SASLAT September 21, 2013 Advancement Program Learning and Advancement are interchangeable Framework...

SASLATSeptember 21, 2013

Advancement Program

• Learning and Advancement are interchangeable

• Framework for guiding the learning of Scouts and then their recognition

• Opportunities to explore and master

• Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class teach the core skills and values

• Star, Life and Eagle focus on personal growth, leadership and responsibility


The Advancement ideas and methods of Boy Scouting are

defined and presented in National BSA pub # 33088

“Guide to Advancement 2013”


The Guide to Advancement 2013(the Guide)an Overview:

• Very detailed Table of Contents

• Covers all programs, Cubbing, Boy Scouts, Venturing, etc.

• Has general information and program specific information

• Starts by giving key definitions and guidelines

• Then discusses, in multiple sections, the mechanics of Advancement

• Has sections oriented to complex situations (e.g.: Eagle; Special Needs; appeals)


The Guide, Section 2:Advancement Defined

• The process by which Scouts progress from rank to rank• Based on learning from education and most of all from

doing (EDGE – Explaining, Demonstrating, Guiding, Enabling)• Personal growth is the prime consideration• Built into the Troop’s program• Leads to

– Scouts accepting responsibility– Demonstrating self-reliance– Caring for themselves and others– Making Scout ideals part of their lives– Showing signs they will be positive contributors in life


The Guide, Section 3:Guidelines for … Committees

• Council, District, Unit Advancement – all have roles

• Unit Advancement• Obvious basics:

– Records keeping– Advancement reporting – using Internet

Advancement– Court of Honor preparations and planning

• Unit Goal Setting• Unit Progress Evaluation


The Guide, Section 4: The Mechanics of Advancement

• 4 Steps in Advancement:

• Active Participation: Defined – complex: read it!

• Demonstrate Scout Spirit: Discussed – usefulness of imperfection

• Positions of Responsibility: Definitions and Procedures – complex!

• Scoutmaster Conference: Why and when


Definitions of Active and Scout Spiritfrom National meeting presentation


• The Guide, Section 5: Special Considerations– Camp, Extended Absence, Lone Scouting, Foreign

Youth– Religious Principles – needs reading – parent role

defined– Posthumous Awards & “Spirit of the Eagle” Award

• The Guide, Section 6: Internet Advancement Highlights

• The Guide, Section 7: The Merit Badge Program– Not part of this presentation – but clearly part of

Advancement– Currently 130+ Merit Badges– Covers A-Z on MB: definitions, process, procedures,

and qualification of counselors


The Guide, Section 8: Boards of Review:An Overview for All Ranks

• What the Scout is due

• Who can’t be on any Board of Review– Unit Leaders and Assistants, Parents of Scout, Specially Chosen

• Conduct of the Board

• How Boards lead to improvement

• Decisions must be unanimous

• Post-Review requirements if disapproved

• Particulars for Tenderfoot through Life

• Particulars for the Eagle Scout Rank

• Appeals


The Guide, Section 9: The Eagle Scout Rank

• The Rank Application Process– Completed, Signed, Reviewed by Council

– References are confidential, not Scout’s responsibility to get

• The Eagle Scout Service Project– This part is in sync with material in the Service Project Workbook

– Evaluating the Project, Risk Management, Insurance: read it!

• Eagle Palms

• Time Extensions (As the gecko says, “fuh-gedda-bout-it”)– For limited, last-minute, temporary situations

– Special Needs handled by registration as handicapped


• The Guide, Section 10:Adv. For Members with Special Needs– Registration, Flexibility, Program Specifics

• The Guide, Section 11: – FAQ by program; point back to main text of the Guide

– Obscure forms

– List of Advancement-related Literature

– BSA Charter and Bylaws related to Advancement

• An Index


Advancement Program

4 Steps to Advancement1) A Scout Learns

2) A Scout is Tested

3) A Scout is Reviewed

4) A Scout is Recognized


A Scout Learns


A Scout is Tested

• Older Scouts (leaders) who have already earned the rank may determine if other Scouts have learned the skill.

• In a new Scout patrol, testing may have to be conducted by ASM or Troop Guide assigned to patrol.

• Scoutmasters should monitor testing to assure quality control.


A Scout is ReviewedScoutmaster’s Conference


Scoutmaster’s Conference

• Notice that it is not a re-test.

• It is not a pass-fail.

• Should establish trust.

• Provide positive reinforcement.

• Ask Scout to set goals – leadership, summer camp, etc.

• Congratulate the Scout.

• Explain what the Scout is to expect at the board of review.

Per Youth Protection Guidelines the Scoutmaster’s Conference is always conducted in view of others.


Board of Review

• Except for Eagle, Boards of Review are conducted by the troop’s committee.

• Purpose is not a retest, but rather to insure completion of rank requirements and to determine quality of Scout’s troop experience.

• Make every effort to put the Scout at ease.

• Offer encouragement and praise.


A Scout is Recognized

• Immediate recognition of achievement is a powerful incentive for Scouts to continue.

• A Scout should receive his new badge of rank ASAP.

• Troops should hold Courts of Honor every three months to recognize all Scouts who have moved up in rank or earned Merit Badges.


How are you doing?Is your troop running the BSA way?

Consider:

• 3.0.0.3 item 7: Establish practices that will allow each new Boy Scout to achieve First Class rank within 12-18 months of joining, and then to Star rank soon thereafter.

• 3.0.0.3 item 8: Arrange for timely (monthly suggested) Boards of Review, and see that Scouts ready for them are invited.


Strengths of the Advancement Program

• It’s fun.• It offers adventure.• It allows Scouts to measure their progress.• It provides recognition.• It promotes the development of physical

fitness, character and citizenship.


Any Questions?Contact

Neal Townsend

221 – 9063

[email protected]

This presentation and other material will be posted on www.ntown.info.

SASLAT September 21, 2013 Advancement Program Learning and Advancement are interchangeable Framework...

Documents

Transcript of SASLAT September 21, 2013 Advancement Program Learning and Advancement are interchangeable Framework...