Guide to Advancement
Refer to the Guide to Advancement for the most current advancement policies, procedures, and resources.
Reports Required for Rank Advancements
This is a reminder to Scouting leaders that Advancement Report forms are required to purchase rank advancements in the Scout Shops.
If your unit is using ScoutBook (which we encourage all packs and troops to use), you can print the report directly from your computer. The report must be turned in when rank advancements are purchased.
The alternative to the computer reports is manually completing the Advancement Report form.
Without these reports, the council may not be able to have accurate records of what the Scouts have earned. This is especially important for the Scouts as the move through the program as dates of ranks earned and time requirements require accurate records.
When you send someone to the Scout Shop to pick up awards, make sure they bring along the Advancement report!
Scouts BSA Merit Badge Program
Working on merit badges can provide an introduction to lifetime hobbies, or the inspiration to pursue a career.
It all begins with a Scout’s initial interest in a merit badge subject, followed by a discussion with the unit leader and continues through meetings with a counselor, and culminates in advancement and recognition.
Boy Scouts of America Merit Badge Program Information – click here
Merit Badge Requirements – View the official listing of merit badge requirements
Merit Badge Counselor Registration
BSA policy requires Merit Badge Counselors to be registered adult members. There is no annual membership fee for Merit Badge Counselors. To be registered, all adults (whether they are already registered as a leader in a Pack or Troop), must submit the following items:
- Adult Leader application form (fill-able PDF)
- Merit Badge Counselor information form (fill-able PDF)
- Unexpired Youth Protection Training certificate (training completed at My.Scouting)
More information will be added in the near future. For now, click on the links below for forms and information:
Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook (revised in 2023) – Scouts that have already started planning their project can finish using the old workbook. Scouts that are just starting to plan their project will need to use the 2023 version.
Time Extensions for Completing Eagle Requirements
In rare circumstances, a time extension can be requested for Life Scouts to work on requirements for the Eagle rank after their 18th birthday. For more information, review Guide to Advancement (sections 9.0.4.0, 9.0.4.1 & 9.0.4.2)
Scouts that need to request an extension should do the following:
- Send a detailed letter requesting an extension, including all relevant details and information on how to contact the Scout’s parent.
- Email the letter to the Fargo Center for Scouting
The council advancement committee meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month to review any extension requests received.
Questions can be directed to the district advancement representative (see list of contacts on below).
Eagle Scouts
Did you attain the rank of Eagle Scout in 2023 or later in the Northern Lights Council?
If you did, we would like you to submit some photos that we might use in future social media posts. Use the link below to tell us about yourself and submit photos from your Court of Honor and Service Project.
Scholarships for Eagle Scouts
Every year, the National Eagle Scout Association bestows scholarships upon Eagle Scouts pursuing higher education. These scholarships are made possible by generous donors and NESA members that help the alumni organization to continue developing young adults beyond their traditional Scouting experience. READ MORE
Council Advancement Committee
| Position | Name | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Committee Chair | Rob Gilkerson | (816) 651-2907 |
| District Rep. (Prairie Fire) | Art Vinson | (320) 219-4509 |
| District Rep. (Northern Sky) | Jamie Nettum | (701) 799-7465 |
| District Rep. (Lake Agassiz) | Bobby Dusso | (218) 230-4325 |
| District Rep. (Roughrider) | Dan Claussen | (701) 690-7207 |
| District Rep. (Tomahawk) | ||
| District Rep. (Frontier Trails) | Bill Jensen | (701) 220-5031 |
| District Rep. (Great Plains) | Misty Falcon | (719) 649-8775 |
| Member at Large | Travis Andersen | (701) 240-0766 |
| Member at Large | Tyler Scott | (701) 388-7534 |
| Staff Partner | Ryan Hansen | (218) 770-7505 |
Online Resources for District Representatives
Request the current approved Merit Badge Counselor list
Advancement Resources (some items have been updated for 2021, replacing the 2019 edition of the Guide to Advancement)