CLIMBING TO SUCCESS

How Climbing to Success Works

Climbing to Success uses a points-based system with three recognition levels: Builder, Climber, and Summit.

Each performance criterion has an assigned point value for the Builder, Climber, and Summit levels. As your unit meets the requirements for a particular level, it earns the corresponding points. Points from all criteria are combined to calculate an overall score.

To achieve Builder, Climber, or Summit recognition, your unit must earn the prescribed total number of points for that level. As your score increases, you can qualify for a higher level of recognition.

Important: Point values and recognition requirements may change from year to year. Use the current Climbing to Success measure when evaluating your unit's performance.

What Climbing to Success Means for Your Unit

1. A Framework for Planning the Year

Climbing to Success standards reflect the practices of successful Scouting units. By incorporating these standards into your annual planning, your leadership team can establish meaningful goals and build a strong, active program.

2. A Practical Way to Evaluate Your Unit

Climbing to Success provides measurable standards based on activities and accomplishments your unit may already track, such as camping participation and youth advancement. Straightforward scoring makes it easier to evaluate performance and monitor progress.

3. Guidance for Continued Improvement

As you compare your unit's performance with Climbing to Success standards, you can identify areas that need attention and make informed decisions about where to focus your efforts.

4. Clear Standards for Quality Performance

Specific criteria help define what successful performance looks like. These measures give leaders a consistent way to compare current results with established expectations and set achievable goals.

5. Early Identification of Potential Challenges

Regularly reviewing your progress can reveal areas where your unit may be falling behind. Identifying these challenges early gives your leadership team time to make adjustments before the end of the year.

6. Recognition for Scouting Excellence

Units that meet the established requirements can proudly earn Builder, Climber, or Summit recognition for the year, celebrating the dedication of their youth members, volunteers, and leaders.

7. Opportunities to Learn from Other Successful Units

Climbing to Success encourages units to share ideas, effective practices, and successful approaches. Units achieving Summit-level performance can offer guidance to others, while every unit has opportunities to contribute its own strengths and experiences.

Put Climbing to Success into Action

Use the appropriate Climbing to Success measure to review your performance, establish goals, and track progress throughout the year. Measures are available for Cub Scout packs, Scouts BSA troops, and districts.

Download the current forms below and work with your leadership team to make Climbing to Success part of your annual planning and evaluation process.