Ranks & Advancement Advancement. Boy Scouts provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others. The advancement program for Boy Scouts has two phases. The first phase of Scout to First Class is designed to teach the boy Scoutcraft skills, how to participate in a group and to learn self-reliance. Scout is joining rank, and is awarded when the Scout demonstrates a rudimentary knowledge of the Scouting ideals. Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class have progressively harder requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit.
Each rank requires demonstration of specific skills outlined in the Boy Scout Handbook. After a skill is demonstrated to a PLC member or a Scout's patrol leader, the Scoutmaster and/or the Assistant Scoutmaster or an adult designated by the Scoutmaster (other than the parent/guardian) may sign off on requirements. All boys will work towards their next rank during monthly outings and summer camp. Summer camps and the 50-miler backpack trip are very productive opportunities for advancement. It is important that the Scouts participate in as many outings as possible. Order of the Arrow The Order of the Arrow (OA) is a program of the Boy Scout division of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). It is the BSA's national honor society for experienced campers, based on American Indian traditions, and dedicated to the ideal of cheerful service. Merit Badges - Procedure We encourage parents to serve as a Merit Badge counselor to give Scouts a consistent experience. However, a parent CANNOT serve as a Merit Badge counselor for THEIR son. 
If a Scout wants to work on a Merit Badge (MB), the procedure is as follows.
There is a wide array of MB choices from which to pick optional MB's. Merit Badges - Guidelines & Policies The following is list of Eagle-required MB's that CANNOT be earned at summer camps.
Merit Badges - Recommendation Focus on meeting the non-MB requirements up until the time until they earn First Class rank and then switch the primary focus on earning MB's. If a Scout has gone to summer camp, they should have met the MB requirement for the Star and possibly Life rank, not too long after becoming First Class. Another thing to remember is that it is OK for a Scout not to earn their Eagle. We have a program that encourages and supports Scouts to earn their Eagle, but our program also offers a number of great experiences elsewhere. If a Scout has other interests, it is OK for them to take part in Scouting to enjoy those experiences and not focus on becoming Eagle. They will still learn much and look back fondly on their time in Scouting. Remember, our mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. |
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