Advancement
Advancement
As a Scout prepares for his rank advancement, he needs to ensure that all of the requirements for rank have been completed and signed off. Rank advancement requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class can only be signed off by the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, SPL, ASPLs, Troop Instructor, the Scout's Patrol Leader (as long as the PL has achieved the Rank he is signing off on), or any Scout who has achieved the rank of Star, Life or Eagle. All of the requirements for the rank of Star, Life or Eagle will be signed off by the Advancement Chair or by the Scoutmaster. The reason for this is so the Advancement Chair can verify Service hours and Merit Badges. The Scout should bring his book to the Advancement Chair on a regular basis so that the requirements can be input into TroopMaster. Most rank advancements include both a Scoutmaster Conference as well as a Board of Review. For Star, Life, and Eagle (including Palms) there are Merit Badge requirements. Boards of Review and Scoutmaster Conferences are to be scheduled with the Advancement Chair.
Purpose of a Scoutmaster Conference
The Scoutmaster conference is neither an interrogation nor a retesting of a Scout's competence. It should be an informal conversation between Scout and Scoutmaster either toward a certain goal or as a requirement for advancement. In either case, open-ended questions are good to prompt the Scout's comments. Encourage him to come to conclusions on his own; don't simply tell him what you think. A Scoutmaster conference is simply a chance to talk to a Scout about how he is doing, how he feels about the troop and his role in it, how he is advancing, and how he is striving to live up to Scouting's ideals. Consequently, a Scoutmaster conference can take place anytime and for any reason. Other reasons to have a Scoutmaster conference may include:
A Scout's lack of advancement
A perceived trouble between the Scout and others in the troop
Purpose of a Board of Review
A periodic review of the progress of a Scout is vital in the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Scouting program in the unit. The unit committee can judge how well the Scout being reviewed is benefiting from the program. The unit leader can measure the effectiveness of his or her leadership. The Scout can sense that he is, or is not, advancing properly and can be encouraged to make the most of his Scouting experience. Not only is it important to review those Scouts who have learned and been tested for a rank, but also to review those Scouts who have shown no progress in their advancement over the past few months. Participants in a Board of Review must keep these objectives in mind:
Ensure the Scout has completed requirements for the rank.
Evaluate the experience the Scout is having in the unit.
Encourage the Scout to progress further.
The Board also provides an opportunity for the Scout to develop and practice skills needed in an interview situation, and it is an opportunity for the Scout to review his accomplishments. The Board of Review is not a retesting of requirements - the Scout has already been tested on the skills and activities required for the rank. However, the chairman of the Board of Review should ensure that all the requirements have been signed off in the Scout's handbook. Additionally, the chairman should ensure that leadership and merit badge records are consistent with the requirements for the rank. The Board of Review is a time to determine the Scout's attitudes, accomplishments, and acceptance of Scouting Ideals. Scout Spirit is defined as living the Scout Oath and Scout Law in a Scout's everyday life. The board should make sure that good standards have been met in all phases of the Scout's life. A discussion of the Scout Oath and Scout Law is in keeping with the purpose of the review, to make sure that the candidate recognizes and understands the value of Scouting in his home, unit, school, and community.
Rank
Scout
The Scout rank is the first rank a Boy Scout can earn in the Boy Scouts of America program. It is considered the foundation for all other ranks in the program. The Scout rank teaches a Scout basic outdoor skills, including camping, cooking, and first aid, as well as how to be a good citizen, follow the Scout Oath and Law, and participate in their community.
Tenderfoot
Tenderfoot is the second rank in the Boy Scouts of America program, and it builds on the skills and values learned in the Scout rank. To earn the Tenderfoot rank, a Scout must demonstrate proficiency in several basic outdoor and life skills, such as camping, hiking, first aid, and citizenship.
2nd Class
Second Class is the third rank in the Boy Scouts of America program, and it builds on the skills and values learned in the Tenderfoot rank. To earn the Second Class rank, a Scout must demonstrate proficiency in several intermediate-level outdoor and life skills, such as orienteering, cooking, and swimming.
1st Class
First Class is the fourth rank in the Boy Scouts of America program, and it builds on the skills and values learned in the Tenderfoot and Second Class ranks. To earn the First Class rank, a Scout must demonstrate proficiency in several advanced-level outdoor and life skills, such as backpacking, wilderness survival, and environmental conservation.
Star
Star is the fifth rank in the Boy Scouts of America program, and it builds on the skills and values learned in the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. To earn the Star rank, a Scout must demonstrate proficiency in leadership, service, and personal growth, and must also earn merit badges in several areas of interest.
Life
Life is the sixth rank in the Boy Scouts of America program, and it builds on the skills and values learned in the Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, and Star ranks. To earn the Life rank, a Scout must demonstrate proficiency in leadership, service, and personal growth, and must also earn additional merit badges and complete several service projects.
Eagle
Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America program. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Scout must demonstrate excellence in leadership, service, and outdoor skills, and must also earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, including specific required badges. Earning the Eagle Scout rank is a significant achievement, and it signifies that the Scout has shown exceptional dedication to the principles of Scouting and to their community through service projects and other activities. By earning this rank, a Scout has demonstrated that they have exceptional leadership skills, a strong commitment to service, and a deep understanding of Scouting values. Eagle Scouts have gone on to become leaders in their communities, their professions, and their countries. They have contributed to society in a wide range of fields, including science, government, education, and the arts. The skills and values learned while earning the Eagle Scout rank are essential for a Scout's continued growth and development as a leader, citizen, and outdoor enthusiast, and provide a strong foundation for future success in all areas of life.