Boy Scout Program Changes – Effective Jan 1, 2016 and Later

There are several changes to the Boy Scout program that take effect in 2016. The new requirements are available at http://www.scouting.org/programupdates.aspx. Take the time now to review them and you won’t have to rush or feel unprepared for the transition. Beginning work in the new requirements will be determined by the Scout’s joining date or current rank as of January 1, 2016.

For 2016:

• Scouts joining on or after January 1, 2016 MUST use the new requirements.
• Scouts who have joined prior to Jan. 1, 2016 who are working on the Scout badge MAY continue to work on the existing requirements, but MUST convert to the new requirements upon completion of the Scout badge.
• Scouts who are working on Tenderfoot through First Class MAY continue to work on the existing requirements, but MUST convert to the new requirements upon attaining First Class in 2016.
• All Scouts that have completed First Class prior to 2016 and are working on Star, Life or Eagle ranks MAY complete the rank they are currently working on in the existing requirements, but MUST convert to the new requirements for subsequent ranks in 2016.

For 2017

All Scouts MUST use the new requirements regardless of rank starting January 1, 2017.

Additional information on specific requirement changes and other resources can be found at: http://www.scouting.org/programupdates.aspx.