Steve McDonnellMarch 26, 2011

NEPABSA

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One of the eight methods of Scouting that, when properly used by a Troop, can tie together and energize the other seven methods.

A Scout Troop can have great Scouting without great advancement, but a Troop with an active outdoor program will naturally have a strong advancement program.

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When a Scout learns a new skill, he is advancing his confidence, his abilities and his ability to do more.

BSA advancement program provides a framework for guiding the learning of Scouts and for recognizing their accomplishments.

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• The learning experiences for Scouts moving through the requirements for the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class teach the core skills and values of the BSA

• The learning opportunities for Scouts earning the ranks of Star, Life and Eagle focus on personal growth and exploration, with a strong reinforcement of BSA values, leadership and responsibility.

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A Scout learns

A Scout is tested

A Scout is reviewed

A Scout is recognized.

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Video 7

The Learning EDGE

Develop Troop program to align with specific learnings and skill development.

Reinforce the use of a learned skill at Troop meetings and monthly outdoor activities.

Who can teach Scouting skills?

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A Scout wanting to complete a requirement to advance in rank must demonstrate to a Scout leader that he has fully mastered a skill at the level expected.

◦ SM, ASM, Troop Guide.

◦ Junior Adult Leaders, PL, or Scout who has already earned the rank the Scout is aiming for.

◦ The SM provides the quality control of advancement.

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This two-stage Step draws together these Methods of Scouting:

◦ Personal Growth

◦ Association with Adults

◦ Instilling the Values of the BSA

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• Video 8• An opportunity to get to know even

more about the Scout.• Establish trust.• Listen to learn.• Provide positive reinforcement.• Emphasize Scouting’s ideals by talking

about the Oath and Law and the ways the Scout can continue to apply them.

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Relate the Scout’s learnings to his school, Troop and his personal interests and concerns.

Ask the Scout to set goals and outline steps to achieve them.

Congratulate the Scout on his achievements.

Explain what the Scout can expect from his upcoming Board of Review.

Always conducted in view of others.

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Scheduled by the Scout after he has completed all requirements of any rank, Tenderfoot through Life, after Scoutmaster’s Conference for the rank that has been completed.

Three to six members of Troop Committee or other adults approved by Scoutmaster and Committee.

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The purpose is not to retest a Scout.

The purpose is to: ◦ ensure he has completed all the rank

requirements;

◦ determine the quality of the Scout’s Troop experience;

◦ encourage him to advance toward the next rank.

◦ discuss ways Scout sees himself living up to the Oath and Law in everyday life.

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Provide an atmosphere of trust and support.

Discuss Scout’s goals– Scouting goals and life goals.

Use open-ended questions.

Offer encouragement and praise.

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Scout leaves room while Board discussed his qualifications for the rank.

Scout is invited back into room to receive congratulations for qualifying for new rank.

If Board feels the Scout has not fully met the requirements of the rank, provide a clear, written plan for accomplishing the rank.

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Immediate recognition of achievement is a powerful incentive-

◦ For the Scout

◦ For other members of the Troop

During a simple ceremony at the end of the Troop meeting.

Court of Honor

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Scouts are encouraged to be self-motivating in their desire to learn and their opportunities to advance.

Troop can “grease the skids”.

No mandatory waiting time between Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class.

Encourage each new Scout to achieve First Class within the first year of Scouting.

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First Class to Star– four months

Star to Life– six months

Life to Eagle– six months

Eagle to Palm– three months

Alternate requirements for all ranks for Scouts with physical or mental disabilities.

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It’s fun!

It offers adventure.

It allows Scouts to measure their progress.

It provides recognition.

It promotes the development of the Three Aims of BSA: physical fitness, character and citizenship.

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The Ideals:

◦ teach the core skills and values of Scouting.

◦ focus on personal growth and exploration.

◦ Provide a strong reinforcement of BSA values, leadership and responsibility.

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The Patrol Method

◦ Patrol members work together toward a goal of learning a new skill.

◦ Patrol members have many opportunities to teach skills to one another and take pride as a team in the progress of all of the patrol’s members.

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The Outdoors

◦ A Troop can have great Scouting without advancement, but a good outdoor program naturally leads to advancement.

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Advancement

◦ Advancement offers opportunities for Scouts to explore many areas of learning and to master skills that lead to success in a Troop’s outdoor program.

◦ Some advancement experiences can lead to career choices.

◦ Offers a framework for guiding the learning of Scouts and for recognizing their accomplishments

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Association with Adults

◦ Encourages Scouts to experience healthy associations with adults who serve as instructors.

◦ Associate with adults through Scoutmaster’s Conference and the Board of Review.

◦ Recognition provides Scouts with the support and acknowledgement of parents, adult leaders and other adults from the community.

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Personal Growth

◦ Learning brings with it self-confidence, greater awareness and fuller understanding of the world around us.

◦ The areas of learning encouraged by the BSA are especially meaningful for the personal growth of boys and young men.

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Leadership Development

◦ When Scouts are teaching one another, they are acting as leaders.

◦ Many of the learning opportunities for Scouts involve the meaning of being good leaders and the means to practice their leadership skills.

◦ Scouts learn to work together with others.

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The Uniform

◦ Patches worn on the uniform serve to reinforce the recognition of their achievement in Scouting.

◦ Many learning opportunities in which Scouts wear their uniforms serve reinforce a visible bond with one another.

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Advancement is not an end in itself.

It is only one of the eight Methods of Scouting.

Put energy and direction into helping Scouts develop a boy-led Troop with a strong program, and advancement will naturally follow.

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