Advancement is a basic part of Scouting and is essential to continued participation in the program. To be most beneficial to the Scout, it should be neither too rapid nor too slow. Our goal is for each boy to complete his First Class rank within a year of joining. Boys who reach First Class within a year usually stay, while those who do not usually drop out in their second year.
A Scout may work concurrently on Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, and 1st Class requirements. However, the ranks are awarded only in Boy Scout advancement order.
Scouts are eligible to work on merit badges immediately. A Scout who is ready to begin work on a merit badge must ask the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster for a merit badge application. This form is taken to a Great Plains approved merit badge counselor for his signature.
A step by step description of the standard process for earning a merit badge is included in Appendix D, Merit Badge Procedures. These procedures are meant to be a general guideline, so exceptions may occur for special cases such as Summer Camp or Merit Badge College. Appendix D also includes a set of BSA rules and guidelines that must be followed.
Troop 714 maintains a list of approved merit badge counselors. Contact the Advancement Chairman or Scoutmaster for a copy of the list. If a counselor is not available within the Troop, a Great Plains District or Circle 10 Council approved counselor may be used. Only an approved merit badge counselor may sign off a Scout for a merit badge.
To avoid the appearance of favoritism, parents may not act as the Merit Badge Counselor for their own son. Exceptions may be granted if there is no other Merit Badge Counselor available, or in a group situation such as Summer Camp or Merit Badge College. All exceptions must be approved by the Scoutmaster.
Every rank, Tenderfoot through Eagle, requires that the Scout have a conference with the Scoutmaster or the Assistant Scoutmaster of the Patrol. The objective of the conference is to determine if he has demonstrated Scout Spirit, understands the ideals of Scouting and lives up to them in his daily living, to counsel him on areas of personal behavior in which he needs to improve, and to encourage his advancement in Scouting. This conference should be held as soon as the Scout has completed all other requirements for the rank he is working on and before the Troop Board of Review.
For the ranks of Tenderfoot, 2nd Class and 1st Class, the Assistant Scoutmaster of the patrol ensures that all requirements are signed off in the Scout’s Handbook, and performs the Scoutmaster Conference. The Scout then notifies the Board of Review Coordinator who schedules the Board of Review.
For the ranks of Star and Life, the Assistant Scoutmaster of the patrol ensures that all requirements are signed off in the Scout’s Handbook. The Scout then notifies the Scoutmaster Conference Coordinator who schedules a Scoutmaster Conference (with the Scoutmaster) and the Board of Review.
For the rank of Eagle, the Scout works with the Eagle Coordinator, who verifies that all Merit Badges have been completed, the Eagle Project is completed and documented, and other requirements are signed off. He then notifies the Scoutmaster Conference Coordinator who schedules a Scoutmaster Conference (with the Scoutmaster). The Scoutmaster schedules the Eagle Board of Review.
Each rank requires that the Scout have a Board of Review before final approval of his advancement. Here he is examined on his skills and Scout spirit to determine that he has met all of the requirements. The Scout must bring his Handbook, completely filled out and signed, with him to the Board of Review, and be in full uniform. If the Scout is not ready for advancement, he is asked to do certain things that enable him to correct his deficiencies. See Appendix A, Board of Review Checklist for more details.
A Board of Review is the final step in a Scout’s advancement toward a rank. The Board of Review is an opportunity to review the Scout’s attitudes, accomplishments and his acceptance of Scouting’s ideals. The Board of Review is not a retest; the Scout has already been tested on the skills and activities required for the rank. However, the chairman of the Board of Review should ensure that all the requirements have been “signed off” in the Scout’s handbook. Additionally, the chairman should ensure that leadership and merit badge records are consistent with the requirements for the rank.
For all ranks (except Eagle) and Eagle palms, the Board of Review consists of three to six members of the Troop Committee. The Board of Review Coordinator typically acts as the chairperson of the Board of Review. Relatives or guardians may not serve as members of a Scout’s Board of Review. Troop leaders who have direct responsibility for a Scout should not participate in his Board of Review.
For the rank of Eagle, the Board of Review consists of three to six members drawn from Scouting and the community, 21 years of age or older. These members do not have to be registered in Scouting, but they must have an understanding of the importance and purpose of the Eagle board of review. At least one district or council advancement representative shall be a member of the Eagle board of review.
The date of the Board of Review is the official date that the rank is awarded. For rank advancements that have a minimum service time, the Board of Review cannot be held until after the Scout has served the required time. The date of a Board of Review will not be pre- or post-dated.
Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Scouting. It has been earned nationally by barely 3% of all boys who have ever been Scouts. Only very outstanding boys ever become Eagle Scouts.
After a Scout has earned the Life badge, and has completed most of the requirements for all 21 merit badges, he should contact the Eagle Coordinator to discuss an Eagle service project. The project must be a service to the community, involve leading others, and must be planned and developed by the Scout. The Scout must be the leader. If someone else does the planning, the Scout is merely a follower not a leader. The project must be approved in advance by the organization receiving the benefit of the project, the Scoutmaster, and the Great Plains District Advancement Chairman.
There are other awards that the Scout may earn that are not directly related to his advancement.
“A Scout is Reverent.” All Scouts show this by being faithful in their duty to God. Some go further and give special service. This may qualify them for a religious emblem. Such an emblem is not a Scouting award. His religious leader confers it on the Scout. Each faith has its own requirements for earning its emblem. Refer to your Scout Handbook and your religious leader.
The order of the Arrow is a national organization of Honor Scout campers. Its purpose is to recognize Scouts who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law, to promote good camping practices, and to crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership and cheerful service to others.
Scouts are elected to membership by the Troop in accordance with OA policy. Requirements for membership are:
First Class Rank.
At least 15 days and nights of camping as a Scout, including one long-term camp in the two years prior to election.
Approval by the adult leaders of the Troop.
Receiving over one half of the votes of Troop members present at the election.