Advancement Program
• Learning and Advancement are
interchangeable
• Framework for guiding the learning
of Scouts and then their recognition
• Opportunities to explore and master
• Tenderfoot, Second Class and First
Class teach the core skills and values
• Star, Life and Eagle focus on
personal growth, leadership and
responsibility
SASLAT
September 21, 2013
The Advancement ideas and
methods of Boy Scouting are
defined and presented in
National BSA pub # 33088
“Guide to Advancement 2013”
SASLAT
September 21, 2013
The Guide to Advancement 2013(the Guide)
an Overview:
•
Very detailed Table of Contents
•
Covers all programs, Cubbing, Boy Scouts, Venturing, etc.
•
Has general information and program specific information
•
Starts by giving key definitions and guidelines
•
Then discusses, in multiple sections, the mechanics of
Advancement
•
Has sections oriented to complex situations (e.g.: Eagle;
Special Needs; appeals)
SASLAT
September 21, 2013
The Guide, Section 2:
Advancement Defined
• The process by which Scouts progress from rank to rank
• Based on learning from education and most of all from
doing (EDGE – Explaining, Demonstrating, Guiding, Enabling)
• Personal growth is the prime consideration
• Built into the Troop’s program
• Leads to
–
–
–
–
–
Scouts accepting responsibility
Demonstrating self-reliance
Caring for themselves and others
Making Scout ideals part of their lives
Showing signs they will be positive contributors in life
SASLAT
September 21, 2013
The Guide, Section 3:
Guidelines for … Committees
• Council, District, Unit Advancement – all have
roles
• Unit Advancement
• Obvious basics:
– Records keeping
– Advancement reporting – using Internet
Advancement
– Court of Honor preparations and planning
• Unit Goal Setting
• Unit Progress Evaluation
SASLAT
September 21, 2013
The Guide, Section 4:
The Mechanics of Advancement
• 4 Steps in Advancement:
• Active Participation: Defined – complex: read it!
• Demonstrate Scout Spirit: Discussed – usefulness of
imperfection
• Positions of Responsibility: Definitions and Procedures –
complex!
• Scoutmaster Conference: Why and when
SASLAT
September 21, 2013
Definitions of Active and Scout Spirit
from National meeting presentation
SASLAT
September 21, 2013
• The Guide, Section 5: Special Considerations
– Camp, Extended Absence, Lone Scouting, Foreign
Youth
– Religious Principles – needs reading – parent role
defined
– Posthumous Awards & “Spirit of the Eagle” Award
• The Guide, Section 6: Internet Advancement
Highlights
• The Guide, Section 7: The Merit Badge Program
– Not part of this presentation – but clearly part of
Advancement
– Currently 130+ Merit Badges
– Covers A-Z on MB: definitions, process, procedures,
and qualification of counselors
SASLAT
September 21, 2013
The Guide, Section 8: Boards of Review:
An Overview for All Ranks
• What the Scout is due
• Who can’t be on any Board of Review
– Unit Leaders and Assistants, Parents of Scout, Specially Chosen
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Conduct of the Board
How Boards lead to improvement
Decisions must be unanimous
Post-Review requirements if disapproved
Particulars for Tenderfoot through Life
Particulars for the Eagle Scout Rank
Appeals
SASLAT
September 21, 2013
The Guide, Section 9: The Eagle Scout Rank
• The Rank Application Process
– Completed, Signed, Reviewed by Council
– References are confidential, not Scout’s responsibility to get
• The Eagle Scout Service Project
– This part is in sync with material in the Service Project Workbook
– Evaluating the Project, Risk Management, Insurance: read it!
• Eagle Palms
• Time Extensions (As the gecko says, “fuh-gedda-bout-it”)
– For limited, last-minute, temporary situations
– Special Needs handled by registration as handicapped
SASLAT
September 21, 2013
• The Guide, Section 10:
Adv. For Members with Special Needs
– Registration, Flexibility, Program Specifics
• The Guide, Section 11:
–
–
–
–
FAQ by program; point back to main text of the Guide
Obscure forms
List of Advancement-related Literature
BSA Charter and Bylaws related to Advancement
• An Index
SASLAT
September 21, 2013
Advancement Program
4 Steps to Advancement
1)
2)
3)
4)
A Scout Learns
A Scout is Tested
A Scout is Reviewed
A Scout is Recognized
SASLAT
September 21, 2013
A Scout Learns
SASLAT
September 21, 2013
A Scout is Tested
•
Older Scouts (leaders) who have already earned
the rank may determine if other Scouts have
learned the skill.
•
In a new Scout patrol, testing may have to be
conducted by ASM or Troop Guide assigned to
patrol.
•
Scoutmasters should monitor testing to assure
quality control.
SASLAT
September 21, 2013
A Scout is Reviewed
Scoutmaster’s Conference
SASLAT
September 21, 2013
Scoutmaster’s Conference
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Notice that it is not a re-test.
It is not a pass-fail.
Should establish trust.
Provide positive reinforcement.
Ask Scout to set goals – leadership, summer camp, etc.
Congratulate the Scout.
Explain what the Scout is to expect at the board of
review.
Per Youth Protection Guidelines the Scoutmaster’s
Conference is always conducted in view of others.
SASLAT
September 21, 2013
Board of Review
• Except for Eagle, Boards of Review are
conducted by the troop’s committee.
• Purpose is not a retest, but rather to insure
completion of rank requirements and to determine
quality of Scout’s troop experience.
• Make every effort to put the Scout at ease.
• Offer encouragement and praise.
SASLAT
September 21, 2013
A Scout is Recognized
• Immediate recognition of achievement is a
powerful incentive for Scouts to continue.
• A Scout should receive his new badge of rank
ASAP.
• Troops should hold Courts of Honor every three
months to recognize all Scouts who have moved
up in rank or earned Merit Badges.
SASLAT
September 21, 2013
How are you doing?
Is your troop running the BSA way?
Consider:
• 3.0.0.3 item 7: Establish practices that will allow
each new Boy Scout to achieve First Class rank
within 12-18 months of joining, and then to Star
rank soon thereafter.
• 3.0.0.3 item 8: Arrange for timely (monthly
suggested) Boards of Review, and see that Scouts
ready for them are invited.
SASLAT
September 21, 2013
Strengths of the Advancement Program
•
•
•
•
•
It’s fun.
It offers adventure.
It allows Scouts to measure their progress.
It provides recognition.
It promotes the development of physical
fitness, character and citizenship.
SASLAT
September 21, 2013
Any Questions?
Contact
Neal Townsend
221 – 9063
neal@ntown.info
This presentation and other material will be posted on
www.ntown.info.
SASLAT
September 21, 2013