Advancement 


                                               

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 and in the ability to help others.

The Scout Badge is a requirment for joining Boy Scouts.
Note that the Scout badge is NOT considered a "Rank" by BSA.


 
Scout

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The advancement program is often considered to be divided into two phases. The first phase from joining to First Class is designed to teach the boy Scoutcraft skills, how to participate in a group and to learn self-reliance. The Scout rank badge is awarded when the Scout demonstrates a rudimentary knowledge of the Scouting ideals and program. Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class have progressively harder requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit.

 
Tenderfoot   Second Class   First Class

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The second phase of Star, Life, and Eagle is designed to develop leadership skills and allow the Scout to explore potential vocations and avocations through the merit badge program. The Star and Life ranks require that the boy serve in a position of responsibility and perform community service. Except for the Scout badge, all ranks as well as Eagle Palms require that the candidate pass a Scoutmaster Conference and a Board of Review.

 
    Star       Life      Eagle


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Eagle Palms are awarded for continued leadership and skills development (merit badges) after the Eagle Scout rank has been earned. These palms help keep the Eagle Scouts active within the unit, contributing to the leadership of the unit, and assisting with the growth of the other Scouts within the unit.
Note that Eagle Palms are NOT considered "Ranks" by BSA.


Eagle Palms

Merit Badge Counselors

Merit badge counselors are the key to success in the merit badge plan. They offer their time, experience, and knowledge to help guide Scouts in one or more of the merit badge subjects.

The counselor's responsibility is to:

• Assist the Scout as he plans the assigned projects and activities to meet the merit badge requirements.
• Coach Scouts through interviews and demonstrations on how to do the required skills of the craft, business, or hobby.
• Certify the Scout after determining whether he is qualified for the merit badge.

Most local councils list merit badge counselors by district so that Scouts may call for appointments.  Troop 245 also has a list of merit badge counselors.

The number of Scouts requesting help is usually no burden to the counselor, since the number of counselors is normally determined by the popularity of the badge. Counselors schedule appointments at their convenience.

Scoutmaster Conference

A Scoutmaster has an important job in guiding Scouts to advance and the Scoutmaster Conference is a major step in the process. The actual advancement is not the thing - it's helping the Scout grow in character that's important. Many Scouts can easily learn and demonstrate skills for advancement sign-offs, but picking up on all the other benefits of scouting often does not occur.

If a Scout takes some time to reflect on his scouting adventure that has brought him to this Scoutmaster Conference, he is more apt to feel a sense of accomplishment and set goals for further advancement. Providing Scouts with an outline of topics to reflect on is a great help to get them focused on their path through the program.

Board of Review

Purpose:
The members of a Board of Review should have the following objectives in mind:

• To make sure the Scout has completed the requirements for the rank.
• To see how good an experience the Scout is having in the unit.
• To encourage the Scout to progress further.

Additionally, the Board of Review provides "quality control" on advancement within the unit, it provides an opportunity for the Scout to develop and practice those skills needed in a interview situation, and it is an opportunity for the Scout to review his accomplishments.
The Board of Review is NOT a retest; the Scout has already been tested on the skills and activities required for the rank. However, the Advancement Chair of the Board of Review should ensure that all the requirements have been "signed off" in the Scout's handbook. Additionally, the Advancement Chair should ensure that leadership and merit badge records are consistent with the requirements for the rank.
The Board of Review is an opportunity to review the Scout's attitudes, accomplishments, and his acceptance of Scouting's ideals.