process please contact: 312meritbadgecounselor@stlbsa.org
Merit Badge Skill Centers
- Click here to see classes offered by Council Approved Program Partners
- GSLAC Merit Badge Group Instruction Policy Form
- Citizenship in the Nation |Cape Girardeau August 7th |St. Louis July 1st | see the Council Approved Program Partners (above) for sign up information Merit Badge Classes:
- Dog Care at Humane Society | Ongoing Zoom classes | Sign Up Here
- Various classes with Gateway Arch | Sign up starts Jan 06, 2025| Gateway Arch Information Here
- Safety, First Aid, and Emergency Preparedness at Ameren "Be Prepared" Day | Sign up Here
- Genealogy May 24 and October 4 | Sign up Here
Merit Badge Sponsor Information
Summer Camp Merit Badge Makeup Day
August 2 at Beaumont Scout Reservation
2025 Merit Badge Makeup Day – Presented by the St. Louis Eagle Scout Association
The St. Louis Eagle Scout Association invites all scouts to its annual merit badge makeup day on Saturday, August 2nd from 8 AM to 12 PM at Beaumont Scout Reservation. This event is designed to help scouts who began a merit badge at summer camp, but did not finish, to complete the badge with counselors. All badges that are offered at a GSLAC summer camp will be supported at this event. The climbing tower, rifle range, shotgun range, archery range, and pool will all be available and staffed to allow scouts the opportunity to finish their badges.
***NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED***
***THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THIS EVENT***
***THIS EVENT IS TO HELP SCOUTS COMPLETE MERIT BADGE PARTIALS, NOT BEGIN NEW BADGES***
Scouts are welcome to come and go as needed. Certain areas, such as the climbing wall, may require additional time for scouts to complete so arriving early is highly recommended. Class A uniforms are highly encouraged. For further information, please contact mbmud@stlesa.org
Cub Advancement Workshops
*NEW* Cub Scout Advancement Workshop
We will be offering Cub Scout Advancement Workshops to help supplement dens to achieve their rank advancement.
Beaumont Scout Reservation
More dates and sessions coming soon.
University of Scouting
University of Scouting
University of Scouting is an event that offers the widest variety of Merit Badge clinics as well as training opportunities, in all program areas, all in one place! You will find just about anything to do with Scouting at University of Scouting whether you are a Scout, leader, commissioner, or parent!
Webster University will be hosting this year! The event will take place November 4th from 8am to 4pm. Signups coming soon.
2025 Date and location coming soon
Scouts BSA Voyageur Workshop
What is it?
Calling all Scouts BSA! We have an action-packed event that is designed to help our first-year Scouts along their advancement trail and enjoy some of the fun activities available at our camps. The workshop runs from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
Join us for Map and Compass, Fire Building, First Aid, and Knots and Lashing instruction. Don’t miss this chance to have an awesome day at camp while fulfilling many Scout through First Class rank requirements!
Event Dates
March 29, 2025| Beaumont Scout Reservation
Register Here