Boy Scout advancement

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{{2008 BS Rank}}
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==Introduction==
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The Boy Scout advancement program is subtle. It places a series of challenges in front of a Scout in a manner that is fun and educational. As Scouts meet these challenges, they achieve the aims of Boy Scouting.
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:''For advancement information on all four scouting program phases (including Boy Scouting), see [[Advancement]].
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The Scout advances and grows in the Boy Scout phase of the program in the same way a plant grows by receiving nourishment in the right environment. The job with adults concerned with advancement is to provide the right environment.
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:''For rank requirements for only Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts, see [[Ranks]].
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[[Image:Boyscout advancement2.jpg|thumb|Boy Scouting advancement diagram. Graphically displays Boy Scout Eagle trail.]]
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One of the greatest needs of young men is confidence. There are three kinds of confidence that young men need: in themselves, in peers, and in leaders.
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Advancement for Boy Scouts (11 years and older and younger than 18) and who have received the [[Scout Badge|Scout badge]], follow a linear trail of ranks: [[Tenderfoot]], [[Second Class]], [[First Class]], [[Star Scout]], and [[Life Scout]] ranks, and concludes with the [[Eagle Scout|Eagle Scout Award]].
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Educators and counselors agree that the best way to build confidence is through measurement. ''Self-confidence'' is developed by measuring up to a challenge or a standard. ''Peer confidence'' develops when the same measuring system is used for everyone -- when all must meet the same challenge to receive equal recognition. ''Confidence in leaders'' comes about when there is consistency in measuring -- when leaders use a single standard of fairness.
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After earning the Eagle Scout Award, a Scout still has the opportunity for advancement recognition by earning [[Eagle Palms]].
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No council, district, unit, or individual has the authority to add to or subtract from any advancement requirement. A Boy Scout badge recognizes what a young man is able to do; it is not a reward for what he has done.
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==Boy Scouting advancement==
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Standards for joining a Boy Scout troop and for advancement are listed in the latest printing of the ''Boy Scout Handbook'' and in the current ''Boy Scout Requirements'' book.
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The Boy Scout advancement program is divided into three main areas. The first and primary advancement area is a series of [[Ranks]] that the Scout progresses through known as the Eagle Scout trail. The rank system occurs in two distinctly different phases.
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After earning the [[Scout Badge|Scout badge]] (which is simply the way boys join Boy Scouts, not a rank), boys work on the [[Tenderfoot]], [[Second Class]], and [[First Class]] ranks. During this phase, all three ranks may be worked on at the same time. These ranks focus on Scouting skills - the outdoors, physical fitness, citizenship, patrol/troop participation, and personal development. After completing these ranks, a Scout should be adept at participating in all of the activities in the Boy Scout program, literally a First Class Scout.
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Advancement accommodates the three aims of Scouting: citizenship, growth in moral strength and character, and mental and physical development.
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During the second phase, Scouts work on the [[Star Scout]], [[Life Scout]], and [[Eagle Scout]] ranks. These ranks are worked on one at a time and must be earned in order. Here the focus of advancement switches from Scouting skills to personal development and community service. Merit badges are an integral part of this part or rank advancement.
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The advancement program is designed to provide the Boy Scout with a chance to achieve the aims of Scouting. As a Scout advances he is measured and grows in confidence and self-reliance.
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After earning the Eagle Scout Award, a Scout still has the opportunity for advancement recognition by earning [[Eagle Palms]].
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When a badge and certificate are awarded to a Boy Scout to recognize that he has achieved a rank, they represent that a young man has:
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Completion of requirements for advancement along the Eagle trail may be earned at any time, but ranks and palms are received in sequence and according to time and leadership requirements.
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* Been an [[Active|active]] participant in his troop and patrol.
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* Demonstrated living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Law in his daily life.
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* Met the other requirements and/or earned the merit badges for the rank.
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* Participated in a Scoutmaster conference.
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* Satisfactorily appeared before a [[Boards of Review|board of review]].
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:''See also: [[Ranks]]''
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In the advanced ranks (Star, Life, and Eagle), the badge represents that the young man has also:
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====Scout badge====
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* Served in a position of responsibility in the troop.
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{{main|Scout Badge}}
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* Performed service to others.
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Not a rank, the Scout badge sets forth the joining requirements for Boy Scouts.
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===Boy Scout lower ranks===
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{| class="wikitable" border="1" cellpadding="5" style="background-color: #FFFFCC"
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|+'''''<font color="red">New in 2007 Printing</font>'''''
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|-
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| width="350" |
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'''A Scout will be considered "active" in his unit if he is:'''<br>
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1. Registered in his unit (registration fees are current)<br>
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2. Not dismissed from his unit for disciplinary reasons.<br>
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3. Engaged by his unit leadership on a regular basis <br>
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:(informed of unit activities through Scoutmaster<br>
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:conference or personal contact, etc.)
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|}
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These three ranks may be worked on simultaneously, however, they must be completed in order.
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==Four Steps of Advancement==
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====Tenderfoot====
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A Boy Scout advances from Tenderfoot to Eagle by doing things with his patrol and his troop, with his leaders, and on his own. It's easy for him to advance, if the following four opportunities are provided for him.
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{{main|Tenderfoot}}
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Overnight camping, knots, American flag, Scout ideals, physical fitness, and first aid requirements.
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====Second Class====
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<big>'''1. The Boy Scout learns.'''</big>
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{{main|Second Class}}
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A Scout learns by doing. As he learns, he grows in ability to do his part as a member of the patrol and the troop. As he develops knowledge and skill, he is asked to teach others; and in this way he begins to develop leadership.
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Orienteering; overnight camping and cooking; knife, saw and ax tools; flag ceremony; service; animal identification; first aid; swimming; and drug abuse dangers requirements.
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====First Class====
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<big>'''2. The Boy Scout is tested.'''</big>
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{{main|First Class}}
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A Scout may be tested on rank requirements by his patrol leader, Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmaster, a troop committee member, or a member of his troop. The Scoutmaster maintains a list of those qualified to give tests and pass candidates. The Scout's merit badge counselor teaches and tests on the requirements for merit badges.
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Orienteering, patrol activities, overnight camping and cooking, U.S. rights and obligations, plant identification, knots and lashings, first aid and rescue, swimming and safety afloat, and joining invitation requirements.
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===Boy Scout higher ranks===
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<big>'''3. The Boy Scout is reviewed.'''</big>
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:''See also: [[General Advancement Requirements]] for Star and Life ranks''
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After a Scout has completed all requirements for a rank, he has a [[Boards of Review|board of review]]. For Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle Palms, the review is conducted by members of the troop committee. The Eagle Scout board of review is conducted in accordance with local council procedures.
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====Star Scout====
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<big>'''4. The Boy Scout is recognized.'''</big>
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{{main|Star Scout}}
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When the board of review has certified a boy's advancement, he deserves to receive recognition as soon as possible. This should be done at a ceremony at the next troop meeting. The certificate for his new rank may be presented later at a formal court of honor.
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Time, leadership, service, merit badges, and position of leadership requirements.
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====Life Scout====
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==Age Requirements==
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{{main|Life Scout}}
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Boy Scout awards are for young men not yet 18 years old. Merit badges, badges of rank, and Eagle palms are for registered Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, or qualified Venturers. Any registered Boy Scout or Varsity Scout may earn these awards until his 18th birthday. Any Venturer who achieves the First Class rank as a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout in a troop or team may continue working for the Star, Life, and Eagle Scout ranks and Eagle Palms while registered as an Venturer up to his 18th birthday.
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Time, leadership, service, merit badges, and position of leadership requirements.
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====Eagle Scout Award====
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Youth members with special needs may work towards rank advancement after they are 18. (See section titled [[Youth Members With Special Needs|Advancement for Youth Members with Special Needs]] page 39.)
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{{main|Eagle Scout}}
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Boy Scouting's highest award. Time, leadership, service, merit badges, position of leadership, and leadership service project requirements.
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The Eagle Scout Award may be worn on a uniform of Venturers and Sea Scouts. The Star, Life and Eagle patch may be worn on the uniform of Venturers.
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==Time Extensions==
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{{:Time Extensions}}
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===Eagle Palms===
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===Troop Advancement Goals===
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{{main|Eagle Palms}}
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The Scoutmaster must be in charge of advancement in the troop. It is necessary that the Scoutmaster understand the purpose of the advancement program and the importance it has in the development of the Scouts in the troop. The troop's program must provide advancement opportunities. By participating in the troop program, the Scout will meet requirements for rank advancement.
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Recognition for further service, growth, and tenure.
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==Boy Scouting advancement for Varsity Scouts==
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The troop's unit commissioner and the district advancement committee can play an important part in explaining advancement and helping the Scoutmaster utilize the advancement program in the troop program, making it exciting to the Scouts in the troop.
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{{main|Varsity Scouting advancement}}
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The Varsity Scout advancement follows the same rank requirements to Eagle and Eagle Palms as those for Boy Scouts.
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==Boy Scouting advancement for Venturers and Sea Scouts==
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It is important that the troop committee and the Scoutmaster set an advancement goal for the year. A basic goal should be for each Scout to advance a rank during the year. New Scouts should earn their First Class rank during their first year in the troop. By doing so, these new Scouts become net contributors to the troop and are able to care for themselves and others. When reviewed monthly by the troop committee, Scouts will recognize the importance of Scout advancement. Troops should conduct boards of review for Scouts who are not advancing. A minimum of four formal courts of honor a year (one every three months) should be held to formally recognize the Scouts in the troop.
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{{main|Boy Scouting Rank Advancement for Venturers}}
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Any male Venturer or Sea Scout who has achieved the [[First Class]] rank as a [[Boy Scouting|Boy Scouting]] in a [[troop]] or [[Varsity Scouting|Varsity Scouting]] in a [[team]] may continue advancement toward the Star, Life, and Eagle Scout ranks up to his 18th birthday.
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:''See also: [[Venturing advancement]]''
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:''See also: [[Sea Scouting advancement]]''
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''Source: Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures, #33088B, revised 1999''
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Presentation of merit badges and rank badges should not await these courts of honor; awards and badges should be presented at the next meeting after they have been earned. Scouts are recognized again at a formal court of honor.
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==See also==
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==Scoutmaster Conferences==
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:* [[What is Advancement?]]
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{{:Scoutmaster Conferences}}
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:* [[Advancement]]
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:* [[BSA Program Info]]
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==Record Keeping==
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:* [[Aims and Methods]]
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Each troop is responsible for keeping its own records and reporting advancement to the local council service center. This is done on an Advancement Report form. One copy is kept by the troop and two are sent to the council with an order for badges and awards. It is best that this form be submitted at least monthly so that troop records remain current and Scouts are able to receive their awards quickly after earning them. Awards cannot be purchased or awarded until the Advancement Report has been filed with the council office. A ''Troop/Team Record Book'', maintained by the troop scribe, is available.
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:* [[Varsity Scouting advancement]]
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:* [[Venturing advancement]]
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At the discretion of the local council, computer-generated advancement reports may be used. If used, two copies of the computer-generated report must be submitted to the council service center. You can also use the advancement program on unit software authorized by your council for entering and submitting this report.
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:* [[Sea Scouting advancement]]
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==Training==
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A unit of training, ''Boy Scout Advancement'', is available for instruction in how to carry out the advancement program.
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==Buddy System==
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A Scout must have a buddy with him at each meeting with a merit badge counselor. A Scout's buddy could be another Scout, or be a parent or guardian, brother or sister, relative or friend. From his Scoutmaster, the Scout obtains a signed merit badge application and the name of the appropriate merit badge counselor. The Scout sets up his first appointment with the counselor. The counselor should explain the requirements to the Scout. The Scout and his buddy then meet as appropriate with the counselor until the Scout completes the badges requriements.
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{{:Advancement Policies}}
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{{Advancement programs navbox}}
 
{{Boy Scouting advancement navbox}}
{{Boy Scouting advancement navbox}}
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{{Varsity Scouting advancement navbox}}
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[[Category:Advancement]]

Revision as of 16:50, May 21, 2008

Contents

Introduction

The Boy Scout advancement program is subtle. It places a series of challenges in front of a Scout in a manner that is fun and educational. As Scouts meet these challenges, they achieve the aims of Boy Scouting.

The Scout advances and grows in the Boy Scout phase of the program in the same way a plant grows by receiving nourishment in the right environment. The job with adults concerned with advancement is to provide the right environment.

One of the greatest needs of young men is confidence. There are three kinds of confidence that young men need: in themselves, in peers, and in leaders.

Educators and counselors agree that the best way to build confidence is through measurement. Self-confidence is developed by measuring up to a challenge or a standard. Peer confidence develops when the same measuring system is used for everyone -- when all must meet the same challenge to receive equal recognition. Confidence in leaders comes about when there is consistency in measuring -- when leaders use a single standard of fairness.

No council, district, unit, or individual has the authority to add to or subtract from any advancement requirement. A Boy Scout badge recognizes what a young man is able to do; it is not a reward for what he has done.

Standards for joining a Boy Scout troop and for advancement are listed in the latest printing of the Boy Scout Handbook and in the current Boy Scout Requirements book.

Advancement accommodates the three aims of Scouting: citizenship, growth in moral strength and character, and mental and physical development.

The advancement program is designed to provide the Boy Scout with a chance to achieve the aims of Scouting. As a Scout advances he is measured and grows in confidence and self-reliance.

When a badge and certificate are awarded to a Boy Scout to recognize that he has achieved a rank, they represent that a young man has:

  • Been an active participant in his troop and patrol.
  • Demonstrated living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Law in his daily life.
  • Met the other requirements and/or earned the merit badges for the rank.
  • Participated in a Scoutmaster conference.
  • Satisfactorily appeared before a board of review.

In the advanced ranks (Star, Life, and Eagle), the badge represents that the young man has also:

  • Served in a position of responsibility in the troop.
  • Performed service to others.
New in 2007 Printing

A Scout will be considered "active" in his unit if he is:
1. Registered in his unit (registration fees are current)
2. Not dismissed from his unit for disciplinary reasons.
3. Engaged by his unit leadership on a regular basis

(informed of unit activities through Scoutmaster
conference or personal contact, etc.)

Four Steps of Advancement

A Boy Scout advances from Tenderfoot to Eagle by doing things with his patrol and his troop, with his leaders, and on his own. It's easy for him to advance, if the following four opportunities are provided for him.

1. The Boy Scout learns. A Scout learns by doing. As he learns, he grows in ability to do his part as a member of the patrol and the troop. As he develops knowledge and skill, he is asked to teach others; and in this way he begins to develop leadership.

2. The Boy Scout is tested. A Scout may be tested on rank requirements by his patrol leader, Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmaster, a troop committee member, or a member of his troop. The Scoutmaster maintains a list of those qualified to give tests and pass candidates. The Scout's merit badge counselor teaches and tests on the requirements for merit badges.

3. The Boy Scout is reviewed. After a Scout has completed all requirements for a rank, he has a board of review. For Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle Palms, the review is conducted by members of the troop committee. The Eagle Scout board of review is conducted in accordance with local council procedures.

4. The Boy Scout is recognized. When the board of review has certified a boy's advancement, he deserves to receive recognition as soon as possible. This should be done at a ceremony at the next troop meeting. The certificate for his new rank may be presented later at a formal court of honor.

Age Requirements

Boy Scout awards are for young men not yet 18 years old. Merit badges, badges of rank, and Eagle palms are for registered Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, or qualified Venturers. Any registered Boy Scout or Varsity Scout may earn these awards until his 18th birthday. Any Venturer who achieves the First Class rank as a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout in a troop or team may continue working for the Star, Life, and Eagle Scout ranks and Eagle Palms while registered as an Venturer up to his 18th birthday.

Youth members with special needs may work towards rank advancement after they are 18. (See section titled Advancement for Youth Members with Special Needs page 39.)

Time Extensions

“ If a Scout or a Venturer foresees that he will be unable to complete the requirements for the Eagle rank prior to his 18th birthday, he may file a petition in writing with the National Boy Scout Committee through the local council for special permission to continue to work toward the award after reaching age 18. The petition also may be filed by the unit leader or unit committee. The petition must show good and sufficient evidence and detail the extenuating circumstances that prevented the Scout from completing the requirements prior to his 18th birthday. Extenuating circumstances are defined as conditions or situations that are totally beyond the control of the Scout or Venturer.

If circumstances should also prevent a Scout or a Venturer from requesting the extension before he is 18, it is still permissible to ask for the extension, detailing the extenuating circumstances that prevented him from completing the requirements and from requesting the extension before age 18.

Extenuating circumstances are defined as conditions or situations that are totally beyond the control of the Scout or Venturer.

”
— Advancement Policies #33088, p. 25


Troop Advancement Goals

The Scoutmaster must be in charge of advancement in the troop. It is necessary that the Scoutmaster understand the purpose of the advancement program and the importance it has in the development of the Scouts in the troop. The troop's program must provide advancement opportunities. By participating in the troop program, the Scout will meet requirements for rank advancement.

The troop's unit commissioner and the district advancement committee can play an important part in explaining advancement and helping the Scoutmaster utilize the advancement program in the troop program, making it exciting to the Scouts in the troop.

It is important that the troop committee and the Scoutmaster set an advancement goal for the year. A basic goal should be for each Scout to advance a rank during the year. New Scouts should earn their First Class rank during their first year in the troop. By doing so, these new Scouts become net contributors to the troop and are able to care for themselves and others. When reviewed monthly by the troop committee, Scouts will recognize the importance of Scout advancement. Troops should conduct boards of review for Scouts who are not advancing. A minimum of four formal courts of honor a year (one every three months) should be held to formally recognize the Scouts in the troop.

Presentation of merit badges and rank badges should not await these courts of honor; awards and badges should be presented at the next meeting after they have been earned. Scouts are recognized again at a formal court of honor.

Scoutmaster Conferences

“ One of the most enjoyable experiences of being a Scoutmaster is the opportunity for a Scout and his leader to sit down and visit together.

In large troops, Scoutmasters occasionally assign this responsibility to assistant Scoutmasters or members of the troop committee; but this is unfortunate, because most Scoutmasters feel that this is truly the opportunity to get to know the Scout and help him chart his course in life.

A good conference should be unhurried. It helps the Scout evaluate his accomplishments and set new goals with his Scoutmaster. This can be accomplished at a troop meeting, camping trip, or in the Scout's home.

Goal setting by the Scout makes it possible for the Scoutmaster to help the Scout with his weaknesses and encourage him to use his strengths.

The Scout (joining) conference is probably one of the most important associations the Scout will have in his Scouting career. It is at this conference that the Scoutmaster illustrates to him the adult-youth relationship that is unique to Scouting.

All through the ranks, it is rewarding for the Scoutmaster to observe the Scout grow in responsibility and maturity. It is through this association and example that a young man grows and matures, and the Scoutmaster conference accomplishes that aim. (See Scoutmaster Handbook, chapter 10.)

”
— Advancement Policies #33088, p. 25


New in 2007 Printing
“ The requirements for advancement is that the Scout participates in a Scoutmaster Conference, not that he "passes" the conference. When advancement is going to be deferred, the Scout should not come to the Scoutmaster conference thinking that everything is OK and then be surprised that his advancement is deferred. He should have had plenty of warning and guidance prior to the Scoutmaster conference. This is not the time to shut the door on advancement, but rather to work with the Scout to create goals that will allow him to succeed. However, even after a negative Scoutmaster conference for the ranks of Tenderfoot to Life, if the Scout desires a board of review, he should be granted his request. ”
— Advancement Policies #33088


Record Keeping

Each troop is responsible for keeping its own records and reporting advancement to the local council service center. This is done on an Advancement Report form. One copy is kept by the troop and two are sent to the council with an order for badges and awards. It is best that this form be submitted at least monthly so that troop records remain current and Scouts are able to receive their awards quickly after earning them. Awards cannot be purchased or awarded until the Advancement Report has been filed with the council office. A Troop/Team Record Book, maintained by the troop scribe, is available.

At the discretion of the local council, computer-generated advancement reports may be used. If used, two copies of the computer-generated report must be submitted to the council service center. You can also use the advancement program on unit software authorized by your council for entering and submitting this report.

Training

A unit of training, Boy Scout Advancement, is available for instruction in how to carry out the advancement program.

Buddy System

A Scout must have a buddy with him at each meeting with a merit badge counselor. A Scout's buddy could be another Scout, or be a parent or guardian, brother or sister, relative or friend. From his Scoutmaster, the Scout obtains a signed merit badge application and the name of the appropriate merit badge counselor. The Scout sets up his first appointment with the counselor. The counselor should explain the requirements to the Scout. The Scout and his buddy then meet as appropriate with the counselor until the Scout completes the badges requriements.


Advancement Policies
Advancement (Report) Boy Scouts (Resources) Service Projects
Rules and Regulations First Class-First Year Eagle Scout Project
 What is Scout Spirit?  Scoutmaster Conferences Lifesaving Awards
When is a Scout Active? Time Extensions Summer Camp
When is a Scout in Uniform? Boards of Review - Appeals Merit Badges, Events & FAQ
Scouts with Special Needs Advancement Campout  Cub Scouts  (Resources)
Religious Principle Courts of Honor Varsity (Resources)
Books & References  12 Steps From Life to Eagle  Venturing & Sea Scouts  
Click here for Many more Advancement Policies

Boy Scout advancement

Scout • Tenderfoot • Second Class • First Class • Star • Life • Eagle Scout • Eagle Palms

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