Advancement

ADVANCEMENT

Advancement is one of the eight "methods of Scouting" that represent the building blocks used to achieve the Scouting outcomes. It is a means to an end and not the goal of scouting. Advancement is used to provide acknowledgement that scout has learned skills and gained knowledge. It is mistakenly seen as the primary goal of scouting. A guide to the role of Advancement is listed here: ADVANCEMENT IN SCOUTING. Please read this as it gives an important perspective.

Advancement Goals:

There are four basic steps involved with Boy Scout advancement:

The Scout learns
The Scout is tested
The Scout is reviewed
The Scout is recognized

The first year of Scouting should involve working toward the first three ranks: Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class. They all involve learning basic Scout skills. Unlike cub scouts, only registered, trained leaders can sign requirements. If a scout wants a YMCA or teacher or other instructor to work on a requirement, one of the leaders must first approve it.

Attaining Star and Life ranks should be the goals of the second and/or third year. These ranks require earning various merit badges in addition to exhibiting leadership qualities. In the third through fifth year, boys should begin earning the remaining required merit badges, perform their special community project and refine their leadership skills to earn the coveted rank of Eagle Scout.

When a scout has completed the requirements for a rank, he will meet with the scoutmaster to discuss his scout spirit and for the scoutmaster conference. After he successfully finishes this, he will then be eligible for a board of review. The scout should contact either the Troop Committee Chair or Advancement Chair to request a board of review. He should be in Class A uniform and be prepared to meet with at least 3 adults for the review.

Merit Badges

Merit badge activities provide opportunities for a Scout to explore and learn about a variety of activities, interests and hobbies plus a chance to develop new skills and knowledge.

2006 Merit Badge changes:

Merit Badge	Changes
American Heritage	Requirements completely revised for 2006
American Labor	Requirements completely revised for 2006
Camping	Requirements revised for 2006
Chemistry	Requirement 6d, 7c, d were revised for 2006
Citizenship in the World	Requirements completely revised for 2006
Composite Materials	A brand new merit badge
Computers	Requirements completely revised for 2006
Crime Prevention	Major revisions to requirements for 2006
Disabilities Awareness	Requirements completely revised for 2006
Environmental Science	Major revisions to requirements for 2006
Forestry	Major revisions to requirements for 2006
Genealogy	Major revisions to requirements for 2006
Pioneering	Major revisions to requirements for 2006
Pulp & Paper	Major revisions to requirements for 2006
Skating	Minor revisions to ice skating requirements for 2006
White Water	Major revisions to requirements for 2006

Eagle required

For information about how to earn a merit badge, go to the merit badge link on the left or click this link: How to Earn a Merit Badge