Boy Scouts of AmericaGuide To Advancement 2015

August 13, 2015

Northern Lights Advancement CommitteeBoy Scout Advancement Leader

Dan Talbottdanieltalbott12@gmail.com

BSA 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

The Aims of Scouting

Every Scouting activity moves boys toward three basic aims:1. character development2. citizenship training3. mental and physical fitness

Guide to Advancement 2015Advancement is one of the methods used by Scout leaders to help boys fulfill the aims of the BSA.No council, committee, district, unit or individual has the authority to add to, or subtract from, advancement requirements.This publication clearly identifies mandated procedures with words such as “must” and “shall”. You may not deviate from these.Recommended best practices are offered using words like “should”, while other options and guidelines are indicated with terms such as “may” or “can.” Refer questions to your district advancement team.The Guide to Safe Scouting always applies.

Guide To Advancement is a critical reference tool

The offi cial source for administering advancement in all BSA programs.Organized and indexed so you can find answers to your advancement questions.Updated every two years to reflect changes to programs, requirements and policies. Changes come from a team of national-level professionals and volunteers. The new guide always lists significant changes in section 1.0.3.0

CONTENTSSection 1. IntroductionSection 2. Advancement DefinedSection 3. Guidelines for Advancement and Recognition CommitteesSection 4. The Mechanics of AdvancementSection 5. Special ConsiderationsSection 6. Internet Advancement ReportingSection 7. The Merit Badge ProgramSection 8. Boards of Review: An Overview for All RanksSection 9. The Eagle Scout RankSection 10. Advancement for Members With Special NeedsSection 11. Appendix

CONTENTS (example)4.1.0.0 The Mechanics of Advancement4.1.0.1 Mechanics of Advancement: In Cub Scouting4.1.0.2 The Role of the Pack Committee4.1.0.3 Who Approves Cub Scout Advancement4.1.0.4 “Do Your Best”4.1.1.0 Cub Scout Ranks4.1.1.1 Bobcat4.1.1.2 Tiger, Wolf, and Bear4.1.1.3 Webelos and Arrow of Light4.1.1.4 More on Webelos and Arrow of Light Adventure Pins4.1.1.5 Cub Scout Program Transition Information4.2.0.0 Mechanics of Advancement: In Boy Scouting

Examples of changes:• Merit badge worksheets are not allowed for certain

requirements: If a requirement uses words like “show, demonstrate or discuss”, then that is what Scouts must do. Filling out a worksheet, for example, would not suffi ce.• Scoutmaster conferences should be face-to-face, not online:

New language says Scoutmaster conferences are meant to be face-to-face, personal experiences. They should be held with a level of privacy acceptable under the BSA’s rules regarding Youth Protection. Parents and others within hearing range of the conversation may influence the Scout’s participation. For this reason, the conference should not be heldin an online setti ng.

Examples of changes: (continued)• New Cub Scout program is now included in the Guide: Den

leaders, Cubmasters conduct meetings implementing the three steps in Cub Scout advancement preparation, qualification, and recognition. New leader guides explain the mechanics for doing so while helping to maximize advancement.• Unit merit badge counselor lists shouldn’t be available to Scouts

online: Due to concerns about merit badge counselor privacy, and since the Scouts should receive the names and contact information from the Scoutmaster, unit counselor lists should not be made available to Scouts online.

Examples of changes: (continued)• Youth observers aren’t allowed at boards of review: No youth

should sit in to “observe” a board of review.• Guidance is offered for boards of review conducted through

videoconferencing: Section 8.0.1.6 is new. It covers how to conduct a board of review through videoconferencing if a Scout goes off to college or the military for example. Where it is unreasonable to expect a Scout to travel long distances, or to wait several months, it is permissible to use videoconferencing.• Crowdfunding for Eagle Scout projects: Section 9.0.2.10

discusses the use of “crowdfunding” via the internet, if your local council allows.

Where to find helpNorthern Lights: http://northernlights.circleten.orgCircle Ten Council: http://circleten.orgBe A Scout: https://beascout.scouting.orgNew Tools: https://my.scouting.orgProgram updates: http://www.Scouting.org/home/programupdates.aspxGoogle search: “Boy Scout Program updates” you will find updates and downloadable PDF’s that you can share

Questions?