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Scouts BSA is designed to develop character, citizenship, and fitness. Through the advancement program and peer group leadership, Scouting helps youth develop into well-rounded young adults. The Eagle Scout Award, the highest rank in Scouting, is recognized around the world as a mark of excellence. Below you'll find information on general advancement procedures, Merit Badge Counselors, the trail to Eagle, and special awards that Scouts can earn in addition to walking the advancement trail.  

Scouts BSA Guide to Advancement - the BSA’s comprehensive manual for advancement, updated regularly.

Scouts BSA Rank Requirements

Merit Badge Updates for 2025

Scouts BSA Outdoor Program Overview - this site gives a comprehensive look at outdoor programming available to Scouts BSA members. To find out more about our local programs, visit our Scouts BSA Camping & Activities Page

Scoutbook Beginner's Guide – we strongly encourage all troops to join Scoutbook. It is the easiest way to track advancement, sync advancement records with national BSA, message within your troop, and manage your troop’s calendar. For help getting started on Scoutbook, contact your Scoutmaster or Advancement Chair.

Service Hours
All units should enter their service hours on a regular basis in Scoutbook/Scoutbook Plus.


Find a Merit Badge Counselor:
Merit Badge Counselors can be found and contacted through Scoutbook.  Scouts will still need to consult with their Scoutmaster prior to beginning merit badges.  

Become a Merit Badge Counselor:

  • Fill out an Adult Application using Merit Badge Counselor (position code 42) as the position title. Even if you are already registered in a different leadership position, you need to fill out a new adult application. Effective August 1, 2023, there is a $25 fee to become a Merit Badge Counselor. If you are currently registered and paid as an Adult Leader in a Unit, District or Council position the $25 fee does not apply.
  • Mail your application to the Council Office (850 Forest Edge Drive, Vernon Hills, IL 60061) or email it to our registrar here.

 

Applications are approved monthly by the Advancement Committee. Once applications are approved, they are submitted to the national office for processing. You will receive a confirmation email when your name has been added to the list.  If you have questions about the status of your application, please contact our registrar here.

Teach an additional Merit Badge:
  1. Make sure your Youth Protection Training is current. You can check this in your my.scouting.org account.
  2. Fill out the Merit Badge Counselor information Sheet
  3. Mail your updated information to the Council Office (850 Forest Edge Drive, Vernon Hills, IL 60061) or email it to our registrar.


    4. Applying to instruct Citizenship in Society Merit Badge:

    Officially launched on November 1st, 2021, the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge is the newest badge Merit Badge offered in Scouting. Beginning on July 1st, 2022, the badge will be required to achieve Eagle Scout. Prospective counselors applying to add this badge to their approved offerings are asked to fill out and submit this short document with their Counselor Information Sheet so the Advancement Committee may better understand your qualifications.


    The Counselor Guide for this Merit Badge can be found here.

     

    For additional questions about the merit badge counselor application or these processes, please contact the council office at 847-433-1813.

    Find Merit Badge Pamphlets:
    Official Merit Badge Pamphlets can be purchased at our Scout Shop. Official digital versions of Merit Badge Pamphlets and updated requirement changes are available on the BSA national website. Merit Badge Books are also available for Kindle and e-readers on Amazon.

     

Overview of the Eagle Scout Rank Process

Earning the Eagle Scout Rank is a significant achievement that requires dedication, planning, and thorough documentation. Below, you will find resources and guidance organized by the key steps in the process to help Scouts and leaders navigate the requirements effectively.

Step 1: Preparation and Understanding Requirements

Step 2: Working on the Eagle Project

Step 3: Completing the Eagle Application

Step 4: Scheduling the Eagle Board of Review

Contact Information by District:

Aptakisic:

North Star:

Potawatomi:

Email Requirements: Include your Full Name, Troop, Age, Birth Date, and Phone Number. CC your Scoutmaster or another Troop leader to maintain two-deep leadership standards.

Step 5: Extensions and Special Requests

Additional Resources

Step 6: Post-Eagle Opportunities

  • National Eagle Scout Association (NESA):

Contact the Northeast Illinois Council

If you have questions about the Eagle Scout process, please contact our council office at 847-433-1813.

There are many awards that Scouts BSA members can earn outside of the traditional advancement trail. Popular awards include Religious Emblems, and many Outdoor Program Awards. Click here for a full list of awards that can be earned by Scouts BSA youth members.