There are seven ranks in Scouts BSA: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. In troop 651 we encourage you to learn the Scouting skills necessary to earn ranks up through First Class. We promote learning these skills through the EDGE method, led by older Scouts and trained adult leaders.

Once you reach First Class, your advancement become driven by your leadership position you hold within the troop. While we elect new youth leadership every six months, the troop will make sure you have ample opportunity to learn and lead as you grow in your Scouting career. 

https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/

Merit badges can be earned for completing activities in a wide range of areas, including sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers. There are over 135 merit badges, and troop 651 has a number of trained merit badge counselors to help you earn them. If you can't find the counselor for your merit badge, the troop can help you out. We periodically work on specific merit badges as part of our troop activities, and will help you stay on the path to advancement through individual activities, merit badge days, summer camp, and more!

https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/

To recognize our achievements, troop 651 holds a Court of Honor quarterly. Courts of Honor are  gatherings for Scouts, families, and  guests where the troop and troop members are recognized for what’s been accomplished and achieved. At the Court of Honor, you'll be awarded your merit badges and rank advancements achieved over the past three months. This ceremony allows your friends, family, and other Scouts to celebrate your growth in Scouting. 

https://troopresources.scouting.org/troop-courts-of-honor