Advancement guidelines
Advancement is an integral part of the Scouting program which provides recognition for individual effort and accomplishment, as well as a measure of acquired proficiency in basic skills. This is accomplished through the Patrol Method. Advancement is a three-part obligation of:
Requirements for advancement in Rank
Scout><Tenderfoot><Second Class><
First Class><Star><Life><Eagle><Palms
- The Scout to take the initiative and to work;
- The parents to encourage excellence; and
- The adult leaders of the Troop to provide guidance and opportunity.
Requirements for advancement are described in the Boy Scout Handbook and other Scout literature. Both the Scout and parent should be thoroughly familiar with the requirements. The Scoutmaster, Advancement Chairman, other adult leaders, as well as the Scout leadership can answer questions about getting started on the "Eagle Trail." A Scout coming before an Advancement Board of Review should be thoroughly familiar with what has been done for the rank applied for, and he must be in proper and complete dress Scout Field Uniform. Boards of Review are held soon as possible. Scouts wanting a Board of Review should do the following:
- Insure that all requirements have been completed.
- Ask the Scoutmaster for a "Scoutmaster Conference." It is advisable to give him at least a week's
- Participate in a practice or pre-Board of Review. The Troop Guide, your Patrol Leader, or any other leadership Scout can assist in scheduling and conducting a pre-board.
- Ask the Advancement Chairman to schedule a Board of Review for you. He will also need at least a week's notice.
Requirements for a Scout coming before a Board of Review are as follows.
- Be in proper and complete dress Scout Field Uniform (with long pants and merit badge sash).
- Bring your Boy Scout Handbook.
- Bring rope and poles suitable for tying the required knots and lashings.
- Bring your compass and a topo map.
- Bring any merit badge books and/or written work or project documentation that is applicable.
Rank advancements, merit badges, and most other awards will be presented as soon as practicable after being earned, approved, certified, and registered. They also will be recognized at the next Family Night, Dinner/Court of Honor
A Scout who is not steadily advancing through 1st Class rank is missing a vital part of the program. Advancement beyond 1st Class is attainable through the opportunities which the Troop provides, but it also requires determination and initiative on the part of the Scout. Guidelines indicating the maximum amounts of time that should elapse from joining to the attainment of each rank up through 1st Class are listed below. If these are not being met, the Scout and/or parents should contact the Advancement Chairman.
- Tenderfoot 3 months
- 2nd Class 9 months
- 1st Class 18 months
These are maximums; an active, well motivated Scout can achieve 1st Class within 12 months. Refer to the Boy Scout Handbook.
Merit badges are important for the Scout to learn new skills, to work outside the normal Troop meeting with an adult counselor, and to present what he has done. Some weekly meeting programs and most of the planned monthly outings include counselors and opportunities for working toward and passing off meritbadge requirements Prior and outside preparation is required. Also see TRAIL to Eagle.
Scout> <Tenderfoot><Second Class><First Class><Star><Life><Eagle><Palms