Rank Advancement

            The Boy Scout advancement program provides a ladder of skills that the Scout climbs through at his own pace. As each Scout acquires these skills, they move up through the series of ranks, for which they are awarded badges; Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle. The higher the Scout climbs the more challenging his tasks. Four Steps to Advancement

Step 1 – The Scout learns. Every Scout learns Scouting skills by taking an active, hands-on part in Troop and patrol meetings and outdoor programs. This learning is the natural outcome of regular Scouting activities.

The requirements are designed progressively so that when a Scout reaches First Class rank, he is a good outdoors man, physically fit, active in his patrol and Troop, informed and active as a citizen, and he will have made the Scout Oath and Law a part of his daily life.

It is each Scout’s responsibility to himself to learn the advancement program. This can be done through discussions with his patrol leader, members of the junior staff or members of the adult staff . The Boy Scout Handbook is his best source of information, when other sources are not available.

It is the adult leaders’ responsibility to provide a means for the Scout to set and accomplish his goals.

It is the parent’s responsibility to help your Scout organize his advancement effort, and to guide him (at least initially) in how to go about each step in working on badges.

The requirements for each rank can be found in the Boy Scout Handbook, which is the Scout’s official record for advancement. Because it is the Scout’s official record, periodically you may wish to make a copy of the advancement pages in case the book is lost or damaged beyond use.

Step 2 – The Scout is tested. When a Scout feels he has mastered or achieved any of the advancement requirements, he should contact a leader, Scout or adult. When a leader, Scout or adult, sees that the Scout has mastered a given skill and has satisfied a given requirement, they’ll record his achievement.

Don’t forget, as a Scout, it is your responsibility to make sure that a leader knows when you have met any requirement for advancement.

Step 3 – The Scout is reviewed. Each of the six ranks in Scouting contains the requirement “participate in a Scoutmaster conference.” The purpose of the 20-minute to one-hour conference in full Class A uniform with neck Bo Lo Tie is to develop over a period of time an increased level of understanding between the Scout and the Scoutmaster. Once this relationship is established and begins to grow, the Scoutmaster can be increasingly effective in helping the Scout get the most from Scouting.

When the Scout completes all but the last requirements for a rank, he will be ready ask the Scoutmaster for a “Scoutmaster conference.” For the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class, his Assistant Scoutmaster may hold the conference. The Scout will be given a date for the conference. The conference may be the same evening, so the Scout should dress appropriately.

After the Scout has had his conference, he will then sign-up for a Board of Review with the Advancement Chairman. The board is composed of at least one adult member of the Troop Committee and other parents who have agreed to participate in Boards of Review. The purpose is to make sure the Scout has met all the requirements for rank advancement, to chat with the Scout about how he feels he is getting along with the Troop and its program, and to encourage the Scout to keep advancing. The intention of the board is NOT to retest the Scout on the skills and activities required for the rank.

Board of Reviews are held on the second meeting of each month, schedule permitting, or more frequently as needed, during the regular Scout meeting time and may only be scheduled with the Advancement Chairman after you have participated in the Scoutmaster conference. A Scout must be in full Class A uniform with Bo Lo Tie to participate in a Board of Review.

Step 4 – The Scout is recognized. When the Board of Review certifies the Scout, his new rank is announced at the close of the meeting. His badge will be awarded to him at the next COH.

The Court of Honor is a formal ceremony generally held several times a year. At that time all Scouts who have advanced or earned merit badges since the last court will be recognized before an audience of families, friends, Troop leaders and fellow Scouts. The Scout who has advanced in rank, will receive his badge. 

A Court of Honor is typically held in lieu of the regular Troop meeting, followed by a time to chat with one another. All Scouts should attend the Court of Honor in full Class A uniform with neck gear.

Please Visit the following link to get Advancement & Eagle Information.