Troop 283 Advancement Policy Rank Advancement Advancement is the process by which Scouts progress through ranks in the Scouting program by the gradual mastery of Scouting skills. Boy Scout Advancement is a four-step process: 1. Learning 2. Testing 3. Reviewing 4. Recognizing Troop 283 provides a program of camping, service, Merit Badges, leadership opportunities and other activities designed to assist Scouts in their Advancement. I. Learning - Fulfillment of Rank Requirements: A. Scout Responsibility A scout is responsible for completing and documenting his own rank requirements. He should bring his handbook to every Scout meeting and campout. After completing a requirement he should present his handbook as soon as possible for signature. Failure to get timely signatures can delay advancement or may require the scout to repeat the requirement. A scout is also responsible for completing Merit Badges needed for rank advancement and for seeking and serving in leadership positions for Star, Life and Eagle ranks. B. Requirements Standards and Expectations Tenderfoot Life Ranks 1. Scouts can work on Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class requirements in any order and concurrently, although the same event cannot be used more than once to fulfill requirements. 2. Requirements must be fulfilled exactly as written in the handbook. For example, - demonstrate means a scout must show proficiency, not just be instructed; -each part of a multipart requirement must be completed. It is better for a scout to spend a little more time to practice and master a skill than to rush through a checklist. 3. General expectations of a scout at each rank are: Tenderfoot - The requirements of becoming a Tenderfoot provide basic skills to begin preparing the scout for higher adventure outings. Second Class - Second Class scouts work on building their outdoor survival and camping skills. Compass work, nature observation, camp tools, and swimming are areas where new skills are mastered and demonstrated. A second class scout should be able to lead a hike, care for his own equipment, set up a campsite, and perform basic first aid. First Class - When the First Class rank is attained, a scout has learned all the basic camping and outdoors skills of a scout. He can fend for himself in the wild, lead others on a hike or campout, set up a camp site, plan and properly prepare meals, and provide first aid for most situations he may encounter. A First Class scout is prepared. Star - He now moves from being a learner to being a leader. The Star rank is attained with participation, leadership, service, and self-directed advancement through merit badges. Troop 283 Advancement Policy.doc Page 1
Life - Continuing to develop leadership skills, the Life Scout rank is earned by fulfilling additional leadership positions, service hours, and merit badges. A Life Scout is expected to be a role model and leader in the troop, providing guidance to new scouts and helping the troop however he can. Being a good leader can only be learned by doing and troop leadership positions allow the scout to make decisions, lead discussions, and encourage others. C. Scout Setting 1. Most rank requirements are completed in a Scout setting. Practicing at home or demonstrating to a parent is encouraged, but for completion the skill or knowledge must be demonstrated to someone within the Troop who has authority to sign off. No relative of the Scout may sign off on any rank requirement (parent, sibling, other scout relative). 2. Some requirements can be completed outside of the Scout setting; i. Second Class: 9a (Substance abuse program), and 10 (Earn and save money). ii. First Class: 5 (Discuss Constitutional rights), 10 (Invite a boy to attend) iii. All Ranks : Service Hours These outside activities can be documented with a brief written description that is signed by the adult in charge. In these circumstances, the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster can sign off on the requirement after reviewing the documentation. Another scout cannot sign off on requirements completed outside of the Scout setting. 3. Scouts may work on rank requirements in other Scout settings outside of our Troop such as Camporees or the First Class Adventure program at Many Point. Participation in these programs does not by itself mean a requirement has been completed. The Scout must still demonstrate proficiency of the skill or knowledge to someone within the Troop who is eligible to sign off. Activities performed at these programs (e.g. the 5 mile hike at First Class Adventures) must be signed off by someone within the Troop who was present and witnessed the successful completion. D. Leadership Requirements 1. Scouts working toward Star, Life and Eagle ranks must take an active leadership role in the Troop in order to advance. Attendance/performance standards for each position are found in the position descriptions posted on the website. Attendance and tenure records in Troopmaster as well as the observations of the adult leader(s) will be used to confirm that the active participation requirement was met. It is the scout s responsibility to show initiative and find ways to be active in his role and not simply wait for instructions from a leader. The Scoutmaster can provide guidance on ways to be active especially in appointed roles. 2. The following positions in Troop 283 may be used to reach Star and Life Rank. Depending on the needs of the Troop and its activities, some of these positions may not be available at all times. Senior Patrol Leader Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Quartermaster Scribe Patrol Leader Patrol Leader Troop 283 Advancement Policy.doc Page 2
Troop Guide Instructor Den Chiefs OA Troop Representative Webmaster Chaplain Aide Historian Librarian Bugler Alternately, a Scout may take on a leadership project assigned by the Scoutmaster to fulfill his leadership requirements for Star or Life Rank. 3. Leadership positions for Eagle Rank requirements. In Troop 283, the following positions may be used by Life Scouts to meet the Eagle Rank leadership requirement: Senior Patrol Leader Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Quartermaster Scribe Patrol Leader Troop Guide Den Chiefs OA Troop Representative Webmaster Alternately a Life Scout working toward Eagle may request using one of the positions below to fulfill Eagle Rank requirements by presenting a detailed plan including specific projects, objectives and attendance standards for his tenure before his leadership term begins. He will be expected to meet those objectives in order to receive leadership credit for Eagle rank: Instructor Chaplain Aide Historian Librarian II. Testing - Approval Authority for Rank Requirements A. Scout Responsibility It is the Scout s responsibility to master each Scout skill needed for advancement. Adult leaders and older Scouts are always willing to help. When he has mastered the skill, the Scout must seek a qualified individual within the Troop to sign off in his handbook. It is very important for the Scout to ask for signatures as soon as possible after completing or mastering a requirement. B. Rank sign off on rank requirements in Troop 283: Individuals in the following positions may sign-off on Rank requirements Troop 283 Advancement Policy.doc Page 3
-Scoutmaster; -Assistant Scoutmaster; -Scouts at First Class rank and higher who have been trained for sign offs. Trained Scouts can sign off on requirements two ranks or more below their own rank e.g. First Class Scouts can only sign off on Scout or Tenderfoot requirements; -Other adult leaders designated from time to time by the Scoutmaster or Advancement Team; Except that no relative (parent, sibling, or other relative) may sign off on a Scout s rank advancement. C. The person signing off on a requirement must have seen the skill demonstrated and mastered or otherwise have personal knowledge that the requirement has been fulfilled. D. Regardless of signatures, all Star, Life and Eagle rank requirements must be verified by Troopmaster records before the Scoutmaster conference. III. Reviewing - Awarding of Rank A. Scout Responsibility: When a Scout has completed all requirements except the Scout Spirit, Scoutmaster Conference and the Board of Review requirements, it is his responsibility to present his handbook to the Advancement Team for recording into Troopmaster and to request a Scoutmaster conference. He can do this at any time, but in order to receive recognition at the next Court of Honor, all requirements, including the Scoutmaster conference and Board of Review, must be complete one week before the Court of Honor. Scouts must plan ahead and leave ample time for this process. It is Troop 283 and BSA policy that a Scout be in uniform, with neckerchief, in order to have a Scoutmaster Conference for rank advancement or Board of Review. Scouts not in uniform will be asked to reschedule these meetings for another time. B. Review Procedures 1. The Advancement Team will record all rank requirement completion dates. In addition, they will use Troopmaster and the scout s records to verify the completion of all requirements in Section IC above. If any requirements are incomplete, the scout will be asked to complete them or provide missing documentation. If Troop records are incorrect, the Advancement Team will work with the scout to correct them. 2. When all requirements are recorded, the scout may sign up for a Scoutmaster conference through the Advancement Team. Scoutmaster Conferences are usually completed in the order scouts sign up, so this may not be the same day it is requested. The deadline for completing requirements in order to receive recognition at a Court of Honor is one week before the next Court of Honor. This includes completion of rank requirements, Troopmaster verification, Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review. 3. Following the successful completion of the Scoutmaster conference, a scout should return to the Advancement Team with his handbook and sign up for a Board of Review. Again, Boards of Review will generally take place in the order scouts sign up. 4. At the successful completion of the Board of Review the scout should bring his signed handbook to the Advancement Team for proper recording. The scout begins his tenure at his new rank as of the successful completion of the Board of Review. The new rank will be Troop 283 Advancement Policy.doc Page 4
announced at the next Troop meeting. The rank badge will be presented at the next Court of Honor. C. Scoutmaster Conferences A formal Scoutmaster Conference is required for rank advancement and ensures that each scout has a chance to meet with his Scoutmaster at least once each rank level. The Scoutmaster conference allows the Scoutmaster to review The scout's growth in his understanding of Scouting's ideals How the scout applies these ideals in his daily life and in the troop The requirements of the scout's next rank so that he can be properly encouraged 1. Scout Responsibility A scout must be in uniform with neckerchief and have his handbook in order to begin a Scoutmaster conference for rank advancement. A scout should prepare by: Looking over his completed requirements for the rank and being prepared to discuss them Being prepared to discuss how he has demonstrated Scout Spirit For Tenderfoot, Second and First Class ranks, being prepared to give three examples of how he has lived the points of the Scout Law in his daily life (these must be different for each rank). Taking some time to think about how he thinks the Troop is doing so he can help the Scoutmaster make the Troop better Thinking about his goals in Scouting Thinking about any problems or difficulties he is having in the Troop so he can ask the Scoutmaster for ideas to resolve them. 2. Responsibility of Scoutmaster 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. The Scoutmaster will assess the scout's readiness for his board of review and his progress since his last Scoutmaster conference. He may review the scout's achievements and discuss them. He may ask a scout how he felt about certain accomplishments and how he felt he handled himself on a service project or in a leadership position. Problems may be discussed with an eye toward solving them. A young man who is not ready to face a board of review (the last step in the advancement process) can be counseled if there is a lack of Scout spirit or leadership. The Scoutmaster conference should not be a time to shut the door on advancement but to work with the scout to create goals that will allow him to succeed. 3. Completion of a Scoutmaster Conference At the completion of a Scoutmaster conference for rank advancement, the Scoutmaster should sign the handbook for completion of the Scout Spirit and Scoutmaster Conference requirements. It is the scout s responsibility to present his handbook to the Advancement Committee so the completed requirements can be recorded. At this time, the scout may request a Board of Review. Troop 283 Advancement Policy.doc Page 5
4. Other Scoutmaster conferences A Scoutmaster conference can take place anytime and for any reason, especially when a Scoutmaster senses that a scout needs a conference or if the scout asks for one. These conferences are in addition to those required for rank advancement. Some 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 A certain event at the last campout or troop meeting D. Boards of Review for Tenderfoot through Life Ranks and Eagle Palms (Italics indicate BSA policy) A Board of Review is the final review before advancement to a higher rank. It takes place after all other requirements, including the Scoutmaster Conference, are completed. At the successful completion of the Board of Review, the scout officially begins his tenure at his new rank. 1. Scout Responsibility a) It is the Scout s responsibility to let the Advancement Committee know he is ready for a Board of Review and to make himself available at the scheduled time. b) The scout must be in his uniform with a scout neckerchief and shirt tucked in before the Board of Review begins. c) The scout must have his handbook before the Board of Review begins. d) The scout should be prepared to discuss his work toward rank advancement and his experiences in the Troop as well as the ways he lives the Scout Law in his daily life. e) The scout should be prepared to recite the Scout Oath and Law. Candidates for First Class rank and above should also be prepared to recite the Scout Motto and Slogan and the Outdoor Code. Life Candidates are expected to have all of these memorized. 2. Composition of Board The Board of review is made up of at least three and not more than six members of the troop committee, one of whom will serve as the Board chairperson. The Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, relatives, or guardians may not serve as members of a Scout s board of review. 3. Purpose of Board of Review The review has three purposes: -To make sure that the work has been learned and completed. -To check to see what kind of experience the boy is having in his patrol and troop. -To encourage the Scout to advance to the next rank The review is not an examination; the board does not retest the candidate. Rather, the board should attempt to determine the Scout s attitude and his acceptance of Scouting s 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. 4. Setting and Timeframe Troop 283 Advancement Policy.doc Page 6
The review should be conducted in an informal and non-threatening way. The board should encourage and support boys in a friendly, kind, and courteous manner and help them to become comfortable. The review should take about 15 minutes, possibly less for lower ranks and more for higher ranks. 5. Elements of a Board of Review for Tenderfoot through Life Ranks and Eagle Palms a. Introductions The BOR Chair introduces the Scout to the other members and asks for his handbook. The members consult the handbook as they ask questions. b. Uniform The Scout should be neat in his appearance and his uniform should be as correct as possible, with the badges worn properly. Scouts not in uniform or without a neckerchief should be told to reschedule the Board of Review. The Board should do a brief inspection of the uniform. This is a chance for the Scout to show pride in his uniform and in the patches he has earned. This is not meant to be a formal uniform inspection, but it should be used as another opportunity to make certain that the uniform is worn correctly, and the Board may point out missing or improperly placed badges. This inspection is NOT to be used as a criterion for passing the Board of Review. c. Scout Oath and Law, Slogan, Motto and Outdoor Code The Board will ask Scouts at all ranks to recite the Scout Law and the Scout Oath. One or two re-tries are appropriate, especially for younger Scouts, or if the Scout appears nervous. Candidates for First Class Rank and above will also be asked to recite: The Scout Motto The Scout Slogan The Outdoor Code For Life candidates, all should be memorized. d. Review of Scout The review is not an examination. The Scout has learned his skills and has been examined. The Scout can be asked where he learned his skill, who taught him, and the value he gained from passing this requirement. The board members ask appropriate questions of the Scout, using sample questions provided, or their own. Open-ended questions are better, allowing the Scout to speak about his opinions, experiences, activities, and accomplishments. Questions regarding home, church, school, work, athletics, etc. are all appropriate, as well as scouting experiences. e. Discussion of Scout Oath and Law A discussion of the Scout Oath and Scout Law should be part of every Board of Review, 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. The sample questions offer suggestions for covering this topic. f. Goal Setting Troop 283 Advancement Policy.doc Page 7
The board should attempt to determine the Scout s ideals and goals. The board should make sure that a good standard of performance has been met. Any goals the scout sets for the next rank can be noted in the Scout s handbook. The board may discuss requirements of the next rank, or the scout s interest in leadership positions. g. Decision At the conclusion of the review, the board should know whether a boy is qualified for the rank or Palm. The Scout is asked to leave the room while the board members discuss his achievements. The decision of the board of review is arrived through discussion and must be unanimous. If members are satisfied that the Scout is ready to advance, he is called in, congratulated, and encouraged to continue his advancement or earn the next Palm. A board of review should always end with praise of the Scout for the positive aspects of his character, his skill level, and/or his accomplishments. 6. Recording At least three members of the Board of Review should sign and date the scout s handbook. It is the scout s responsibility to present his handbook to the Advancement committee for recording in order to receive recognition for his new rank. 7. Unfavorable decisions If the board decides that the Scout is not ready to advance, the candidate should be informed and told what he has not done satisfactorily. Most Scouts accept responsibility for not completing the requirements properly. The members of the board of review should specify what must be done to rework the candidate's weaknesses and schedule another board of review for him. A follow-up letter must be sent to a Scout who is turned down for rank advancement, confirming the agreements reached on the actions necessary for advancement. IV. Recognition As soon as a Board of Review has certified a scout s advancement, he begins his tenure at his new rank. His new rank will be announced at the next Troop meeting. The rank badge will be presented at the next Court of Honor. V. Record Keeping A. Scout Responsibility 1. A Scout s handbook is the most important record of achievement for rank advancement. A Scout should label it with his name and phone number and safeguard it at meetings and outings. A protective cover can help preserve its condition over the years from Scout Badge to Eagle. The loss of the handbook can delay advancement and/or require requirements be repeated. It is a Scout s responsibility to make sure that his own advancement progress is properly recorded in his handbook and provided to the Advancement Team for its records. 2. Completed rank requirements are entered into Troopmaster, our Troop s database. This electronic record becomes the official record for submitting to the Council and is an important backup if the handbook is lost. Scouts are encouraged to submit their handbooks to a member of the Advancement Team from time to time to have their completed requirements recorded in Troopmaster. Another method of safeguarding is to make occasional photocopies of the rank requirement pages to keep at home. Troop 283 Advancement Policy.doc Page 8
3. Some rank requirements must be confirmed by the Advancement Team using Troop and Scout records, in addition to the handbook signature. These include: i. Tenderfoot: 2 (Campout) ii. iii. Second Class: 3a (Five troop/patrol activities), 3b (Campout), 5 (Service project or see above for how to document an outside service project). First Class: 3 (Ten troop/patrol activities and campouts) iv. Star, Life, Eagle: Time in rank, Active participation in Troop, Merit Badges, Service hours, and Leadership position (including active participation and tenure). 4. A Scout may not proceed to his Scoutmaster Conference for any rank (including Eagle) until his rank requirements completion dates are recorded in Troopmaster and all items in Section C above are confirmed by the Advancement Team. 5. A Scout may request his Troopmaster records from the Advancement Team at any time. This is a good way to find and correct errors and omissions in Troopmaster well in advance of his next rank advancement opportunity. Policy Approved: November 1, 2010 Updated: September 13, 2011 by CF Formatted: October 14, 2012 by TWJ 2012 Boy Scout Troop 283, Wayzata, MN Troop 283 Advancement Policy.doc Page 9