Advancement reporting is required

Reporting of individual Scout's advancement is necessary for several reasons. First, to ensure the Scout receives credit for their hard work, as well as to be able to make purchases at the Scout Shop for these awards. It is necessary to purchase rank advancements for Scouts, unit leaders or unit representative show record for the purchased items. 

All badges of rank, merit badges, and Eagle Palms are required reporting in either Scoutbook or with a copy of the unit’s advancement form. A copy of either report must be submitted at time of purchase at the store.

According to the Guide to Advancement (page 14, 4.0.0.2)

4.0.0.2 Reporting Advancement 

All Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts ranks must be reported to local councils. The best and most accurate method is through Scoutbook Plus (see “Electronic Advancement Reporting,” 6.0.0.0, for more detail on reporting). At the council’s discretion, the paper form, Advancement Report, may also be submitted. All badges of rank, merit badges, and Eagle Palms are restricted items. Unit leadership may not purchase these insignia for presentation without having filed a report of the youth’s advancement. An advancement report is not  required to purchase Adventure loops or pins. However, to ensure that each Cub Scout’s record is complete and accurate, all Adventures—required and elective—should be posted in Scoutbook Plus in a timely manner.

“This is an imperative part of Scouting and not just another step with paperwork,” Assistant Scout Executive Jim Mason said. “Our council Advancement Chair Wayne Dukes shared that recently there was a Black Swamp Area Council Scout ready to complete their Eagle paperwork, but several years of advancement work could not be verified. With a lot of time and effort, the Scout was eventually able to show the completion of the work.”

“Let’s not allow the youth who have earned their recognition, be denied because of paperwork,” he added. “Mr. Dukes stated he recommended unit leaders update their records at least once every three months in Scoutbook.”