Leaders:
Chairman:
Bill Spaulding
925-825-6993
william.spaulding@sbcglobal.net
- Eagle Project Review Vice Chair:
- Eagle Board Vice Chair:
Karen Hansen
williamhansen1301@comcast.net
- Merit Badge Dean:
- Boy Scout & Venturing Vice Chair:
- Cub Scout Vice Chair:
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Advancement and Recognition Overview:
Just as organizational procedure is a method the movement uses
rather than the end, so it is with the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing
advancement plans. Advancement is only one of the methods the movement uses to achieve its
ends. It is possible for a boy to derive some of the benefits of Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting,
Varsity Scouting, or Venturing without advancing at all, but he would miss some of the
significant benefits.
Some parents and youth leaders may put too much stress upon
removing obstacles from the pathways of growing boys. Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting
specialize in placing surmountable hurdles before boys. As they learn to take these hurdles
without breaking stride, boys learn to know themselves and gain some confidence.
The advancement plan gives boys a means of measuring their own
progress. They learn and develop skills against a standard which the system provides. It is
progressive and expects more and more of participants as they grow and gain experience.
The advancement plans also provide a satisfying means of
recognizing boys for their progress. There is a ladder to climb, and recognition at each
step.
- The Cub Scout Advancement Plan
In Cub Scouting, advancement is more informal and the
standards are less rigid. Parents work with their sons on achievements and certify
completion of requirements without further review by den or pack leaders. In the absence
of parents, other adults may help Cub Scouts with their achievements. The emphasis is upon
what happens to boys as they do their best through the plan-and upon the relationship that
builds between boys and parents.
In Webelos Scouting, as a part of its preparation for Boy
Scouting, advancement completion for ranks and activity badges is certified by the Webelos
den leader or another adult designated by the leader. Advancement becomes an important part
of den meetings and activities.
- Boy Scout Advancement
Certifying Boy Scout and Varsity Scout advancement is done by
boy and adult leaders. This permits greater emphasis upon standards and greater consistency
of measurement, both of which are important to boys of Scout age.
As the Boy Scout or Varsity Scout advances from Tenderfoot to
Eagle, he works with his patrol, his troop/team and on his own. There are four phases, as
follows:
- The Boy Scout learns.
A Boy Scout learns by doing, and as he grows in ability he is asked to teach other Scouts.
- The Boy Scout is tested.
A Boy Scout is tested on requirements by his patrol leader, Scoutmaster or assistant, or a
troop committee member.
- The Boy Scout is reviewed.
When a Boy Scout has completed all requirements for a rank, he appears before a board of
review conducted by troop committee members. The council determines who conducts the Eagle
Scout board of review.
- The Boy Scout is recognized.
When the board of review certifies a Boy Scout's advancement to the next rank, he receives
his badge in a ceremony at the next troop meeting. Certificates of advancement can be
presented in troop courts of honor.
- Venturing Advancement
The Venturing Bronze, Gold, Silver, Ranger, and Quartermaster
awards may be earned by all Venturers who meet certain requirements. Details on Venturing
advancement can be found in the Venturer Handbook, Ranger Guidebook, Venturing Leader
Manual, and Sea Scout Manual.
A male Venturer who has achieved the First Class rank as a
Boy Scout in a troop or as a Varsity Scout in a team may continue working toward the Eagle
Scout rank as a Venturer until his 18th birthday. There is no alternative Venturing route
to qualify for the Eagle Scout rank.
Districts help:
- Ensure that commissioners are aware of advancement procedures for qualified Venturers
- Visit crew Gold and Silver reviews
- Help the crew identify consultants for the Bronze, Gold, Silver, Ranger, and
Quartermaster requirements
- Emphasize the objective of having all Venturers earn the Bronze Award within their
first year
- The crew Advisor organize a crew advancement plan
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