Troop 30's
PUBLIC SITE
Home Page
Join Us
Awards
Camping
Eagle
Merit Badges
News
Photos


 
Boy Scout Troop 30
(Canandaigua, New York)
 
ScoutLander Contact Our Troop Member Login
  
 

Advancement and Awards


"Advancement is one of the eight methods used by
Scout leaders to help boys fulfill the aims of the BSA."
~ Scoutmaster Handbook

There are different ranks and badges that a boy earns throughout his Scouting career. The link "Merit Badges" discusses the various merit badges that may be earned and how to go through that process.
In order to advance through the scouting ranks, there are various items that also must be completed.
There are different ranks and badges that a boy earns throughout his Scouting career. The link "Merit Badges" discusses the various merit badges that may be earned and how to go through that process. In order to advance through the scouting ranks, there are various items that also must be completed.

Court Of Honor



In order for a scout to advance through the ranks of scouting, a board of review must be conducted. (Look below for Boards of Review.)

Once a scout has been approved through a Board of Review, a Court of Honor is held. A Court of Honor is a special time when parents should attend to recognize the hard work your son has done. Awards are given to the scout for rank advancement, merit badges, and any other special recognition at this time.


By ceremoniously recognizing the value of advancement and hard work, we hope to strengthen a boy's motivation to continue being active within the Troop. The Court of Honor also gives parents/guardians valuable insight to accomplishments or Program happenings they may not see due to their lack of presence at the weekly meetings. As always, the goal is to ENCOURAGE, through positive reinforcement and praise.

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Awards_Central.aspx

 

Boards of Review



What is the purpose of the Board of Review?
To determine the quality of the Scout's experience and decide if he is qualified to advance to the next rank. Boards of review are also used when awarding Eagle Palms.

When is the Board of Review held?
When a Scout believes he has completed all the requirements for a rank or Palm, he will be granted a board of review. Ideally, boards should be scheduled at least monthly so Scouts aren't delayed in beginning time-oriented requirements for their next rank.

Who sits on the board?

The board consists of three to six unit committee members (or, for the Eagle Scout rank, three to six adults who understand the rank, purpose and importance of the review). A candidate's unit leader, assistant unit leaders and parents or guardians may not sit on his board, although the unit leader may attend as an observer. If three or fewer unit committee members are available, the unit may use knowledgeable parents or other adults who understand Scouting's aims.

How long should it last?

For Tenderfoot through Life, approximately 15 minutes but no longer than 30 minutes; for Eagle, 30 to 45 minutes.

Does the scout have to appear in uniform?

Full field uniform is preferred. Also must bring their Boy Scout Handbook.

How does the board make its decision?
Typically, the board will ask the candidate to leave the room at the end of the meeting while they discuss his responses. It is appropriate to call the candidate back if additional questions may provide clarification. After discussion, the board takes a formal or informal vote. The board must agree unanimously. To approve awarding a rank or Palm, the board must agree unanimously.


How do eagle boards differ?
In addition to the slight differences noted here, the council advancement committee determines whether Eagle boards are held at the unit, district or council level. (If held at the unit level, at least one district or council representative must serve on the board.) Also, an Eagle board may not be held until after the council has verified the candidate's application with the local council service center.

For more information, see the 2013 Guide to Advancement, which is available online at bit.ly/guidetoadvancement Or click here.

Scoutmaster's Conference


After a Scout completes all the required tasks towards his next badge of rank, the next step is for the Scout to meet with the Scoutmaster for a "Scoutmaster's Conference".

The Scoutmaster's Conference should never be a re-testing of any of the scout's skills. Certifying his skills is the responsibility of the leader who "signed off" on his Handbook. Rather, the conference is a chance for the Scoutmaster to make sure all requirements are signed off, and then engage in a comfortable, yet detailed, discussion on how the scout is feeling about the Program and how Scouting is fitting into his life as a whole. (This is a character building program.)

The Scoutmaster wants to hear from the Scout exactly what he likes, doesn't like, might want to do different, etc. He wants to know what his ambitions are in Scouting and "life". The ultimate goal is to make sure the Scouting experience is of real benefit to the Scout's development.

Once the Scoutmaster is convinced the Scout is ready to move forward towards the next rank, the Scoutmaster will direct the Scout to meet with members of the Committee, where a similar meeting will take place. This is known as a Board of Review.