Advancement

Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. Scouts plan their own advancement and progress at their own pace as they meet each challenge. Scouts are recognized and rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others. 

There are four basic steps in Scout advancement, and they apply to all six ranks.

• Step 1: The Scout learns. They learn Scouting skills by taking an active, hands-on part in troop and patrol meetings, outdoor programs, and merit badge work.  This learning s the natural outcome of their regular Scouting activities — their “on-the-job” training.

• Step 2: The Scout is tested. When their leaders see that the Scout has mastered a given skill and satisfied a given requirement, they tell them so — and record the achievement.

• Step 3: The Scout is reviewed. When a Scout completes all requirements for a rank, they appear before a “board of review” composed of members of the troop committee. Their purpose is not to retest the Scout, but to make sure the Scout has met all the requirements, to chat with the Scout about how they feel they are getting along with the troop and its program, and of course to encourage them to keep advancing.

• Step 4: The Scout is recognized. When a Scout is certified by the Board of Review, they are awarded the new badge of rank as soon as possible, normally in a ceremony at the next troop meeting. The Scout should be recognized again at the troop’s next court of honor.

www.mountainbakerbsa.org/advancement/scouts-bsa-advancement/

Scout Ranks Explained

The first rank the Scout earns is Scout.  It is a quick intro to the Scouting method.

Next is Tenderfoot, Second Class, and then First Class.  These ranks provide an overview of important topics such as Citizenship, Nature, Camping, First Aid and Physical Fitness.

Star and Life come next.  These ranks require the Scout take a leadership role in the Troop as well as complete a certain number of Merit Badges.

Finally there is Eagle Scout which requires Leadership, completion of more MB's including the required MB's and a Project.

Our Troop Leaders nudge the Scout Leaders to nudge the Scouts to move forward throught these ranks. Activities the Troop plans will include tasks that fulfill rank requirements.  The first group of ranks are usually done in 1-1.5 years.  The next three usually take another 3 years.

A Scout's progress is tracked online in Scoutbook as well as in their Scout Handbook.  Each Scout and parent has access to Scoutbook which allows them to keep track of rank achievement.

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