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Advancement Guide Lines for Troop 150

All boys, regardless of age, enter at the same rank: New Scout.  As they complete requirements, they advance through the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle. 

There is no maximum time limit or age restriction for the completion of any rank except Eagle.  The Eagle rank must be completed before the scout turns 18 years old. 

Generally, scouts should be able to achieve First Class within one year of joining the troop.  BSA requirements state a minimum of 4 months for the Star rank and 6 months for the Life and Eagle ranks.  However, other rank requirements for these ranks normally take more time than these minimums to complete, so a general guideline is one year each for the rank of Star, Life and Eagle. 

Scouts advance through ranks by completing the requirements listed in their handbook.  They must complete all requirements as they are listed.  The troop may not add, change or delete any requirement except where a physical or mental disability prevents the completion of a requirement.  It is the scout’s responsibility, not the leaders, to make sure the scout completes each requirement. 

Opportunities to complete most of the Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class requirements come mostly during the troop campouts, outings and Summer camp.  The scout should bring his BSA Handbook and notebook to each outing.  He should read through his requirements before time and then look for opportunities during the outing to complete the requirements.  Should he need any assistance with a requirement, he should ask his Patrol Leader or troop guide for assistance.

As the scout completes a requirement, he should get his Troop Guide to date and initial the particular item in the front section of his book.  It is the troop Guides responsibility to ensure the scout knows the material by asking the scout to demonstrate or explain the requirement before the Assistant Scout Master signs the items as being complete in the rear section of the Scout book. 

After all requirements for a rank have been marked off, the scout is ready for a Scoutmaster’s Conference. 

Eight Steps For Advancement

The following eight steps should be followed, in order, to allow the rank advancement to proceed as smoothly as possible.

1.              Read the chapters in the Scout Handbook that correspond to the rank he is trying to attain.  He should familiarize himself with all materials covered in previous ranks also.  Scouting serves to teach the boys life skills so current ranks always build upon previously attained skills and ranks.

2.  Ensure that he is able to demonstrate or explain the requirements as listed in the BSA Handbook for the rank he is trying to achieve as well as any requirements previously completed for other ranks.

3.  Notify his Patrol Leader and the Scoutmaster that he is ready for a Scoutmaster Conference.  Setup a time for the conference that is convenient for both the scout and the Scoutmaster.

4.  Meet with the secretary or advancement person to get completed requirements entered into the troop computer and obtain a Board of Review printout.

5.  Meet with the Scoutmaster at the appointed time.  The scout should be prepared to show that he is qualified to advance to the next rank by demonstrating knowledge and proficiency in the requirements and materials as presented in the BSA Handbook for the upcoming rank and any ranks already achieved.  He should bring his Scout Handbook and Board of Review Form. 

6.  When the Scoutmaster is satisfied that the Scout has shown proficiency in his attempted rank, the scoutmaster will initial and date the scout’s BSA Handbook and Board of Review Form.

7.  Return the Board of Review form to the Committee Advancements Person so a board can be scheduled on the next Board of Review night (normally the third Friday of each month) as listed in the troop calendar.  The purpose of the board of review is to allow the troop committee to meet with the scout and discuss how the scout feels about the troop.  Normally, there are 3-4 committee members present for the board.  Should enough committee members not be available for a board, other adult leaders from the troop will sit in on the board.

8.  After the board is completed, the board members will sign and date the Scout’s Handbook and the Board of Review Form.  The committee will retain the Board of Review form and update the necessary dates in the troop computer, report the advancement to the district office and obtain the corresponding badges and advancement cards.

After the scout has passed his Scoutmaster Conference and completed a Board of Review, he is advanced to the next rank.  He will receive his badge and advancement card at an upcoming meeting.

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