Scouts, BSA
TROOP 267
Advancement
Advancement is how a Scout goes through the ranks: from Scout to Eagle Scout. Each rank has specific requirements which need to be completed, and each requirement needs to be "signed-off" by a Scout's Patrol Leader, or other authorized person, to ensure the requirement has been completed, and the subject has been mastered.
The "primary ranks" in Scouting are: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class. Primary rank requirements are mostly scouting skills and include first aid, camping and hiking, citizenship, and community service. For the most part, these skills are taught by older Scouts (in troop meetings and on camping trips) who have proven themselves knowledgeable in these areas. There is no age or rank minimum for ANY requirement for a primary rank -- so, a new Scout may work on his first aid, and earn requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class on the same day.
Scouting's advanced ranks (Star, Life and Eagle Scout) are mostly earned through the merit badge program. There are over 130 different topics covered in the merit badge program -- and it is said that 15% of Scouts were first introduced to their ultimate profession through the merit badge program. Most merit badges are electives, but some are required for the advanced ranks. They are referred to as "Eagle required" badges. Each merit badge is earned individually, although there are opportunities for a Scout to earn a merit badge as part of a class, in summer camp or in a merit badge workshop. There is a separate section on this web site dealing with earning merit badges. And a special document on "How to earn Merit Badge in Troop 267." The Scoutmaster has the ultimate authority to accept advancement. We have never had a single instance in our 25+ years, when our Scoutmaster overturned a merit badge, but Troop 267 has always required Scouts who have earned required merit badges at camp (or in other group settings) to be examined one-on-one by a merit badge counselor to ensure subject mastery.
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First Aid
Art
Camping
Lifesaving
Medicine
Automotive
Maintenance
Once all requirements for a particular rank have been completed, the Scout requests a conference with the Scoutmaster. A conference of this type is required for every rank in Scouting. This "Scoutmaster Conference" is used by the Unit Leader to see how the Scout is doing... in Scouts, in school, at home, in other activities; it is a tool to get feed-back from the Scout on the troop program and identify any challenges the Scout is facing.
The next step is known as "Board of Review," and like the Scoutmaster Conference, is required for every rank. The review board is comprised of at least three adults, volunteers (usually Troop Committee) who administer a final exam of sorts, the purpose of which is to determine the quality of the Scout's experience, and whether he has fulfilled the requirements for the rank. Mostly, boys study in advance of their Board of Review and pass the first time. Sometimes, a Scout will be asked by the review board to put in some additional study-time for one or more requirements, and come back again for another review.
The final step in the process is presenting the Scout with his award(s). In Troop 267, this is done twice a year at an event known as a "Court of Honor." Sometimes, a boy will be given his new patch of rank or office in advance of the Court of Honor, so he can display his achievements on his uniform. But he will always be recognized at the Court of Honor for all his accomplishments, even if he already has the award in hand. Courts of Honor are wonderful events where the entire family comes to honor their Scout... and the other Scouts in the troop. Even if your Scout is not scheduled to receive recognition, it is important for ALL families to attend, as a show of support for the program.