Award Medals; Worn by Boy Scouts indicating their current Rank upon completing the Board of Review. Or recognized by the National Council or recognized by another organization.

There are Five main Scouting Programs; Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, and Exploring.

Cub Scouting has seven, they are; Lion, Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light.

Scouts BSA has seven ranks, they are; Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle.

Venturing ranks are; Venturing, Discovery, Pathfinder, and Summit.

Sea Scouts Ranks are; Apprentice, Ordinary, Able, and Quartermaster.

In Exploring there are; Explorer Ranger, Explorer Silver, Explorer Achievement Award, Explorer G.O.L.D.. Venturing Silver and Arrow of Light, Eagle Scout, Sea Scout Quartermaster, Venturing Summit. And the current ranks of Arrow of Light, Eagle Scout, Sea Scout Quartermaster and Venturing Summit.

Advancement from the BSA website:

“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.

Also, Advancement is the process by which youth members of the Boy Scouts of America progress from rank to rank, It 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. Thus, leading to a continually improving readiness for more complex experiences”