Advancement in the Troop

LEAD 2015 BOY 4221

Mark Fenske Scoutmaster, Troop 234 Moraga [email protected] Ranks • Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle

Scout will be a new rank beginning on 1/1/16 Merit Badges Why Advancement? Mission Statement The mission of the of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Oath and . The Aims of • Character development • Citizenship training • Mental and physical fitness Advancement is one of the eight methods of Scouting used by Scout leaders to fulfill the aims of the BSA. Advancement is…

A method (2.0.0.1) • Not an end in itself Based on experiential learning (2.0.0.2) • Designed to educate and expand horizons A means for personal growth (2.0.0.3) • Age-appropriate, surmountable hurdles that allow Scouts to learn, acquire and build skills, and gain confidence Boy Scout Requirements

Note- Continuously updated. Always recheck online. Guide to Advancement 2013

• “Advancement is one of the eight methods used by Scout leaders to help boys fulfill the aims of the BSA.” —Scoutmaster Handbook

• http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards.aspx Age Requirement Eligibility

• Merit badges, badges of rank, Eagle Palms and other Scouting awards are for boys who are registered Boy Scouts. Any registered Boy Scout may earn these awards until his 18th birthday. Advancement in Boy Scouts • Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. • The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. • The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. • The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance, self-esteem, and in the ability to help others. Overview: The Four Steps of Advancement

Learn Test Review Recognize A Scout Learns (4.2.1.1) A Scout learns by doing, he grows, and then teaches - The EDGE method is a four step teaching method: Explain Demonstrate Guide Enable A Scout is Tested (4.2.1.2)

The unit leader authorizes those who may test. These might include patrol leaders, the senior patrol leader, an assistant unit leader, another Scout, or the unit leader. Merit badge counselors teach and test the requirements for merit badges. A Scout is Reviewed (4.2.1.3)

After completing all requirements for a rank (including a Scoutmaster Conference), the Scout meets with a Board of Review. For Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle Palms, the board of review is comprised of members of the unit committee. Local councils determine the level (i.e., Council, District or Unit) at which Eagle Scout boards of review are held. A Scout is Recognized (4.2.1.4)

Recognition builds confidence and leads to additional advancement. • Rewards the Scouts for their hard work • Helps motivate them to continue • Provides a reminder for other Scouts to advance Recognition should be immediate and repetitive. Mechanics of Advancement (4.2.0.0) All rank requirements must be passed exactly as written. If a requirement uses words like “show,” “demonstrate” or “discuss,” that that is what Scouts must do. All boy Scout rank advancements must be completed by age 18 unless special needs circumstances apply. (See section 10 of the GTA for further information.) Mechanics of Advancement (4.2.0.1)

Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class requirements can be passed at any time after the joining requirements have been met, and may be worked on simultaneously. Star, Life, and Eagle rank requirements must be fulfilled after the successful completion of a board of review for the previous rank. Mechanics of Advancement

Both Scouts and registered adult leaders may sign off on Boy Scout rank requirements. (4.2.1.2)

Parents are involved at home encouraging, mentoring, and supporting, but they do not sign for rank advancement requirements unless they serve as leaders.

Once a Scout has been tested and signed off, the requirement has been met and the Scout cannot be required to complete it again.

Units cannot add any requirements or standards to rank advancement. Conference (4.2.3.5) • Should be performed by the Scoutmaster • Required for each rank – Not limited to just one! Get to know your scouts • Not a “test” to be “passed” or a “retest” of requirements – A scout cannot be denied a SMC; if denied, scout can request BOR anyway • Doesn’t have to be the last step before BOR • Discuss Scout Spirit – living the Scout Oath and Scout Law • Discussion of “Duty to God” will be required in 2016 The Board of Review

• Occurs after scout has completed the requirements for his rank – It determines the quality of his experience and to decide if he has fulfilled the requirements • Should be scheduled promptly as scouts are ready, or on a regular basis to assure scouts are not delayed in working on next rank • Board must consist of 3-6 persons > age 21; not SM or ASM; not parent/guardian • It’s preferred the scout be in Class A, but Board shall not reject candidates solely based on failure to be in uniform The Board of Review

• Not a retest, challenge or exam – Is not appropriate to reject candidate because he cannot tie a specific knot or recite the Scout Oath – Is an opportunity to learn what skills the scout learned for his rank, and what he gained from the experience – Is a chance to get feedback on the troop, scout and adult leaders, and suggestions for improving the scouting experience • The Board must unanimously agree to advance the scout • If not approved, scout should be told what he can do to improve and properly complete requirements in order to have a further BOR • The unit leader should be informed of the decision upon completion of the BOR Advancement: Lower Ranks

• Advancement at this level is subtle. • It is not about ensuring a skill or subject has been “mastered” or “memorized,” but rather about the experience of facing new challenges, and discovering and learning new skills and disciplines. • The Scout continues to practice the skills that are introduced, and learns through doing as he participates in troop outings and leadership opportunities. Advancement: Upper Ranks

• At this level, the focus is on participation and leadership. – Requires a scout to be “active” in his troop and patrol. – Requires participation in approved service projects. – Requires serving “actively” in a position of responsibility for troop or patrol. Changes Coming to Rank Requirements

Boy Scout Change Summary! CHANGING! • Scout becomes a rank" • Additions:" NOT Changing! – Service @ all ranks • Current ranks or approach (T-1 (conservation related at Life)" concurrent; S-E sequential)" – Health eating/habits" • Use of merit badge program" – Some reordering (T-1)" – Physical fitness at each rank – T-1" – Outdoor ethics – LNT & TL" – Weather safety, risk assessment & mitigation" – Duty to God incorporated in requirement to show Scout Spirit."

17" “Active” participation (4.2.3.1)

• “Active” means the Scout’s level of activity, whether high or minimal, has exhibited Scouting values while having a sufficiently positive influence in the troop • This is purposely a flexible standard to accommodate varying levels of participation “Active” participation • Three-pronged test to evaluate “active” participation: 1) The scout is registered in the unit 2) The scout is in good standing (i.e., not dismissed for disciplinary reasons) 3a) The scout has met the troop’s reasonable, pre- established expectations re level of activity OR ALTERNATIVELY 3b) The scout was involved in other positive endeavors outside of the troop that contributed to his growth, which prevented his greater participation in the troop Position of Responsibility (4.2.3.4) • Position of Responsibility (“POR”) must be chosen from among those listed (4.2.3.4.1) – Troops cannot require specific POR for a rank – Distinction between “responsibility” and “leadership” • Time requirement may be aggregated from multiple PORs, and need not be continuous service (4.2.3.4.2) • Scout fulfills the POR requirement if he fulfills the troop’s reasonable, pre-established expectations/duties (4.2.3.4.3) Position of Responsibility Meeting Expectations • “It is a disservice to the Scout and to the unit to reward work that has not been done. . . . Some degree of responsibility must be practiced, taken or accepted.” – Provide position descriptions with directions, coaching and support

• On the other hand, “only in rare cases – if ever – should troop leaders inform a Scout that time, once served, will not count.” – It is not fair to the Scout to not give him credit if he was not informed what was expected of him Position of Responsibility Meeting Expectations • If there are no established expectations or position descriptions, then unit leader and Scout should work out the responsibilities to fulfill

• If no expectations are given to the scout and he makes a reasonable effort to perform what he determines should be done, then he fulfills this requirement

• If the scout is not meeting expectations, this should be communicated by the unit leadership early on – and the scout should be given an opportunity to improve Unit Advancement Responsibilities (3.0.0.3)

The unit advancement coordinator’s responsibility is to support the unit advancement program, maximize rank achievement, and facilitate a smooth process. Some troops may also organize an advancement committee chaired by the advancement coordinator. Advancement administrators must know and understand advancement procedures. Unit Advancement Coordinator (3.0.0.3)

Supports unit leader’s vision for advancement Educates Scouts, parents and unit leaders to stimulate and encourage advancement within the troop Helps plan, facilitate, and conduct regularly scheduled courts of honor Obtains necessary badges and certificates Unit Advancement Coordinator (3.0.0.3)

Assists unit leader in establishing practices that will help each new Scout achieve First Class within 12 to 18 months, and Star rank soon thereafter Arranges for timely boards of review, and invites Scouts ready for them - At least monthly BOR is recommended Unit Advancement Coordinator (3.0.0.3)

Keeps advancement records and submits advancement reports to the unit committee Keeps a current copy of the district or council provided merit badge counselor list With youth leadership, helps maintain a library of advancement literature Learns about and promotes other BSA awards and recognitions Unit Advancement Responsibilities: Reporting (4.0.0.2)

Units must report all advancement to the local council. Advancement should be reported regularly. All advancement for a calendar year must be recorded during that year to count for Journey to Excellence. Unit Advancement Responsibilities: Reporting (4.0.0.2)

It is strongly recommended that units utilize the BSA’s Advancement Manager tool available at my.scouting.org. All badges of rank, merit badges, and Eagle Palms are restricted items, not to be sold without a filed advancement report. Merit Badges (7.0.1.0)

Merit badge counselors must be registered with the BSA. Merit badge counselors must be approved by the local council. The council or district furnishes the merit badge counselor lists to the units. The unit advancement coordinator maintains the current list (accessible). Merit Badges

Merit badge counselors must complete Youth Protection training every two years. Merit badge counselors must be men or women of good character, age 18 or older, and have recognized skills. The buddy system must be used. A youth member must not meet one-on-one with an adult. Other Opportunities for Recognition • “Awards and recognitions” by definition are not part of the advancement plan. But these supplement advancement in many ways and can lead to increased retention. • In all, there are more than 100 other awards and recognitions for both youth and adults. Some are earned, while others are presented in honor of service rendered. Miscellaneous Awards & Recognitions

• Totin’ Chip • Den Chief Service Award • Firem’n Chit • Lifesaving & Meritorious Action • Paul Bunyan Woodsman Awards • Mile Swim • Scuba BSA • 50 Miler Award • Kayaking BSA • • Snorkeling BSA • Interpreter Strip • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Leave No Trace Award • William T. Hornaday Awards • World Conservation Award • Local Council Awards (Highlander, • Nova Awards Rim of the Bay, etc.) • • Cyber Chip Religious Emblems Other Opportunities for Recognition • A separate publication, the Guide to Awards and Insignia, is a central source for building a deeper understanding of the opportunities available. It can be found at http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Media/InsigniaGuide.aspx In Summary, Advancement…

Encourages Scouts to learn new skills and explore new subject areas Provides a tangible reward for hard work Helps build confidence Facilitates a Scout’s personal growth Provides a method to further the aims of Scouting Available Resources Publications • Guide to Advancement, No. 33088 • Boy Scout Requirements, No. 33216 • Boy Scout Handbook, No. 34554 • Merit Badge Counselor Information, No. 34405 • Advancement News e-newsletter • Bryan on Scouting: Ask the Expert http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/catego ry/ask-the-expert/ BSA Online Advancement Help www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAw ards.aspx BSA Advancement Resources www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAw ards/resources.aspx Advancement News Archive www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAw ards/advancement_news.aspx

Addvvaanncceemmeennt tN Newews s

October 2014

Vol. 4, Nos. 6

Previous issues are available at http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/advancement_news.aspx

Opportunities for Advancement Administrators

Conference on Education for Advancement Administrators Florida Sea Base, January 11-17 The Conference on Education for Advancement Administrators, or CEAA for short, has established a well-deserved reputation for being a premier learn- ing experience and workshop for council and district advancement-oriented volunteers and professionals. The CEAA will be held at the Florida Sea Base this winter, and there is still time to sign up. Here is a sample of what you will experience during your week in the sunny Florida Keys, January 11-17. First, you will have an opportunity to assist the National Advancement Com- mittee in the development of educational materials and other resources that will be used across the country. Many of the PowerPoint education tools posted at www.scouting.org/advancement are the result of previ- ous CEAA conferences. This year’s conference participants will view and discuss these existing materials and will be given the opportunity to make recommendations for additional tools to be developed for the future. Several members of the National Advancement Committee and its advisory panel will be on hand, along with representatives of the National Disabilities Awareness committee, to hear your ideas.

Contin ed on page 2

In Tu his Issue Opportunitie for Advancement Administrators: Eagle Issues: Boards of Review: Negative Reference Conference on Education for Advancement Adminis- Responses trators (CEAA), Florida Sea Base, January 11-17 The Perspective: The : On Increasing Advancement: Scout Advancement Venturing’s Capstone Achievement throui gh First Class: Not Just a Matter of 1-2-3, Boy From the Archives: Helpful Hints on Special Needs Scout Competit on Announced Advancement Flexibility (May, 2012) From the Guide To Advancement: Scoutmaster Con- The Survey Says: Positions of Responsibility Survey, ferences: Busting a Few Persistent Myths March 2014—Observations & Commentary Angle: Webelos Scouts to Boy Scouts: A Peek Ahead: Topics Planned for November When Should the Transition Start? Helpful Links: Advancement Resources Page Merit Badges-Enhancing Our Youth’s Competiit ve Edge: On the Horizon

October 2014 Advancement News 1 Other Unofficial Online Resources

• Ask Andy http://netcommissioner.com/askandy/

• Scoutmaster CG http://scoutmastercg.com/category/advancement/

• USSSP: Scoutmaster.org http://scoutmaster.org