Troop 551: Advancement Principals

Personal growth is the prime consideration in the advancement program. Scouting skills – what a young person knows how to do – are important, but they are not the most important aspect of advancement. Scouting’s concern is the total growth of youth. This growth may be measured by how youth live the Scouting ideals, and how they do their part in their daily lives.

Learning by doing. A Boy Scout may read about fire building or good citizenship. He may hear it discussed, and watch others in action, but he has not learned first aid until he has done it.

Each youth progresses at his own rate. Advancement is not a competition among individual young people, but an expression of their interest and participation in the program. Youth must be encouraged to advance steadily and set their own goals with guidance from their parents, guardians, or leaders.

A badge is recognition of what a young person is able to do, not merely a reward for what he has done. The badge is proof of certain abilities, and is not just a reward for the completion of a task.

Advancement encourages Scouting ideals. Scouting teaches a young person how to care for himself and help others. Advancement should reflect the desire to live the Boy Scout Oath in his daily life.

Four Steps of Advancement

1.The Boy Scout Learns. A Scout learns by doing. As he learns, he grows in ability to do his part as a member of the patrol and the troop. As he develops knowledge and skill, he is asked to teach others and in this way he begins to develop leadership.

2.The Boy Scout is tested. A Scout may be tested on rank requirements by his patrol leader, Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, a troop committee member or a member of his troop. The Scoutmaster will maintain a list of those qualified to give tests and to pass candidates. The Scout’s merit badge counselor teaches and tests on the requirements for merit badges.

3.The Boy Scout is reviewed. After a Scout has completed all requirements for a rank, he has a board of review. For Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle Palms, the review is conducted by members of the troop committee, chaired by the Advancement Chairperson. The Eagle Scout board of review is conducted in accordance with Council procedures.

4.The Boy Scout is recognized. When the board of review has certified a boy’s advancement, he deserves to receive recognition as soon as possible. This will be done at the next troop meeting where the Scout will receive his badge. The certificate for his new rank will be presented later at a formal court of honor.