Troop 455 Advancement
Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. Scouts plan their own advancement and progress at their own pace as they meet each challenge. Scouts are recognized and rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.
Advancement is the process by which youth members of the Boy Scouts of America progress from rank to rank and is the method by which we promote and encourage the ongoing involvement and commitment that keeps members coming back for more. It works best when it is built into a unit’s program so that simply participating leads to meaningful achievement and recognition—and to a continually improving readiness for more complex experiences.
Why Advancement?
Advancement is simply a means to an end, not an end in itself. It is one of several methods designed to help unit leadership carry out the aims and mission of the Boy Scouts of America.
Advancement Is Based on Experiential Learning
Everything done to advance—to earn ranks and other awards and recognition—is designed to educate or to otherwise expand horizons. Members learn and develop according to a standard. This is the case from the time a member joins and then moves through the programs of Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, and Venturing or Sea Scouts.
Experiential learning is the key: Exciting and meaningful activities are offered, and education happens. Learning comes from doing. For example, youth may read about first aid, hear it discussed, and watch others administer it, but they will not learn it until they practice it. Rushing a Scout through requirements to obtain a badge is not the goal. Advancement should be a natural outcome of a well-rounded unit program, rich in opportunities to work toward the ranks.
It is important to note, as with any educational opportunity, a rank or award is not the end of the learning process. In Scouting, after a requirement has been passed, the Scout is placed in practical situations that build retention through repeated use of skills. For example, a Scout plays games that feature the skills, teaches other Scouts, and perhaps practices the skills in “real-life” outdoor experiences. A well-rounded and strong unit program takes advantage of these kinds of opportunities, using them to improve retention through practical application.
Personal Growth Is the Primary Goal
Scouting skills—what a young person learns to do—are important, but not as important as the primary goal of personal growth achieved through participating in a unit program. The concern is for total, well-rounded development. Age-appropriate surmountable hurdles are placed before members, and as they face these challenges they learn about themselves and gain confidence.
Learning Scout skills and concepts through active participation is a vehicle for personal growth, but it is not the primary goal. For example, learning how to tie a knot, plan a menu, swim, or administer first aid may turn out to be critical in one’s life, but they are secondary to the goal of personal growth that comes with learning. As Scouts learn skills and are tested on them, and then reviewed and recognized, they develop confidence. They come to realize they can learn and do other similar things. The retention of Scouting skills and knowledge is important, of course; but for retention to take place, it will be because Scouting skills and knowledge are used in our programs.
Advancement Process at Troop 455
Advancement Meetings
For Scouts ready for their Scoutmaster conference or who have questions about meeting their requirements – Turn in all of your completed Rank achievement sign offs , completed camp achievement reports and completed blue merit badge cards the Advancement Committee Chairman.
Rank Coaches
Help Scouts traverse the Rank requirements and assist Scouts with questions regarding their advancement.
| Rank | Coach |
|---|---|
| New Scout to 1st Class | David Mallett |
| 1st Class to Star | John Murlin |
| Star to Life | Ravenell McCrackin |
| Life to Eagle | Mickey Smith |
Board of Review (BoR)
After a Scout has completed all necessary requirements to rank up and has had their Scoutmaster conference. It’s up to the Scout to schedule a Board of Review with the Achievement Chair. Boards of Review takes place on a Monday night each month. Full BSA uniform is required. BoR consists of 3 parent volunteers from our troop who ask questions of Scouts to determine their readiness to rank up. Each question period is around 15 – 20 min. long. Several panels may take place on the same night, therefore many volunteers are often needed.
Court Of Honor (CoH)
There are 4 Court of Honors held during the year. This is the celebration for all Scouts receiving merit badges, awards and ranking up. We expect all Scouts and parents to attend to support and celebrate the Scouts, and be inspired to make the next level.
Advancement Tracking: ScoutBook
Scoutbook holds all Troop 455 Scout advancement records, including:
- Current rank
- Requirements needed for future ranks
- Merit Badges earned
- Documentation of Merit Badges partials (needing completion)
- Service hours
- Camping nights
- Hiking Miles
- Attendance
Rank Descriptions
Scout: A new Scout must agree to live by the Scout Oath and Law, tie a square knot, describe the Scout badge and complete other assignments.
Tenderfoot: Tenderfoot gives Scouts the basic skills Scouts need to begin taking part in adventures, such as pitching & sleeping in a tent on a troop overnight.
Second Class: Scout must show ability to use a map and compass, how & when to build a campfire, to safely use pocketknives and wood tools, and have proven their abilities in camping, first aid, swimming, & other Scouting skills.
First Class: Scouts have practiced Scout skills many times on more challenging outings. As Scout’s confidence & knowledge grows, so does the expectations of other and of the scout. 1st Class Scouts are prepared to be a leader in his patrol, troop, and community.
Star: Star Scouts have earned more freedom to choose their own directions of interest. The focus shifts from basic Scout skills to earning the first six merit badges for Eagle, and service to others.
Life: One of the rarest ranks, having earned more than half the merit badges required for Eagle. Life Scouts are expected to be active, take part in at least one service project & serve a position of leadership in the troop for at least six months.
Eagle Palm: After earning Eagle Palms (Bronze, Gold and Silver) may be earned by completing more requirements. The Palm emphasizes your effort to develop and demonstrate leadership ability as well as earning five more merit badges and being active at least three months after earning Eagle or your last Palm.
Earning Merit Badges
Choose a Badge: Talk to your unit leader about your interests. Read the requirements of the merit badges & pick one. Browse Merit Badge Requirements and Workbooks from the US Scouting Service Project.
Obtain Blue Card (Permission): Sign into ScoutBook and request a Merit Badge Blue Card (MB application). Teh Advancement Chair will want to talk with you about your interests and plans before he signs off.
Contact the Merit Badge Counselor (MBC): Purchase or borrow the associated Merit Badge Pamphlet, download the worksheet, and make a plan. Contact the MBC & ask for help as needed. MBCs guide Scouts through the process of earning merit badges but doesn’t necessarily provide the educational components nor chaperone activities. Scouts must do the work. MB work doesn’t apply to rank advancement until Star rank. Remember that you must have another person with you at each meeting with the merit badge counselor (Scout, parent, sibling, relative, friend).
Show Your Stuff: When you are ready, make an appointment with your MBC. Bring evidence that you’ve met the requirements (product, photos, &/or written explanation). Your MBC will test you on each requirement & make sure you’ve finished the requirements as stated – no more or less. Follow specific directions: “show or demonstrate,” is what you must do – just telling isn’t enough – Same rule for “make, list, in the field, collect, identify, label”)
Get the Badge: When your MBC is satisfied you have met each requirement, your application will be signed. Give the signed application to your unit leader.