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Advancement
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Boy Scout advancement is much more challenging and difficult
than Cub Scout or Webelos advancement and it requires much individual
effort and initiative. It also emphasizes leadership and
service as much as badges and skills. Achieving First Class (which
we try to have happen within their first year) takes more effort than
earning the Webelos Arrow of Light award.
Advancement requirements are listed in the Scout
Handbook. To advance, a Scout must be active, must do
his best to live by the Scout Law and Promise, practice leadership, give
service to others, learn Scout skills (mostly in the outdoors), and earn
merit badges (primarily from adult counselors other than his parents).
The Scout is responsible for getting the work done, and that a member of
the Scoutmaster team signs his handbook.
After completing all requirements for a rank, a Scout meets
with the Scoutmaster for a “Scoutmaster Conference”. Finally he attends a
Board of Review with the troop committee. His ranks and
achievements are recognized publicly by a Court of Honor.
What can you do to help your son take full advantage of the
Boy Scout Advancement method? Make sure your son attends Summer Camp
and campouts. Offer encouragement and support. Know what your
son needs for his next rank. Be active in Scouting with him, and
strongly encourage him to attend as many Scout activities as possible,
because only active Scouts advance.
How
Your Son Benefits From Advancement
Scouting is much more than just a
wholesome and enjoyable activity. Active Scouts working to advance in
rank develop initiative, leadership, self-reliance, and
self-confidence. Scouting helps boys become good citizens of strong
character, who will be leaders, and achievers in the adult world.
Troop 702 is a very active troop and we try to provide facilitate
advancement along with fun by having a challenging and far-ranging
program with a myriad of different activities.
Boy
Leadership Aids Advancement
In Cub Scouts and Webelos, adults provide all the planning
and leadership. On the other hand, in Scouting, boys provide the
planning and leadership (with adult
guidance). This
takes some getting used to – especially when we adults think we can run
things more efficiently than the boys can.
But
remember, it takes practice to learn anything, including leadership.
The top leader in the troop is not the Scoutmaster. It is the Senior Patrol Leader – a Scout
who is elected by the Scouts themselves. Your son will elect his
patrol and other troop officers, and later, he will hold some offices
himself as troop leadership is a requirement for advancement beyond First
Class.
Summer
Camp Is Important To Advancement
Be sure to put Summer Camp on your family
calendar as soon at the date is published so your son won’t miss out on the most important and exciting week
of the year.
Boys who go to summer camp their first year stay
in Scouting nearly 3 times longer than those who do not. Those who miss summer
camp will have great difficulty catching up with the Scouts who went to
camp, and more than half will drop out their first year.
Camperships
are available for any Scout struggling with finances - and our policy is
not ever let money stand in the way of summer camp. Also,
Troop 702 has a program which permits parents to regularly deposit money
into an account for summer camp - thus easing the burden of a single
payment.
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