Download - Boy Scout Advancement using the Guide to Advancement … Using the Guide... · The Guide to Advancement ... Citizenship training ... The Guide to Advancement can be read like a book,

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Boy Scout Advancement using the

Guide to Advancement (BS 176)

This Training Will Cover

  Scouting overview: mission, aims, and methods   The Advancement program and its purpose   The Guide to Advancement   What is it?

  Why should I use It?

  Where can I find It?

  Other sources for Advancement information

Boy Scouts of America Mission Statement

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America 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 Scout Law.

Guide to Advancement inside cover

Aims of the Scouting Program

  Character development   Citizenship training   Mental and physical fitness

Every activity in Scouting should support one or more of these aims

Guide to Advancement topic 2.0.0.3

The 8 Methods of Scouting   Scouting ideals   Patrol method   Advancement   Association with adults   Outdoors   Leadership development   Uniform   Personal growth


Four Steps in Boy Scout Advancement

1.  The Scout learns. 2.  The Scout is tested. 3.  The Scout is reviewed. 4.  The Scout is recognized.


Advancement Simplified   Advancement is one of the eight methods used by Scout Leaders to help boys fulfill the aims of the BSA   Advancement is nothing more and nothing less than a method   It is a means toward accomplishing the Boy Scouts of America mission   It is not an end in itself


What is the Guide to Advancement?

  The Guide to Advancement is the official source for administering advancement in all Boy Scouts of America programs


  Definitive source for advancement policy and procedures

  Statements or interpretations offered by unofficial sources may be out of date or incorrect

  Latest version is Guide to Advancement 2013

About the Guide to Advancement   Replaces the publication Advancement

Committee Policies and Procedures   Re-organized for easy reference   Contains answers to Frequently Asked

Questions   Provides guidelines for Advancement and

Recognition Committees   Describes the mechanics of advancement in

detail

About the Guide to Advancement   Discusses Internet Advancement Highlights

In short, the Guide to Advancement should be your FIRST stop for Advancement information

  Describes the Merit Badge program   Covers Boards of Review   Provides details on the Eagle Scout rank   Provides an introduction to Advancement for

members with Special Needs

  Interpreting language in the Guide

Guide to Advancement inside cover page 2

About the Guide to Advancement

  Mandated procedures are identified with terms like “must” and “shall”   No council, committee, district, unit, or individual can

deviate from mandatory procedures without written permission from the National Advancement Team

  Likewise, No council, committee, district, unit, or individual has the authority to add to or subtract from advancement requirements

  Recommended best practices use terms like “should” while other options use “may” or “can”

About the Guide to Advancement

Guide to Advancement inside cover page 2, section 1.0.0.0

  Units can opt for other procedures but should remain true to the intent as stated in the Guide

  If you are unsure whether something is mandated or recommended, consult with an Advancement Administrator

  Advancement Administrators include   Unit, District, or Council Advancement Chairs, District Executive,

Council’s Professional Staff Advisor for Advancement, and the National Advancement Team

Why Should I Use the Guide?   The Guide is the official source for administering

advancement in all Boy Scouts of America programs

  Provides a common framework for Advancement for all Scouts

  Avoids controversy by providing solid guidance regarding Advancement policies and procedures

  Provides answers to commonly encountered situations

Using the Guide   The Guide to Advancement can be read like a book, but is a bit dry   It is best used as a reference for establishing Unit Advancement policy, and for researching questions related to Advancement

Using the Guide (cont.)   The Guide is an excellent start, but may not always have the answer


  In situations not covered in the Guide, decisions should be based on the aims and mission of the BSA, Scout Oath and Law – and common sense.   Contact an Advancement Administrator if you still have questions

Using the Guide - Example #1   What if parents insist on attending a board of

review?


  The Scout’s parents should not be in attendance in any capacity…their presence can change the dynamics of the discussion

  If they insist, they should be counseled that their presence can change how the Scout answers questions and that the opportunity for self reliance and courage may be lessened

  However, if they still insist, they must be permitted to attend as observers

Using the Guide - Example #2

  Intent of requirement based on impact   “we prepare young people to go forth, and … make a positive difference in our American society   …we judge that a member is “active” when

his level of activity … has had a sufficiently positive influence toward this end.”


  What does “active participation” mean?

Using the Guide - Example #2 (cont.)

  What does “active participation” mean?   Three tests are applied   Scout is registered   Scout is in good standing   Scout meets his unit’s reasonable expectations or a

lesser level is explained


Alternative to test #3: The reason for falling below unit’s activity-oriented expectations must be due to other positive endeavors or noteworthy circumstances


  There is also a mandatory policy associated with evaluating “active participation”


  “Units are free to establish additional expectations on uniforming, supplies for outings, payment of dues, parental involvement, etc., but these and any other standards extraneous to a level of activity SHALL NOT be considered in evaluating this requirement.”

Using the Guide - Example #3

  How can districts and councils present group instruction at merit badge events that assure Scouts actually and personally fulfill all requirements as written?


  There must be attention to each individual’s projects and his fulfillment of all requirements. We must know that every Scout-actually and personally-completed them.


  Group Instructions Guidelines


  MB Counselors must be registered and approved

  Guest experts or speakers …do not accept the responsibilities of, or behave as, merit badge counselors

  Counselors agree to sign off only requirements that Scouts have actually and personally completed


  Group Instructions Guidelines (cont.)   Counselors agree not to assume

prerequisites have been completed without some evidence that the work has been done.


  There is a mechanism for unit leaders or others to report concerns to a council advancement committee…where it is believed BSA procedures are not followed.

Where Can I Find the Guide?   The Guide to Advancement is available in hard copy at your local Scout Shop or online in both a searchable version, and a downloadable PDF file   http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/ GuideToAdvancement.aspx

Summary   Advancement is one of the eight methods used by

Scout Leaders to help boys fulfill the aims of the BSA

  The Guide to Advancement is the official source for administering advancement in all Boy Scouts of America programs

  The Guide provides mandated procedures and recommended best practices for all facets of the Advancement Program

  The Guide should be your first stop in establishing Unit Advancement policies and researching Advancement questions

Resources •  Guide to Advancement, No. 33088 •  Advancement News •  District and Council Advancement

Administrators •  National Advancement Team

[email protected]

Additional advancement resources and presentations are available online at: www.scouting.org/advancement

For More Information


Additional Examples   How should a district or council advancement committee be organized?   Building an Advancement Committee,

3.0.0.5

  What if a Cub Scout cannot complete a requirement?   Do Your Best, 4.1.0.4

Guide to Advancement FAQ

Additional Examples   What are positions of responsibility and how are they evaluated?   Positions of Responsibility, 4.2.3.4

  What if an Eagle Scout service project is not approved prior to beginning?   Proposal Must be Approved…Before You

Start, 9.0.2.7

Guide to Advancement FAQ