The advancement method is the cornerstone of the Scouting program. There are three basic areas of advancement:
Rank Advancement
There are seven levels of rank in Boy Scouting, each with its own unique
requirements. These are Scout (joining), Tenderfoot, Second
Class, First Class (basic skill development), Star, Life
(advanced skill and leadership development) and the highest rank, Eagle.
When a Webelos Scout crosses over to Boy Scouts, he must demonstrate basic
knowledge of the Scout Law, Oath, etc. The requirements for each rank can be
found in the current Boy Scout Handbook. As requirements are met, they
are approved and signed off by the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmasters.
Parents are not allowed to sign off rank requirements for their son. It is the
Scout's responsibility to understand and meet all the requirements for each
rank. IT is also the Scout's responsibility to have the completion of each
requirement recorded both in his handbook and by the Advancement chairperson. If
a parent or Scout is in doubt about what has been recorded, a report can be
requested of the Advancement Chairperson.
For all positions of responsibility, including Patrol Leader, the Scout must attend 60% of all meetings and campouts to receive credit for that position. If he is unable to attend, he must have someone who is prepared and capable of covering his responsibilities. This does not include last minute phone calls (Oct. 6, 1998 Committee meeting)
Merit Badge Advancement
There are over 120 merit badges a Scout can earn. Of these, 21 are required
for the Eagle rank. Merit badges are part of the rank requirements for Star and
Life ranks as well. Parents can help by filling out the Troop Resource Survey
and indicating which skill areas they may be able to counsel. If a parent,
guardian, or other adult, is interested in becoming a Merit Badge Counselor,
they must complete a BSA adult application and a Merit Badge Counselor
registration form. Both of these must be turned in to the Troop, and approved by
Indianhead Council before they can counsel the Merit Badge.
Before a Scout can begin to work on a Merit Badge, he must receive a signed Merit Badge card from the Scoutmaster, or an Assistant Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster, or Assistant will make sure the Scout is going to an approved Counselor, has a Two Deep plan, and is not working on too many Merit Badges at the same time. It is preferred that two or more Scouts work on the same Merit Badge together. If this is not possible, a parent or guardian must be present for all counseling sessions. At no time should a individual Scout and Counselor meet one to one.
The cloth badge is awarded as soon as it can be purchased, often at the next Troop meeting after the application has been turned in. The Merit Badge card is awarded at the next Troop Court of Honor. These cards, along with the Applicant portion of the Merit Badge application, signed by the counselor, should be saved. They can prove to be extremely valuable when completing the Eagle application.
For more information about Merit Badges check out this page on the BSA web site: http://www.scouting.org/factsheets/02-500.html
Special Recognition
There are other types of advancement available to Scouts, including earning
the religious emblem of their faith, demonstrating a Scout's commitment to "Duty
to God". More information on religious emblems can be found:
On the BSA National Web site:
http://www.scouting.org/awards/religious/awards/index.html
On the Indianhead Council Web site:
http://www.indianhead.org/Resources/religious.asp
Other special recognitions include Den Chief Award, 50 Miler, Order of the Arrow, Lifeguard BSA, Mile Swim, etc.
In order to promote advancement and attendance, Troop 113 created the Rothschild Award many years ago. More information on this award can be found here: http://www.troop113.indianhead.org/documents/rothschild%20award.html
Another method of promoting advancement, attendance and wearing your uniform is the Troop 113 "Scout Bucks" program. A Scout can use his bucks to bid at twice yearly auctions. More information on Scout Bucks can be found here: http://www.troop113.indianhead.org/documents/scout_bucks.html
Last updated
09/14/2004