All boys are encouraged to regularly advance in rank and to earn merit badges.  Steady progress of one rank per year allows scouts the opportunity to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

The Progress Rank Awards in Boy Scouting are: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. As soon as a boy has passed the requirements for the rank of Scout, an Investiture Ceremony is held at the next Troop meeting which the parent(s) should attend. This special moment completes the boy’s entry into Troop 443 and begins his trail to Eagle.

In addition to the requirements, Troop 443 requires Scouts to request of three letters of reference for Star and Life Ranks. These letters get the boy in practice for his Eagle requirements. This should be written in the Scout’s Handbook. Scouts have opportunities to pass rank requirements at patrol meetings and campouts.

The final step in completing Rank advancement is to pass a Board of Review. Official Boards meet two Tuesdays prior to the Court of Honor in Rooms at First Presbyterian Church. Special Boards can be arranged through the Advancement Chairperson if a Scout is ready. Scouts must arrange for a Scoutmaster Conference prior to coming to the Board. Only Scouts in full uniform with dues current will be reviewed. The Scout shall present his Scout Handbook properly signed to the Review Board.   For the Ranks of Star and Life, the boy must also present the necessary merit badge cards, three letters of recommendation (from a school official, a religious leader, and a neighbor of Scout), and written evidence of required service hours. The Scout must also make sure that records of his attendance at Troop and Patrol meetings and his camping participation will be available. 

Every three months, other Rank advancements, Merit Badges, and other awards are presented at a Court of Honor. Courts are held at First Presbyterian Church (except the July Court, which is held with a BBQ at the Scout House) and are family affairs. All Scouts are expected to be in attendance, in full dress uniform, including Merit Badge sash and dress shoes, whether or not they are receiving any awards. 

The Troop Committee wishes to make known to parents of boys with special needs (physical challenges, learning disabilities, medical conditions, etc.) that we desire the Troop program to be as equal as possible in accessibility, excitement, and challenge for all scouts. All Troop leaders, outing chairpersons, Board of Review members, and merit badge counselors registered through the Troop must be willing to work with these parents to accommodate programs and requirements to the special needs of scouts, without altering the standards of Scouting expressed in the Scout Handbook, Scout Law and Scout Promise.   For example, a written requirement may be replaced by an oral one; or a campsite with physical handicaps and be replaced by one with better access. It is the hope of the Committee that boys with special needs will feel just as welcomed, accepted, encouraged, and supported by the Scouts and Scouters of the Troop as all other boys.