What is Advancement?
Advancement is the process by which scouts progress from rank to rank. It is a means to an end, not an end itself. The main purpose of advancement is the growth the scout achieves when he actively participates in the scouting program.
The scouting program has three aims: Growth in 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. A Boy Scout Badge recognizes what a scout is able to do. It is not a reward for what he has done.
The Boy Scout is expected to meet the requirement exactly as stated. If it says, “show, demonstrate, make, collect, …”, that is what he must do. (Note: Scouts with physical or mental disabilities may request alternate rank requirements. You should contact the Scoutmaster if you feel it is necessary. There are specific criteria, which must be met and submitted to Council.)
How to Advance in Rank?
All requirements are listed in the Scout Handbook for each rank. An advancement requirement of Troop 175 is that the Scout must have participated in a minimum of 50% of the troop meetings and 50% of weekend activities within past year, in order to advance in any rank.
A New Scout Joining the Troop:
• A new Scout must know the requirements for becoming a Boy Scout listed in the Handbook.
• The Scout must request a Scoutmaster Conference at a troop meeting or campout.
A Scout To Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, 1st Class Rank:
• Scouts are signed off in their Handbook, usually by their patrol leader, when they have learned or met a requirement. Requirements can be learned or met at troop meetings, on campouts, or at summer camp. To have requirements signed off, Scouts should work first with their patrol leader, then the junior leaders for assistance, and then, if necessary, contact the Advancement Chairperson for guidance in meeting requirements.
• The Scout must have all completed requirements for their next rank signed off in his Handbook. The Scout must maintain his own records of his troop activities and progress.
• The Scout must request a Scoutmaster Conference, which should be done at the time all requirements are met. Scoutmaster Conferences can be held at troop meetings or campouts. Scouts should not wait until just before a Court of Honor.
• The Scout needs to be able to discuss/demonstrate these requirements.
• They need to appear in Class A Uniform with their Handbook.
• Once they pass a Scoutmaster Conference, they must appear before a Board of Review.
A Scout To Star, Life , Eagle Rank:
• In addition to being active in the Troop, and demonstrating Scout Spirit, these ranks require:
assigned positions, as they are available. Scouts must perform their responsibilities AND
meet their time in position to achieve this advancement requirement.
Service to Others. The troop provides some opportunities for service projects including Onion Mountain maintenance, time helping on eagle projects, and service to our chartered organization, St. Mary’s Church. A Scout must contact Mr. Mead for approval of other service hours prior to service. Scouts must maintain records of their service hours.
Completion of Merit Badges. Scouts do not have to wait for a scheduled merit badge class. They are encouraged to take the initiative to work independently with an approved merit badge counselor. (See Merit Badges below)
• The Scout must request a Scoutmaster Conference, which should be done at the time all requirements are met.
• Once they pass a Scoutmaster Conference, they must appear before a Board of Review.
Boards of Review
Boards of Review will be scheduled for a Scout sometime after their Scoutmaster Conference. The Scoutmaster will communicate the need for a Board of Review to the Troop Committee. The Troop Committee will schedule Boards of Review periodically based on needs and availability of Board Members. The Advancement Chairperson will contact the Scout(s) of the date of the Board of Review.
Merit Badges
The merit badge program offers over 100 merit badges. Through this program, a Scout learns career skills, physical skills, and hobbies, which last a lifetime. Merit Badges are listed in the Handbook. A listing of the MB requirements can be found at www.meritbadge.org
• A Scout who is interested in earning a merit badge should contact the Merit Badge Coordinator for the name of a registered merit badge counselor for that merit badge, if a counselor is available. Scouts do not have to wait for a scheduled merit badge class.
• The Scout should obtain a merit badge card and have it signed by the Scoutmaster.
• The Scout should contact the merit badge counselor. If a meeting is necessary, the Scout must have someone with him. The Scout may not meet one-on-one with the counselor.
• The merit badge counselor should explain the requirements, and provide assistance when requested.
• When the Scout is ready, they should contact the counselor to show they have met the requirements. Scouts are expected to meet the requirements as they are stated.
• Counselors should test/review the Scout’s progress individually, and sign the merit badge card the Scout completes the requirements. It is important for a Scout to keep a “partial” merit badge card, so they may complete it in the future.
• Once all requirements are met, the signed merit badge card should be turned in to the Scoutmaster or Advancement Chairperson.
• Group instruction of certain merit badges will be scheduled throughout the year. The Merit Badge Coordinator will provide schedules.
Parents are encouraged to review the list of merit badges and volunteer to serve as merit badge counselors. They should have special knowledge in the subject, and an interest in working with any Scout in the troop or district. They must complete an application to be registered. They may set up group instructions by contacting the Merit Badge Coordinator to arrange a schedule. They may hold group meetings prior to a troop meeting, at a campout or set up special times, depending on the requirements of the merit badge.
Questions regarding advancement should be directed to the Advancement Chairman.
