10 October 2008
BSA’s Advancement Path
Posted by admin under: advancement .
Advancement, one of the eight methods by which the aims of Scouting are achieved, has four steps through each award level.
First, the Scout learns. Much of his learning comes from other boys in his patrol or troop and by active participation in troop program. His patrol activities are directed toward the skills he needs. Every troop hike, camping trip, or other activity offers potential learning experiences. A Scout learns to pitch a tent by pitching one, to use a compass by finding directions, and to cook a meal by having to prepare and eat it.
Second, the Scout is tested. The specific requirements determine the kind of testing. Verbal testing is sufficient in some instances. In other instances, a Scout must demonstrate his skills by doing.
Third, the Scout is reviewed. The purpose of the review is to ensure that all requirements for advancement have been met. This includes a check of the Scout’s attitude and practice of the ideals of Scouting, in addition to his Scoutcraft skills. The decision regarding whether a Scout has met the required standards to qualify for rank advancement begins with the troop and, for the Eagle Scout rank, is approved by the district, local council, and finally, the National Council.
Fourth, the Scout is recognized. The final step in advancement involves presentation of the badge, usually at a ceremony before the entire troop.
Ensuring requirements have been met is ambiguous if you’ve been trained in Scoutmaster Fundamentals the way I was. No wonder so many Scouts get retested as part of their Scoutmaster conference or Board of Review. We treat these meetings as opportunities to let the Boy Scout give us information about he troop program and what he likes and can be improved. Rarely is a Boy Scout downchecked and that’s only because he is blatantly unable to say what the Oath and Law are or how he is able to live it. You can’t live it if you don’t know it. Otherwise, the review is a general review and we explain to the boy that we’re trying to get him used to the process of having to answer questions and explain himself because that’s what he’s going to be doing in life. Job interviews are the most specific example we give him. It’s a wonder to see a kid who comes in as a mumbling, fearful Tenderfoot confidently chat with the board when he’s applying for Life rank. I always enjoy the opportunity to sit on a board. You get a chance to learn more about a boy and find out how to improve the troop program based on his experience.
There’s so much good stuff in that advancement process, but as it states itself, you learn best by doing so go out and help a boy advance and you’ll learn the process even better yourself.
- My First Poll Question
- New Boy Scout Rank Requirements
- Video Rank Requirements
- What? Me Worry?
- Religious But Not Churchy
