Transition to the 2016Boy Scout Requirements

Beginning January 1, 2016 advancement requirements will

change.

Transition to the New Requirements

• New Requirements become effective January 1, 2016.

• A New Boy Scout Handbook (13th Edition) will be available in January 2016 with changes.

When do Scouts start using the new requirements?

• New requirements become effective on January 1, 2016, subject to transition exceptions.

• New requirements cannot be used before January 1, 2016.

Transition Exceptions• Boys registered before December 31, 2015

may choose to switch on January 1, 2016.– Scouts working on TF to 1st Class may continue to

use current requirements through 2016. But must convert to new requirements upon attaining 1st Class.

– Scouts working on Star, Life and Eagle may use current requirements on the rank they are working.

Transition Exceptions• Scouts joining after January 1, 2016 must use

the new requirements.• On December 31, 2016 you may use

requirements completed for the rank, but must complete any new requirements not completed to earn the rank.

Do Scouts need to purchase a new Scout Handbook?

Scouts may continue to use the existing handbook as a reference and resource. But a Scout must use the new requirements for the purpose of sign off according to the mentioned transition steps. The requirements will be available at www.scouting.org.

Changes• Service: There is a greater emphasis on

service. – TF – one hour– 2nd Class – two hours– 1st Class – three hours– Star and Life – Same– Life – Half of the six hours must be conservation

related.

Changes

• Scout Spirit: Part of the Scout Spirit Requirement will include the question –

“Tell how you have done your duty to God.”• Does “Duty to God” create a requirement of

belonging to a religion? No.

Scout• Scout becomes a Rank on January 1, 2016.• A Scout will only have to participate in a

Scoutmaster Conference, not a Board of Review.

• Current Arrow of Light requirements are not as comprehensive as the new Scout requirements.

Tenderfoot through 1st ClassPhysical Fitness•TF – New “modified stretch-and-sit” (6)•TF – Drop “pull up” requirement•TF – Change quarter mile to 1-mile run/walkCamping•TF – “Properly dressed” expanded to “prepared for.”

Tenderfoot through 1st ClassCamping•TF – one campout•2nd Class – two campouts•1st Class – three campoutsOutdoor Ethics•“Tread lightly” term used throughout the program.

Tenderfoot through 1st ClassService•Service projects for both TF and 2nd Class can be the same, but appropriate hours for both must be completed. Navigation•1st Class – Handheld GPS units or smartphone or other electronic navigation systems may be used.

Tenderfoot through 1st ClassAquatics•1st Class – Identifying boat and paddle parts and proper positioning in boats does not require a scout to take a boat afloat. Internet Safety•Safety requirement discussion was reassigned to other rank requirements (Scout and Star).

Star through Eagle Ranks Personal Safety•Scouts will be asked to repeat reviewing the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse” and earn the Cyber Chip Award for your grade.•The above pamphlet can be downloaded at www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection.aspx

Star through Eagle Ranks Position of Responsibility•Leave No Trace trainer is now called the Outdoor Ethics Guide. •Credit for service of the LNT trainer will be literal. Credit must be earned as the outdoor ethics guide.•Venture Patrol Leader is no longer a position since Venture Patrols no longer exist.

Some Requirements have been reassigned to other ranks.

Questions & Answers