Advancement during COVID-19

Advancement during COVID-19: Official details about Eagle extensions and more

March 25, 2020 Bryan Wendell Advancement, Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Sea Scouting, Venturing

The BSA has a message to young people concerned that the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak will prevent them from completing Eagle Scout rank requirements before their 18th birthday: Don’t worry; we’ve got your back.

During this unprecedented interruption to Scouting nationwide, the BSA has released new guidance on advancement during COVID-19. This includes:

• The ability to accept electronic signatures for rank advancement and award applications — effective now through the end of September 2020.
• An option to complete Scoutmaster conferences via videoconferencing. (Section 4.2.3.5 of the Guide to Advancement says Scoutmasters “should not” conduct Scoutmaster conferences online; it doesn’t say “must not.” The new COVID-19 guidance clarifies that this practice is OK, as long as Youth Protection rules are followed.)
• An option for parents or other adults in a Cub Scout’s family to sign off on Webelos and Arrow of Light requirements — effective now through the end of July 2020.
• An option for Scoutmasters to allow time missed during the COVID-19 outbreak to count toward requirements for participation and positions of responsibility.

Here’s what else you need to know.

For more guidance for Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts advancement, read the complete FAQs.

Time extensions for Eagle Scout, Summit and Quartermaster awards

Time extensions for Eagle Scout, Summit and Quartermaster awards

Guidelines for Cub Scouts

For Cub Scouts, the BSA will allow parents and other adults in the Cub Scout’s family to sign off on Webelos and Arrow of Light requirements through July 31, 2020. Normally, only a den leader may sign off on these requirements.

Also, Cub Scouts can continue to work on their current den’s advancement through July 31, 2020. This gives extra time for Cub Scouts to complete their badge of rank; if they earn their badge of rank prior to July 31, 2020, they may advance to the next rank.

More guidance

The BSA’s official guidelines about extensions — and a whole lot more — can be found on scouting.org/coronavirus. This new, regularly updated page is filled with resources for those families looking to continue Scouting at home.