Program Resources
Advancement Program
Internet Advancement Instructions
Advancement Reporting: Complete an Internet Advancement report online
Cub Scout Advancement
- Advancement Trail
- Cub Scout Program
- Delivery Method
- Additional Cub
- Scout Recognitions
- Adult Awards
- Pack Awards
Cub Scout Advancement
Recognition is important to young girls and boys! The Cub Scouting advancement plan provides fun for youth, gives them a sense of personal achievement as they earn badges, and strengthens family understanding as adult family members work with girls and boys on advancement projects.
Cub Scout Rank Advancement
Cub Scouting Unit Awards
Scouts BSA Advancement
Scouts BSA Advancement
Scouting provides a series of tasks and steps, which a Scout must overcome to progress through the advancement method. The Scout plans their advancement and progresses at his or her own pace as they meet each challenge. The Scout is 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 their ability to help others.
A variety of opportunities are available to Scouts, including outdoor high adventure, camping excursions, lifesaving, first aid and personal fitness challenges. It is within this program, that a Scout can work toward their Eagle Scout award – which is deemed the highlight of most Scouting careers.
Scouts BSA Rank Advancement
This web resource will take you to current Scouts BSA ranks and requirements.
Merit Badge Program
This web resource will take you to current Merit Badges and requirements.
Apply to be a Merit Badge Counselor by completing and submitting the Merit Badge Counselor Information form to the Council Service Center. If you are not already registered as a Merit Badge Counselor, you must submit an Adult Leader application, even if you are already registered as an adult leader in your unit or with the District.
Citizenship in Society – New Merit Badge
This November 1, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is launching the Citizenship in Society merit badge, its newest merit badge for youth in the Scouts BSA program (ages 11-17).
• BSA merit badges give Scouts opportunities to learn more about the world we live in and are earned through completing a series of guided activities and tasks. The new Citizenship in Society merit badge encourages Scouts to explore information on diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical leadership, and learn why these qualities are important in society and in Scouting.
• Scouts will conduct research, explore resources on their own, have conversations with merit badge counselors, peers, parents and community members and identify actions they can take to ensure inclusivity and to act as upstanders.
• The Citizenship in Society merit badge aligns with the Scout Oath and Scout Law, which collectively encourages Scouts to respect the beliefs of others, to be kind, courteous, and to help other people at all times.
• The Citizenship in Society merit badge builds upon existing merit badges, including the American Cultures, Citizenship in the Community, Disability Awareness and American Heritage merit badges, which require Scouts to learn and grow their understanding of diverse perspectives and spur positive action.
• The merit badge was developed carefully and thoughtfully by BSA’s Office of Diversity and Youth Development Office, with input from a dedicated group of Scouting volunteers, BSA youth and professional staff, and pairs Scouts with a merit badge counselor who will help facilitate discussion with the Scout as they seek to further understand the diverse world we live in.
• Starting July 1, 2022, the merit badge will be required for any youth seeking to achieve the prestigious Eagle Scout rank.
• This new merit badge is designed to help Scouts learn about the diverse, unique identities and characteristics we each possess, understand different perspectives and experiences, and learn how to encourage an inclusive and welcoming culture in Scouting and in society.
• The new Citizenship in Society merit badge is an important initiative within the Boy Scouts of America’s larger commitment to develop a culture where every youth, volunteer, and employee feels a sense of belonging and to build communities where every person feels respected and valued.
• For more information on the Citizenship in Society merit badge and BSA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, you can visit This November 1, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is launching the Citizenship in Society merit badge, its newest merit badge for youth in the Scouts BSA program (ages 11-17).
• BSA merit badges give Scouts opportunities to learn more about the world we live in and are earned through completing a series of guided activities and tasks. The new Citizenship in Society merit badge encourages Scouts to explore information on diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical leadership, and learn why these qualities are important in society and in Scouting.
• Scouts will conduct research, explore resources on their own, have conversations with merit badge counselors, peers, parents and community members and identify actions they can take to ensure inclusivity and to act as upstanders.
• The Citizenship in Society merit badge aligns with the Scout Oath and Scout Law, which collectively encourages Scouts to respect the beliefs of others, to be kind, courteous, and to help other people at all times.
• The Citizenship in Society merit badge builds upon existing merit badges, including the American Cultures, Citizenship in the Community, Disability Awareness and American Heritage merit badges, which require Scouts to learn and grow their understanding of diverse perspectives and spur positive action.
• The merit badge was developed carefully and thoughtfully by BSA’s Office of Diversity and Youth Development Office, with input from a dedicated group of Scouting volunteers, BSA youth and professional staff, and pairs Scouts with a merit badge counselor who will help facilitate discussion with the Scout as they seek to further understand the diverse world we live in.
• Starting July 1, 2022, the merit badge will be required for any youth seeking to achieve the prestigious Eagle Scout rank.
• This new merit badge is designed to help Scouts learn about the diverse, unique identities and characteristics we each possess, understand different perspectives and experiences, and learn how to encourage an inclusive and welcoming culture in Scouting and in society.
• The new Citizenship in Society merit badge is an important initiative within the Boy Scouts of America’s larger commitment to develop a culture where every youth, volunteer, and employee feels a sense of belonging and to build communities where every person feels respected and valued.
• For more information on the Citizenship in Society merit badge and BSA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, you can visit www.scouting.org/dei.
Eagle Scout Advancements
This web resource will take you to current requirements and information about the Eagle Scout Award. The Eagle Scout application and workbook are also available on our FORMS AND PROGRAM RESOURCES section of this page.
Additional Scouts BSA Awards & Recognitions
Scouts BSA Unit Awards
- Rank Advancement Merit Badges
- Merit Badge Counselors
- Eagle Scout Advancement
- Additional Scout BSA Recognitions
- Adult Awards
- Troop Awards
Venturing and Sea Scouting Advancement
- Venturing Youth Awards
- Additional Venturing Recognitions
- Adult Awards
- Crew Awards
Venturing and Sea Scouting Advancement
Venturing Adult Awards
Leadership Training
If you had a magic wand, would you use it to make the Scouting program better and more fun for youth so they stayed in Scouting longer, so it had a larger impact on their lives? What if the same magic wand made leadership roles easier, more rewarding, and led to better retention among adult leaders? Would using that magic wand be a top priority?
Well, such a magic wand does exist—in the form of the learning programs for leaders in Scouting America.
Common sense tells us that training is important, and research shows the importance of trained leaders. A trained leader is knowledgeable and more confident in the role being performed. Trained leaders exhibit a knowledge and confidence that is picked up by people around them. Trained leaders impact the quality of programs, leader tenure, youth tenure, safety, and a whole lot more. A trained leader is better prepared to make the Scouting program all it can be!
The training links contain many of the “magic wands” and resources. Scout them out!
Outdoor Programs
Camping is a fun and exciting part of Scouting. A variety of age-appropriate camping opportunities are available from Cub Scouts all the way up through Venturing. Scouts can camp with a family member, camp with their Troop, or participate in high adventure activities once they are a little older.
HTC PROPERTY USAGE
Reservations for all scheduled calendar events need to be added to the Council approved reservation system when the calendar is approved to reserve the space and avoid issues with other reservations and to establish the pricing that is needed to help guide the event budget.
4 to 6 weeks prior to the scheduled event, the event coordinator should verify needs and communicate with the Council Program Director and Council Properties Manager to validate needs and address any questions or possible changes or get them involved during their planning meetings. Groups should never assume that certain resources will be available due to issues that can arise or incorrect information regarding availability of resources, i.e. availability of refrigeration, ice, water, showers, campsites, etc.
One week prior to the event, contact between the event chair and property manager should be made to verify status on resource availability and logistics to ensure there are no last minute issues or changes.
HEALTH OFFICER
A meeting with the health officer, event chair and properties manager should take place prior to the event to discuss logistics and planning for any medical emergency so they are made aware of what areas of camp are being used and can plan accordingly and offer guidance in accordance with special situations like heat/cold related issues. Radio procedures should be established as well as backup plans should the medical officer be unavailable or indisposed.
CABINS AND SLEEPING QUARTERS
Events wishing to provide event staff sleeping quarters should be discussed during the planning stages. It will be encouraged to have units and youth camp with the attendees. If it is justified to have units or youth stay in cabins, adult supervision must be provided based on Scouting guidelines and adults present during the time youth are gathered at cabins, indoor facilities or shower houses. Youth are not allowed to use indoor facilities without adult presence in the immediate area. For the staff cabin (Raymond House), adults can bunk in the same facility keeping a separation of space while sleeping. For Adirondack usage, an attempt should be made to keep youth in their own cabin and adults in a separate cabin, again, adults must be present in area when youth are at cabins, same guidelines exist for the OA basement or apartments.
Adults should be encouraged to camp with units and youth to show solidarity and support, however if indoor space is needed, this should be discussed during the planning stages to ensure availability and address any special needs. It is understood that the many of the lead adults may desire indoor facilities and they will be made available.
CAMPING
All groups must provide adult leadership per national guidelines in the camping areas – youth should never be left unsupervised in a campsite overnight.
All other camp rules apply in regards to events, these guidelines can be found on the council web site. Lights out for all events is 11:00pm and everyone should be in their assigned areas by that time.
SHOWER HOUSES
When the shower houses and restrooms facilities are open (April-September), youth attending large events can use the facilities with proper adult supervision and in accordance with established safety guidelines.
Camp Properties & Facility Rentals
Camping Opportunities
For a hundred years, Scouting’s magic has been rooted in adventure! Be it the Cub Scout who finds fun in a mud puddle, the Scout who experiences the rush of an Order of the Arrow Call Out Ceremony, or a Venturer who finds their own leadership qualities while on a horseback trek. Kids have a natural need to have adventures and the Hoosier Trails Council is excited to offer just that.
Studies have proven that extended participation in Scouting will help young people to be successful later in life. Adults that were involved in our program as kids agree that they participated for the fun, but along the way they learned habits of strong character, how to get along with others, and how to be honorable leaders. Summer Camp is the perfect way to resonate the passion for adventure, love of the out-of-doors, and strengthen family bonds.
The Hoosier Trails Council is committed to providing your family with summertime opportunities to catch the Scouting fever and to benefit from our life-changing programs. It is never too early to plan, so mark your calendar now for the adventure that best serves your family. Coordinate your registration for camp with your local Scout unit and we look forward to having some fun together!
Individual Membership Renewals
Scouting America offers both online and manual member renewal processes. Listed below are instructions and several resources to assist with the renewal process. All units and members currently associated with Scouting America need to complete this process on an annual basis. For information on Unit renewal, please see the next section. Membership renewal is NO LONGER DONE AS PART OF THE RECHARTER PROCESS!
Annual Membership Fees for 2025
- Youth – $145
- Adults – $65
- Merit Badge Counselors* – $25
- Scout Life Magazine – add $15 to the above fee for Scout Life. For online renewals, Scout Life is set as a default to “YES”. If you do not wish to receive the Scout Life Magazine, uncheck the box.
*Only Merit Badge Counselors who do not hold another registered role with Scouting America are subject to the $25 fee.
ALL adult members MUST complete Youth Protection Training (YPT) at each renewal. Hoosier Trails Council has an ANNUAL Youth Protection Training requirement. Volunteers who renew without updating YPT will risk having their membership suspended until this requirement is completed.
As per Scouting America National policy, there are NO REFUNDS granted for membership fees except in the case of duplicate payment. Membership will remain in place until the expiration date.
Individual Membership Renewal
All members will renew their membership for a 12 month period. For example, if your current registration expires December 31st of this year, your renewed membership will start on January 1st and run through the calendar year until the following December 31st. Membership renewal can be completed by either the individual, family, unit, or at the Council Service Center.
Units can renew their members if they choose. The system allows you to select all or specific individuals to renew. You can perform this action as many times as necessary during the month so if you leave someone off you can always renew their membership later.
There are two options for individuals to renew their Scouting membership.
Option 1: Individual Renews Registration (either member or parent)
Beginning 60 days before their expiration date, individuals will receive an email communication from Scouting America that will prompt them to renew their registration. To renew this way, individuals can either renew online or manually with the Hoosier Trails Council. See below for instructions.
- Renew online at My.Scouting.org
- Click on the link in the email that will direct you to My.Scouting.org to renew the registration. You can also go to My.Scouting.org to and click the red Notification button on the top right-hand corner. If a parent does not have a My.Scouting account, they will need to create one. All parents have a Scouting America number by being assigned to their Scout. They should search carefully before creating an account with a new Scouting America number. Scouting America numbers for parents can be found in Scoutbook in the Scout’s profile that shows to whom they are linked.
- This will direct you to pay online and renew your registration in a few clicks.
- INDIVIDUAL RENEWS REGISTRATION guide with screen prints.
- Individual informs unit they wish to renew manually. In this case, the unit can either renew the member online or renew through the Council Service Center.
Option 2: Unit Renews Individual
Using this method, individuals can pay the unit and the unit can renew registrations on their behalf. This is ideal for units who pay for renewals through funds from the popcorn sale. To renew this way:
- To renew online, a member of the unit Key 3 logs into my.scouting.org and clicks on Organization Manager then Roster.
- To renew by credit card or ACH payment online:
- The unit leadership selects members who are eligible to renew and then simply clicks Renew in the header bar.
- There will be a summary page showing totals and directs the unit to pay. Please note: there is an ACH Payment fee of $1.00 or a Credit Card fee of 3%.
- UNIT RENEWS INDIVIDUAL WITH CREDIT CARD OR ACH guide with screen prints.
- To renew and pay at the Council Service Center via check, cash, or credit card:
- The unit leadership selects members who are eligible to renew and then simply clicks Print in the header bar and clicks Unit Payment of Membership Renewal. Here you can download a report and submit payment to the Council Service Center either in person or via mail. There is a 3.5% service fee for credit card fee for membership payments made at the Council Service Center.
- UNIT RENEWS INDIVIDUAL WHEN PAYING TO COUNCIL guide with screen prints.
- PRINTING MEMBERSHIP INVOICE FOR COUNCIL guide with screen prints.
If your unit is not set to “Auto Approve” then you will need to go back to “Roster” and Click on the “Membership Renewal Orders” the next day and find any member renewals that are waiting for approval.
Important Information for Units renewing members:
- Units can only renew members beginning two months before their expiration date through the two months “lapsed” period after their expiration date.
- Units can complete this process at any time and as many times as they want! This means that if units are waiting on payment from individuals, they can come back and renew them once payment is made to the unit.
- Units can also Opt-Out a member from renewing if they have left the unit. This will remove them from the roster AFTER the member’s lapse period (60 days after the membership expiration date.) If a unit wishes to remove an unparticipating member from the roster in SCOUTBOOK, the membership must be ended under the individual’s profile page in Scoutbook. Please DO NOT DELETE a member entirely from Scoutbook, the “END DATE” function MUST be used to preserve advancement information. If you delete a member from Scoutbook, there is no recovering advancement information if you delete a member, you will need to re-enter previous advancement information. HOW TO END A MEMBERSHIP IN SCOUTBOOK with screen prints.
- You can also see a person’s multiple registrations by clicking Show Multiple Registrations. To continue with the renewal, click Create Renewal Orders.
- Remember, all renewals are for 12 months and begin the day after the expiration date of the current registration.
- If it is an adult renewal, and a position change is needed, the COR or COR delegate can make position changes through the POSITION MANGER function on My.Scouting AFTER the member has been renewed. POSITION MANAGER guide with screen prints. PLEASE NOTE: If you are renewing an adult and they hold positions as multiples in other units, ALL MULTPLE Positions should be renewed at the same time as their primary paid position!! Failing to do so will cause their position in the other unit(s) to lapse!!
When the Council renews a membership:
- If an individual requests Council to renew a membership, this action will be performed upon request and payment. If you do not wish members to be renewed without unit approval, please ask them to do renewals through the unit and to NOT go directly to Council.
- Members or the unit may deliver payment for renewal to the Council Service Center. Units may use funds in their Membership account to cover renewals (basically like we have always done.) Council will renew and charge out the unit Membership account.
- Unit should advise the name(s) of the members to be renewed and if they want Scout Life. Council will NOT add Scout Life automatically. If members wish to add Scout Life after renewal, they will need to do it directly online.
Additional information, printouts, and videos on the renewal process can be found at the following link:
https://www.scouting.org/resources/unit-and-membership-renewal/
Hoosier Trails Council includes a $60 Council Program fee as part of the $145 youth registration fee. The Council Program fee supports critical safety components of our organization like youth protection resources, criminal background checks, technology upgrades, and insurance coverage rates which have risen substantially over the past few years. It is our hope that this new fee will be covered through your Scout unit’s following the Ideal Year of Scouting budgeting plan and then selling Scout popcorn; however, if a family has financial concerns that would prevent them from benefiting from Scouting, we can help with that. Please see the page linked here for more information on the Council Program Fee and to find the Individual Registration Assistance Request form. Please note that any approved assistance covers ONLY the Council Program fee, National BSA registration fees must still be paid.
https://hoosiertrailsbsa.org/program-resources/council-program-fee/
Unit Renewal/Recharter
Unit renewal, previously known as “recharter” will still take place annually. Hoosier Trails Council unit renewal date continues to be December 31st. Membership renewal and unit renewal/recharter are no longer tied together as they have been in the past. Over the next few years, many members will still individually renew on December 31st as that is when their individual renewal dates are now set. As we move forward and older members cycle out and new members join, individual renewal dates will become more scattered throughout the calendar year than you see right now.
Units CAN STILL RENEW THEIR MEMBERS IN A GROUP WITH ONE PAYMENT if they wish. Please see the previous section, INDIVIDUAL MEMBER RENEWALS, for detailed information and resources on how to do this.
Unit Renewal/Recharter can be accessed through the UNIT RENEWAL selection in ORGANIZATION MANAGER in My.Scouting by the COR or COR delegate. If another member of the unit Key 3 accesses the charter, it will need to be approved by the COR or COR delegate before it can be submitted. Unit Renewal will open November 4st and renewal paperwork is due to the office on November 30th. Since you do not have pay for all individual members for the unit renewal, the renewal process itself should be much easier! Individual membership renewals may follow in one or more batches without affecting your renewal/recharter! If you do all of your unit renewal online, please note that the ANNUAL CHARTER AGREEMENT IS STILL DUE TO THE COUNCIL SERVICE CENTER!
Information on the Unit renewal process, including helpful printouts and videos with screen prints can be found under “Getting Started” below.
Getting Started – Start Here
Scouting America Forms
- Annual Charter Agreement
- Scouting America Adult Application
- Scouting America Youth Application
- New Unit/IH Form
Exploring Forms
- Explorer Memorandum of Understanding
- Explorer Adult Application
- Explorer Youth Application
- Explorer New Unit/IH Form
Unit Annual Planning Resources
Leader Resources & Training
Advancement Resources
- Guide to Advancement
- HTC Eagle Scout Process 2021
- Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook
- Eagle Scout Rank Application
- Internet Advancements via My.Scouting.org
- Merit Badge Counselor Information & Application
- Nomination for District Award of Merit
- Religious Recognition/Activities(P.R.A.Y.)
- Silver Beaver Award Nomination
Camping Resources
Health & Safety Resources
- Annual BSA Health & Medical Record
- Guide to Safe Scouting
- Youth Protection Reporting Guidelines
- First Aid Log
- Accident & Illness Insurance Resources
Leadership Training Resources
Membership Recruitment Resources
National Scouting Resources
Unit Administration Resources
- Tax Information
- Fiscal Policies & Procedures for BSA Units
- PayPay & Venmo Reporting
- Opening a Bank Account – An Employer Identification Number is required of units by financial institutions when a unit opens a checking or savings account and/or an interest-bearing account. The financial institution will report the income generated from this account on a 1099 form to the IRS on each account. Units need to file an SS-4 Form when they are not permitted to use the chartered organization’s number. The tax-exempt status of the unit will be consistent with the tax status of the chartered organization.
Journey to Excellence
“Scouting’s Journey to Excellence” is the BSA’s quality performance recognition program designed to encourage and reward success and measure the performance of our units, districts, and councils. This Quality Awards Program serves as a means of encouraging excellence in providing a quality program at all levels of the BSA.
Download National Journey to Excellence forms. These should be filled out and turned in with your units annual recharter.
Additional Unit Resources to support the Journey to Excellence.