Advancement in Scouts

Advancement

Advancement is important to all Scouts. It is the philosophy of the Boy Scouts that all boys complete at least the requirements for First Class while in Scouting. This process is called First Class Emphasis or FCE. Much attention is directed to this program by the Troop with the older Scouts conducting the training for many parts of the program. There is a great deal of emphasis on First Aid, camping skills, cooking, and improving self reliance in the individual Scout..

The ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class are included in FCE. The Scouts can get requirements for First and Second Class signed off on while working on Tenderfoot. However, service hours for a rank can only be earned while working on that one rank. Scouts can begin earning merit badges as soon as they join the Troop, however some badges have minimum rank requirements before the Scout can participate in the merit badge class. Merit badges are not required for FCE advancement. All ranks above First Class are earned in part by completing a certain number of merit badges. Among the merit badges will be certain required merit badges for each rank. The First Class Rank Requirement does not include earning merit badges however working on and possibly earning  the Citizenship in the Community, Camping, Cooking, Swimming and First Aid Merit Badges will fulfill many of the rank requirements needed to advance.

​In order to take a merit badge the Scout must speak to the Scoutmaster prior to starting the merit badge. The Scout must then obtain a blue merit badge card, print the required information on the card and have a Scoutmaster sign the card before beginning the merit badge. Scouts can alternatively sign up for merit badges on Scoutbook and connect to a merit badge counselor using that method.  This method still requires the Scoutmaster to sign off on the merit badge.  When he completes a merit badge it will be awarded on a merit badge card for that particular badge. The Scout should keep the card as the dates on the cards are required on the Eagle application. There are many opportunities to earn merit badges throughout the year at Merit Badge University, Summer Camp or through many organizations and counselors. Please be aware that some badges require work ahead of time. 

Once a Scout has been awarded five merit badges, the Scout should obtain a merit badge sash and have the merit badges sewn on to it. They should then wear the sash as a part of their uniform at all Court of Awards.

Many of the higher rank advancements require that the Scout hold a troop office in order to qualify for advancement. All positions that are on the Patrol Leaders Council require scouts to be First Class or higher in rank.

​In order to promote advancement, a Scoutmaster is assigned to each rank. They participate in the Scoutmaster Conference for that rank and make sure that Scouts are progressing in the rank advancement process.

The participation of parents is an important role in advancement. First, in assisting the Scout in their personal advancement with encouragement and support. Secondly, by teaching merit badges to a group of Scouts, and third, by participating in the Board of Review process. After each Scout has completed the requirements for a particular rank and had a scoutmaster conference, they must complete a Board of Review to advance. A panel of at least three non-Scoutmaster adults comprises the Board of Review. The Scout is presented to the Board by his Patrol Leader. The Board reviews the knowledge of the skills they have learned and what they have done to show Scout spirit while working on the rank. This review also contains materials that relate to prior ranks and is thus cumulative of their Scout skills and knowledge to date. By demonstrating a knowledge of these Scout skills and requirements to the Board, they will successfully complete the rank advancement.