Documentos de Académico
Documentos de Profesional
Documentos de Cultura
33088
ISBN 978-0-8395-3088-6
©2010 Boy Scouts of America
2010 Printing
Advancement is the process by which youth members of Personal growth is the prime consideration in the
the Boy Scouts of America progress from rank to rank in the Advancement program. Scouting skills—what a young
Scouting program and is how a youth grows. Advancement person learns to do—are important, but they are not the
is simply a means to an end, not an end in itself. Everything most important aspect of advancement. Scouting’s concern
done to advance and earn these ranks, from joining until is the total, well-rounded growth of the youth. This growth
leaving the program, should be designed to help the young may be measured by how youth members live the Scouting
person have an exciting and meaningful experience. ideals and how they do their part in their daily lives.
No council, district, unit, or individual has the The Venturing Bronze, Gold, Silver, Ranger, Quest, and
authority to add to or subtract from advance- TRUST Awards may be earned by all Venturers who meet
certain requirements. Details on Venturing advancement
ment requirements. (For policies concerning can be found in the Venturer/Ranger Handbook, Venturing
youth members with disabilities, see the chapter Leader Manual, Quest Handbook, and TRUST Handbook.
called “Advancement in the Unit.”)
Sea Scouting
A male Sea Scout who has achieved the First Class rank as
Advancement in the Four Scouting a Boy Scout in a troop or as a Varsity Scout in a team may
Program Phases continue working toward the Eagle Scout rank as a Sea
Scout until his 18th birthday. The Sea Scout can work on the
Advancement is only one of the methods used to achieve Apprentice, Ordinary, Able, and the Quartermaster awards
the aims of Scouting in the four phases of the Scouting as long as he or she is a registered youth member in Sea
program—Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, Scouting. Details of the requirements for these awards can
and Venturing. The aims of Scouting are character building, be found in the Sea Scout Manual.
citizenship training, physical fitness, and mental fitness.
The council youth development committee’s purpose is to • Establish procedures within the framework of national
implement throughout the council the policies and procedures BSA policy.
contained in this handbook. This purpose is accomplished • Plan a yearly advancement calendar and committee budget.
by providing training, promoting advancement, and
supervising those involved in the advancement process. • Review procedures for record keeping.
• Recruit and train council and district youth development
committee members.
A strong and consistent advancement program in the
council requires cooperation between the council and • Determine procedures for Boy Scout resident
district advancement committees, the commissioner camp advancement.
staff, and the units they serve. • Approve merit badge counselors and maintain
and publish council and/or district merit badge
The council youth development committee is primarily counselor lists.
a supervisory group that guides the district committees. • Serve as an appeals board for district boards of
The committee’s responsibilities are to supervise the review and conduct posthumous boards of review.
advancement program in all units and to guide the district
youth development advancement committees in their • Recommend candidates for national awards.
work with each unit. The specific duties are as follows. • Present special council awards.
• Promote advancement in units by working with
district advancement committees and through The procedures for presenting special council awards
council publications and activities. are outlined in the chapter “Special Recognitions,”
• Set council goals. under “District and Council Awards.”
One of the most important responsibilities of a of NESA members may be obtained from your
council youth development committee is to help local council as needed. NESA members who
recruit and train new advancement committee are qualified can be a resource in serving on
members for the council and district levels. youth development committees as merit badge
counselors, and in providing other types of
The council youth development committee
assistance. Youth development committees
should include executive board members, the
district youth development committee chairs, should encourage the formation of Alpha Phi
and members at large. School administrators, Omega chapters in local colleges in the council.
personnel directors, and business executives These young people of college age are another
are among those who have the type of back- good resource for council and district youth
ground that would be of value to council and development committees.
district youth development committees. Also
Council youth development committee meetings
consider individuals who have been recognized
provide an excellent opportunity for informal
with Scouting’s highest honors, such as the
training to enhance the formal training commit-
Eagle Scout and Venturer Silver ranks.
tee members receive. The training that a district
The council may have a National Eagle Scout advancement chair receives at a council com-
Association committee as a subcommittee of mittee meeting can be the basis for training
the youth development committee. Updated lists district committee members at district meetings.
Committee budget. The committee is responsible for The council youth development committee periodically
preparing a budget request for approval by the council reviews the procedures used by units in applying for
executive board. This budget request should include funds badges and other awards and in keeping records
for the Eagle Scout/Silver Award recognition dinner, of advancement. These procedures must be as
advancement events, audiovisual materials, conference simple as possible. The goal should be to eliminate
expenses, and advancement forms. Some councils also obstacles so that a youth member may receive the
provide recognition certificates and help subsidize the badge earned without delay.
expense of the Eagle Scout and Silver Award badges.
The committee budget request is included in the annual Many councils have adopted a procedure of filing unit
council budget. advancement reports in a current separate folder or by
using computer spreadsheets. Each year, reports for the
year are transferred to a unit history folder. Whatever
Many councils poll their communities to identify system is used for record keeping, the awarding of badges
adults who have attained the Eagle Scout and to youth members should never be delayed.
Venturer Silver ranks, and ask these individuals to
participate in Scouting leadership. A council compiles a monthly District Advancement Report
Summary. This information, provided to the district each
month, gives a clear picture of advancement progress in
each unit. District reports are summarized annually and
Record Keeping included on the Application for Renewal of the Local
Record keeping and the distribution of awards are the Council Charter, which every council submits each year
responsibility of the council service center. However, to the national office.
each unit is responsible for keeping its own records
and for making reports of advancements to the council.
The advancement statistics reported on the
This is done on the unit Advancement Report form.
Application for Renewal of the Local Council
One copy is kept by the unit and two copies are sent to
Charter are important. These statistics help the
the council service center with an order for the necessary
national advancement committee monitor the
badges and awards. At the council service center, one
interests and activities of youth members.
copy of the Advancement Report is placed in the unit file,
and the other is given to the district executive for the
district records.
The function of the district youth development and recogni- • Provide assistance in Eagle Scout advancement,
tion committee is to motivate and train unit leaders and including Eagle Scout boards of review.
unit committee members in the advancement program. • Provide recognition to district Scouters.
This should be done under the direction of the council
youth development committee and with the cooperation of • Provide program resources, advancement training,
the commissioner staff and the district training committee. and direct support for all units in the district.
The district youth development committee also should work • Understand and follow council established advancement
closely with the district executive. procedures (i.e., boards of review).
Other responsibilities of the district youth development and • Offer district advancement events.
recognition committee are as follows. To help recruit and orient new district youth development
• Set district advancement goals and maintain accurate committee members, use The District Committee Training
monthly unit advancement reports to determine where Workshop. This resource provides basic training for
help is needed. all district committee members. This resource contains
• Help units establish an active advancement program. a two-hour breakout session just for advancement
committee members.
• Recruit, train, and thank merit badge counselors.
• Maintain an accurate, current list of council-approved Be sure the committee has persons familiar with Cub
merit badge counselors. Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, Venturing,
and Sea Scouting.
• Assemble a resource list of all awards and promote
awards on a regular basis.
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One of the major avenues of achievement in Scouting is Webelos Scout. The rank for boys who have completed
advancing from rank to rank. To advance, a youth member third grade (or are 10 years old).
fulfills specific requirements, usually including active
participation, skill achievement, service to others, and Arrow of Light. For fifth-graders (or 10-year-olds). Earned
leadership experience. after completion of the Webelos Scout badge, usually after
the first year of the Webelos Scout program.
Bear. The rank for boys who have completed second grade
(or are 9 years old).
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• The use of den chiefs (Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, • Demonstrated living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Law”
or Venturers who assist with Cub Scout and Webelos in his daily life.
Scout den meetings) can help stimulate advancement • Met the other requirements and/or earned the merit
through example and experience, as well as encourage badges for the rank.
boys to continue in the Scouting program. • Participated in a Scoutmaster conference.
• Recognize packs in the district that advance well. • Satisfactorily appeared before a board of review.
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1. Registered in his unit (registration fees 2. The Boy Scout is tested. A Scout may be tested on rank
requirements by his patrol leader, Scoutmaster, assistant
are current) Scoutmaster, a troop committee member, or a member
2. Not dismissed from his unit for of his troop. The Scoutmaster maintains a list of those
disciplinary reasons qualified to give tests and to pass candidates. The Scout’s
merit badge counselor teaches and tests on the require-
3. Engaged by his unit leadership on a ments for merit badges.
regular basis (informed of unit activities 3. The Boy Scout is reviewed. After a Scout has completed
through Scoutmaster conference or all requirements for a rank, he has a board of review.
personal contact, etc.) For Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life,
and Eagle Palms, the review is conducted by members
4. In communication with the unit leader on a
of the troop committee. The Eagle Scout board of review
quarterly basis is conducted in accordance with local council procedures.
(Units may not create their own definition of 4. The Boy Scout is recognized. When the board of
review has certified a boy’s advancement, he deserves
active; this is a national standard.) to receive recognition as soon as possible. This should
If the Scout does not initiate communication, be done at a ceremony at the next troop meeting. The
certificate for his new rank may be presented later at a
the unit leader is to contact the Scout and ask if formal court of honor.
the youth wishes to remain in Scouting. If the
answer is negative, then the unit leader should Boy Scout Advancement
no longer communicate with the Scout. If the Age Requirements
answer is affirmative, the unit leader should Boy Scout awards are for young men not yet 18 years old.
provide the unit calendar. After six months of Merit badges, badges of rank, and Eagle Palms are for
registered Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, or qualified Venturers.
nonparticipation, the unit leader may cease to
Any registered Boy Scout or Varsity Scout may earn these
contact with the youth and drop the Scout from awards until his 18th birthday. Any Venturer who achieves
the unit at recharter time. the First Class rank as a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout in a
troop or team may continue working for the Star, Life,
The Scout may return to the unit at any time while and Eagle Scout ranks and Eagle Palms while registered
on the unit charter. At any time a Scout is dropped as a Venturer, up to his 18th birthday.
from a charter, the youth may re-apply to a unit Youth members with disabilities who are severely
for readmission; the acceptance of the applica- mentally or physically handicapped may work toward
tion is at the discretion of the unit. The youth rank advancement after they are 18. (See the chapter
“Advancement for Youth Members With Disabilities.”)
would be reinstated at the rank and level that can
This does not include others with learning disabilities,
be documented by either the Scout or the unit. attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD),
etc., but only those who are severely mentally or physically
handicapped. If you have a question on whether a
Four Steps of Boy youth qualifies for this exemption, please contact the nation-
Scout Advancement al Youth Development Team at 972-580-2189
A Boy Scout advances from Tenderfoot to Eagle by doing or youth.development@scouting.org. It is better to ask
things with his patrol and his troop, with his leaders, and on beforehand than be denied an Eagle application later.
his own. It’s easy for him to advance if the following four
opportunities are provided for him.
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The steps to follow in the merit badge program are outlined Star and Life Ranks. For Star and Life ranks, a Scout must
in the current Boy Scout Requirements book. This book lists perform six hours of service to others. This may be done as
the requirements a Scout meets to earn each of the more than an individual project or as a member of a patrol or troop
100 merit badges that are available. Scouts must be tested project. Star and Life service projects may be approved for
individually, and they must meet all the requirements. Scouts assisting on Eagle Scout leadership service projects.
No additional requirements may be added. The Scoutmaster approves the project before it is started.
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• The project is an individual matter; therefore, two Eagle 5. List the materials used and tell how they were acquired.
Scout candidates may not receive credit for working on Although the project idea must be approved before work is
the same project. begun, the board of review must determine the manner in
• There is no requirement that an Eagle Scout service which the project was carried out. Questions that must be
project have lasting value. addressed include:
• An Eagle Scout project may not be of a commercial nature. 1. Did the candidate demonstrate leadership of others?
• An Eagle Scout project may not be a fund-raiser. 2. Did he indeed direct the project rather than do all of the
• Fund-raising is permitted only for securing materials work himself?
needed to carry out the project. 3. Was the project of value to the religious institution,
• Donors to Eagle Scout projects must be made aware of school, or community group?
what entity is benefiting from the project, and that it 4. Who from the group benefiting from the project may
clearly is not the Boy Scouts of America. Substantiation be contacted to verify the value of the project?
of tax deductibility, if any, for donations is the responsi- 5. Did the project follow the approved plan or were
bility of the entity benefiting from the project. modifications needed to bring it to its completion?
• Any funds raised for an Eagle Scout project that are not 6. Was all the work on the project done while the candidate
used for the purchase of project materials must be was a Life Scout and before his 18th birthday (unless a
returned to the donor. time extension has been allowed)? (See “Time Extensions”
Routine labor, a job or service normally rendered, should later in this chapter.)
not be considered. There is no minimum number of hours
that must be spent on carrying out the project. The amount For other extension options, see the text box called
of time spent must be sufficient for the Scout to clearly “Age Limitations for Eagle Scouts” under “Boards of
demonstrate leadership skills. Review” later in this chapter.
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Time Extensions
When a Scout has completed all requirements for
If a Boy Scout or a Venturer foresees that he will be unable
a rank advancement, including the Scoutmaster
to complete the requirements for the Eagle rank prior to
conference, he may not be denied a board of review.
his 18th birthday, he may file a petition in writing with the
National Youth Development Committee through the local
Not only is it important to review those Scouts who have
council for special permission to continue to work toward
learned and been tested for a rank, but also to review those
the award after reaching age 18. The petition also may be
Scouts who have shown no progress in their advancement
filed by the unit leader or unit committee. The petition must
over the past few months.
show good and sufficient evidence and detail the extenuat-
ing circumstances that prevented the Scout from completing The review is not an examination; the board does not retest
the requirements prior to his 18th birthday. Extenuating the candidate. Rather, the board should attempt to determine
circumstances are defined as conditions or situations that the Scout’s attitude and his acceptance of Scouting’s ideals.
are totally beyond the control of the Boy Scout or Venturer. The board should make sure that good standards have been
met in all phases of the Scout’s life.
Should circumstances prevent a Boy Scout or a Venturer
from requesting the extension before he is 18, it is The decision of all boards of review is arrived at through
still permissible to ask for the extension, detailing the discussion and must be unanimous.
extenuating circumstances that prevented him from
completing the requirements and from requesting the
extension before age 18. A discussion of the Scout Oath and Scout Law is
in keeping with the purpose of the review, to make
sure that the candidate recognizes and understands
Extenuating circumstances are defined as conditions the value of Scouting in his home, unit, school,
or situations that are totally beyond the control of the and community.
Scout or Venturer.
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After the board of review is completed, the Scoutmaster The 12 Steps From Life to Eagle
is informed of all of the decisions that were made by the The following 12 steps have been outlined to help ensure
board of review. a smooth procedure for the Scout, the unit leadership, the
local council, and the volunteers who are to conduct the
When a Scout satisfactorily completes a board of review board of review. Share these steps with each Eagle candidate
for a rank or an Eagle Palm, he cannot be awarded his rank so that he can fully understand the procedure that must be
until that action is reported to the council service center on followed by the Scout, the district, and the council.
an Advancement Report. However, tenure for his next rank
or Eagle Palm begins immediately. 1. In order to advance to the rank of Eagle, while a Life
Scout, a candidate must complete all the requirements of:
A monthly report keeps unit records current and is a good
practice. The troop scribe should also keep a record in • Active tenure (For a definition of active, see “Boy Scout
the Troop/Team Record Book for easy reference by the Advancement” in the chapter called “Advancement in
Scoutmaster and use by other boards of review. the Unit.”)
• Scout spirit
The Scout should be neat in his appearance; • Any remaining merit badges
however, a uniform is not required. Local boards • Positions of responsibility
of review may not make up their own rules about • Planning, developing, and providing leadership to
wearing a uniform. others in a service project
• The Scoutmaster conference
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3. All requirements for the Eagle Scout rank (except the A Scout cannot have a board of review denied or postponed
board of review) must be completed prior to the because the council office or council youth development
candidate’s 18th birthday. When all requirements for committee does not receive the reference letter forms or
the rank of Eagle (except the board of review) have been fails to follow up.
completed, an Eagle Scout Rank Application must be
filled out and promptly sent to the council service center. 7. After the contents of an application have been verified
(See the chapter “Advancement for Youth Members and appropriately signed, the application, Eagle Scout
With Disabilities” and also “Time Extensions” earlier in Leadership Service Project Workbook, and references
this chapter.) will be returned from the council service center to the
chair of the Eagle board of review so that a board of
review may be scheduled. Under no circumstances
The Eagle Scout Rank Application can be found at should a board of review be scheduled until the
www.scouting.org. application is returned to the chair of the Eagle
board of review. Reference checks that are forwarded
4. The application should be signed by the unit leader. with the application are confidential, and their contents
The unit committee reviews and approves the record of are not to be disclosed to any person who is not a
the Eagle candidate before the application is submitted member of the board of review.
to the local council. If a unit leader or unit committee
fails to sign or otherwise approve an application, the 8. The board of review for an Eagle candidate is composed
Eagle candidate may still be granted a board of review. of at least three but not more than six members, 21 years
The failure of a unit leader or unit committee to sign an of age or older. It is not required that these persons be
application may be considered by the board of review in members of the advancement committee or be registered
determining the qualification of the Eagle candidate. in Scouting; however, they must have an understanding
of the importance and purpose of the Eagle Scout board
5. The Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook, of review. Unit leaders, assistant unit leaders, relatives,
properly filled out, must be submitted with the application. or guardians may not serve as members of a Scout’s
6. When the completed application is received at the board of review. The Scout may have no input into
council service center, its contents will be verified and the selection of the board of review members. At least
the references contacted. The Scout shall have listed six one district or council advancement representative must
references (five if there is no employer, and a parent if be a member of the Eagle board of review if the board of
there is no organized religious association). The council review is conducted at a unit level. A council or district
youth development committee or its designee contacts may designate more than one person to serve as a
the references listed on the Eagle Scout Rank Application, member of Eagle boards of review when requested to
either by letter, form, or telephone checklist. (The council do so by the unit. The chair will schedule the board of
determines the method or methods to be used.) review location, date and time in coordination with the
unit leader and the Eagle Scout candidate. The board
The candidate should have contacted individuals of review members should convene at least 30 minutes
listed as references before including their names on before the candidate appears in order to review the
the application. application, reference checks, and service project report.
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The procedures for advancement in camp are established by There is no time limit for completion of merit badges
the council youth development committee in cooperation other than age 18.
with the committee responsible for camp, the camp director,
and the program director. These procedures must be
approved by the council youth development committee
prior to the opening of camp. This procedure must include
Varsity Scout Advancement
the four processes of advancement—learning, testing, Position of responsibility requirements for Star and Life
reviewing, and recognition. ranks may be met by a Varsity Scout serving as a team
captain, cocaptain, program manager, squad leader, or in
The camp program director will organize program staff,
other leadership roles assigned by the Coach. The acceptable
specialists, commissioners, and department heads in such a
way that the program in camp is completely operative from positions of responsibility for the Eagle Scout rank
the beginning of the camp season. These procedures should are listed on the Eagle Scout Rank Application.
be given to each troop as part of precamp orientation. The Varsity Scout Coach will conduct a Coach conference.
The program director is responsible for assuring that all (See “Scoutmaster Conferences” under “Boy Scout
program equipment relating to advancement is available for Advancement” earlier in this chapter.)
use. Camp staff members should be prepared and available
As the Varsity Scout meets the requirements for each rank,
to assist unit leaders in teaching and testing Scouts on
a board of review is conducted by the team committee
Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class requirements.
member responsible for advancement, the advancement
Resident camp merit badge counselors must be qualified program manager, and the Varsity Scout Coach for all
(see “Qualifications of Counselors” in the chapter “The ranks except Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout board of review
District Youth Development Committee”). Councils may follows the procedure established by the local council.
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Interviews with Venturers have shown that advancement is Quest. The Quest Award is based on fitness and sports.
the way they learned and grew. Like many young people, A Venturer must complete five core requirements and
they may say up front they don’t want to work, but just have at least one of five electives. There is no review board.
fun. However, the purpose of Venturing is not to just have The Sports Bronze Award is the first requirement.
fun, but to help those youths have a meaningful growth TRUST. The TRUST Award will help Venturers learn
experience that will last a lifetime. It is the responsibility of about themselves, their communities, and their religion
the district and council youth development committees to and culture, as well as those of others. They must complete
assist crews with advancement opportunities that will help five areas of requirements with the support of a religious
these young people reach their goals. The purpose is to: leader in their community.
• Provide a pathway for personal development.
• Encourage Venturers to learn, grow, and serve. Venturer Advancement and Tenure
• Recognize the high level of achievement of Venturers
who acquire Venturing skills. Details on Venturing advancement may be found
• Identify trained and highly motivated Venturers who in the Venturing Leaders Manual, Venturer/
will be a training, leadership, and program resource for Ranger Handbook, Quest Handbook, and TRUST
other Venturers, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, organizations, Handbook. Unlike Boy Scouting—except for
and the community.
the Gold award, which has a 12-month tenure
The Venturing advancement track includes the Bronze,
requirement—the other ranks and awards have
Gold, and Silver awards.
no tenure requirement. A Venturer may work on
Bronze. The introduction to specific Venturing skills. many ranks and awards at the same time and
Venturers may earn one or more of the five Bronze awards:
Arts and Hobbies, Sports, Sea Scouting, Outdoor, and potentially could even be presented with several
Religious Life. One Bronze is required for Gold. awards in the same court of honor.
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There has been much confusion among volunteers and The operative words are: mentally retarded or severely
professionals as to the rules and regulations regarding physically handicapped young people. Examples of these
who qualifies, and—most importantly—who doesn’t medical conditions include:
qualify for age exemption as a Scout with disabilities. • Down syndrome
In an effort to clear up confusion, under Article XI, section 3, • Legal blindness
clause 20 of the BSA’s Rules and Regulations governing • Severe autism
Special Types of Registration, it states the following.
• People permanently confined to wheelchairs,
Mentally Retarded or Severely Physically Disabled i.e., someone who is quadriplegic
Youth Members. In the discretion of the (National) • People who are deaf
Executive Board, and under such rules and regulations
as it may prescribe upon consultation with appropriate The Annual Health and Medical Record form must be used
medical authorities, registration of boys who are as part of the procedure for registering a severely physically
either mentally retarded or severely physically disabled youth in Scouting. Their medical condition must
handicapped, including the blind, deaf, and emotionally be certified with a signed statement from a licensed
disturbed, over age 11 as Cub Scouts and over age 18 physician. In the case of mentally retarded or emotionally
as Boy Scouts or Varsity Scouts, and registration of disturbed candidates, their condition must be certified by a
young adults who are either mentally retarded or statement signed by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.
severely physically handicapped, including the blind, This extension of age is not provided as a window of
deaf, and emotionally disturbed, over age 21 as opportunity for those who are less challenged such as
Venturers, and the participation of each in the someone who has a moderate learning disability or for
respective advancement programs while registered, those who just can’t seem to advance within the normal
is authorized. time restrictions. Individuals whose medical conditions are
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Bear in mind the outcome of the Scouting experience • Requests for alternate rank requirements may be
should be one of fun and learning, and not completing made using the information outlined in this chapter.
requirements for rank advancements, which might • The Venturer is expected to meet the requirements
place unrealistic expectations on the Scout. as stated—no more and no less. Furthermore, he or
she is to do exactly what is stated. If it says “show or
demonstrate,” that is what he or she must do; just telling
Advancement for Venturers about it isn’t enough. The same thing holds true for such
words as “make,” “list,” “in the field,” “collect, identify,
With Disabilities and label,” and so on.
These guidelines apply to advancement for all Venturers
with disabilities. No council, district, unit, or individual has the
authority to add to, or to subtract from, any
• All current requirements for an advancement award advancement requirements.
must actually be met by the candidate.
• There are no substitutions or alternatives permitted
except those that are specifically stated in the require-
ments as set forth in the current official literature of
the Boy Scouts of America.
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*In order for a Venturer to be an Eagle candidate, he must have achieved the First Class rank as a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout.
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Awards are recognitions that Scouts and adults are presented The award is made available annually on the basis of one
when others wish to honor them for accomplishment. award for each 25 traditional units, or fraction thereof,
Awards, for the most part, are not earned by the recipients. registered on December 31. The district need not present
Awards for individuals are proposed, approved, and all of the awards to which it is entitled each year.
presented without the recipient’s request or participation.
A professional Scouter or other council employee may
Exceptions to this general rule will be noted. For example, not receive this award based on employment service.
the recognitions listed under “Special Opportunity Programs” However, a professional Scouter or employee who also
and “Religious Emblems,” discussed later in this chapter, serves as a volunteer Scouter may be eligible, based on
are earned by Scouts and, in some cases, by unit leaders. volunteer service.
Since these programs are not a part of the advancement
process of the Boy Scouts of America, they are more Requirements
appropriately managed as a segment of the awards program. A nominee must be a registered Scouter and must have
rendered noteworthy service to youth.
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Procedures
Lifesaving Awards
1. The council youth development committee or subcom-
Recipients of these awards must have been registered mittee may be constituted as a committee in lifesaving
members of the Boy Scouts of America at the time the and meritorious action awards.
action was performed. It shall be within the discretion
of the National Court of Honor to determine which, if any, 2. Unless unusual circumstances account for the time lapse,
type of recognition shall be given. Awards are made in the no application may be considered after six months from
name of the Boy Scouts of America. National Court of the action without a written explanation from the Scout
Honor determinations are final and not reviewable. executive or from the adviser to the council committee.
3. Separate applications are required if more than one
member is being recommended for recognition. The
All applications, which can be found at www.scouting. council committee must investigate the case, interview
org, should be submitted to the National Court of the principals and witnesses, secure necessary signed
Honor/Youth Development office through the local statements, and make a recommendation based upon
council upon duly prescribed forms. a full knowledge of the facts. It is recommended that
this committee meet within 30 days of the receipt of
the recommendation.
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The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award is the highest award • Indicate the category of the project—energy conservation,
presented by the National Eagle Scout Association to those soil and water conservation, fish and wildlife management,
who have been Eagle Scouts for at least 25 years, who have forestry and range management, air and water pollution
distinguished themselves in their work, and who have shared control, resource recovery, hazardous material disposal
their talents with their communities on a voluntary basis. and management, or invasive species control.
• Give the specific title of the project and a detailed
Service to Scouting is not necessarily an important description of what was done, who did it, when it was
criterion in the determination of worthiness or degree done, and how it was done.
of distinction of a potential recipient. Only nominations
of truly distinguished individuals—those receiving • Include any other pertinent information.
extraordinary recognition, fame, or eminence—should • Applicants must be currently registered in the program
be submitted. No posthumous nominations are accepted. in which they are applying for the award (i.e., Boy
Scout, Varsity Scout, Venturer) when the application
Selection of recipients is made by the Distinguished Eagle is signed.
Scout Award Committee of the board of directors of the
National Eagle Scout Association, all of whom are recipients
of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. The presentation
Hornaday Badge
of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award should be made, The Hornaday badge is awarded, upon approval of the
if appropriate, at a career or community centered event. It local council, to a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer
may take place at a Scouting function, although this is not for outstanding service to conservation and environmental
recommended, but should not overshadow the presentation improvement. Applicants meeting all requirements received
of other awards, such as the Silver Beaver. a certificate and the William T. Hornaday badge.
The award may be presented as part of a fund-raising The application, which can be found at www.scouting.org,
activity. Presentation of the Distinguished Eagle Scout should be completed and approved by the unit leader.
Award should be made within the council submitting the The unit leader should then forward the application to the
nomination, and whenever possible by a previous recipient local council service center for review and approval by
of the award. Applications for nomination are available the council conservation committee and Scout executive.
only through the local council. The local council will then forward the application to the
director of Outdoor Programs, Boy Scouts of America.
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46
47
There are a number of additional special members for their participation. Some of the
opportunities that may be earned by either awards and their requirements can be found
a unit, adult members, or by youth members. at www.scouting.org. See your local council
These awards are used by unit leaders to enrich service center for more information about the
their program and to provide recognition to unit following special opportunities.
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49
50
Bobcat Earn prior to None None None None Not applicable Learn and say the Cub Scout Promise and
Wolf, Bear, complete the Honesty Character Connection.
or Webelos Say the Law of the Pack and tell what it means.
badge for Make the Cub Scout sign and tell what it means.
boys joining Show the Cub Scout handshake and tell what it
after first means. Say the Cub Scout motto. Give the Cub
grade. Scout salute and tell what it means. With your
parent or guardian, complete the exercises in
How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse:
A Parent’s Guide.
Tiger Cub First grade None None Bobcat 5 Not applicable
(or 7)
Webelos Fourth and 3 months Fitness, Citizen, and one Bobcat None Show that you know and understand the requirements to be Plan and lead a flag ceremony in your den that
51
fifth grades other a Boy Scout: includes the U.S. flag.
(or 10) Demonstrate the Scout salute, Scout sign, and Scout handshake. Earn the religious emblem of your faith or do
Explain when you would use them. two optional (specified) requirements.
Explain the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan. Point out the three special parts of a Webelos
Explain and agree to follow the Outdoor Code. Scout uniform. Tell when to wear the uniform
and when not to wear it.
Complete Character Connection on Faith and one other
religious requirement. Know and explain the meaning of the
Webelos badge.
Have an adult member of the family read the
Webelos Scout Parent Guide.
Arrow Fifth grade 6 months since Five more (8 in all) Webelos None Repeat from memory and explain in your own words the Scout Participate in a Webelos overnighter or
of Light completing the including Fitness, Oath or Promise and the 12 points of the Scout Law. Tell how you day hike.
fourth grade Readyman, Citizen, have practiced these in your everyday life.
(or becoming 10) Outdoorsman, one Give and explain the Scout motto, slogan, sign, salute, and handshake.
from the Mental Skills
Understand the significance of the First Class Scout badge.
group, and one from the
Describe its parts and tell what each stands for.
Technology Group.
Tell how a Boy Scout uniform is different from a Webelos Scout uniform.
Tie the joining knot (square knot).
With your Webelos den, visit at least one Boy Scout troop meeting
and one Boy Scout–oriented outdoor activity.
After you have completed all five of the above requirements, and
after a talk with your Webelos den leader, arrange to visit, with
your parent or guardian, a meeting of a Boy Scout troop you think
you might like to join. Have a conference with the Scoutmaster.
Complete the Honesty Character Connection.
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Boy Scouting Requirements
POSITIONS OF
RANK TENURE SCOUT SPIRIT MERIT BADGES SERVICE BOARD OF REVIEW
RESPONSIBILITY
Boy Scout Have completed fifth grade and be Understand and intend to live by the Scout None None Not applicable
(joining) at least 10 years old, or be 11, or Oath or Promise and Scout Law; Scout motto;
have earned the Arrow of Light Award Scout slogan; and Outdoor Code. Know the
and be at least 10 years old, but be Scout salute and handclasp and when to
younger than 18. use them. Understand the significance of
the Scout badge.
Tenderfoot None Repeat from memory the Scout Oath or None None Not applicable Troop or team committee
Promise and the Scout Law. Explain the
meaning of each point of the Law in your own
words. Demonstrate that you have practiced
these ideals in your everyday life.
Second None Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout None Participate in an approved service Not applicable Troop or team committee
Class Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your project (minimum of 1 hour).
everyday life.
First Class None Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout None None Not applicable Troop or team committee
Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your
everyday life.
Star 4 months as a First Class Scout Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Six, including any 4 from the Projects totaling at least 6 hours of Serve actively for 4 months Troop, team, or crew committee
Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your required list for Eagle. work approved by the Scoutmaster. in an approved position after
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everyday life. earning First Class rank.
Life 6 months as a Star Scout Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Five more (11 in all), Projects totaling at least 6 hours of Serve actively for 6 months Troop, team, or crew committee
Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your including any 3 more (7 in all) work approved by the Scoutmaster. in an approved position after
everyday life. from the required list earning Star rank.
for Eagle.
Eagle 6 months as a Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Ten more (21 in all), including Plan, develop and give leadership Serve actively for 6 months Troop, team, or crew committee,
Life Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your 5 more from the required list to a significant project. The idea in an approved position after district or council advancement
everyday life. for Eagle (12 in all), with at must get proper approvals before earning Life rank. committee (council decides
least 1 in each category. work starts. method)
Eagle Palms 3 months after earning Eagle Award Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Five more beyond those None Satisfactory effort at Troop, team, or crew committee
or after earning last Palm Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your required for Eagle or last demonstrating leadership
everyday life. Palm. (Merit badges earned
any time since becoming a
Boy Scout may be used for
this requirement.)
Note: A Scoutmaster conference must be conducted by the Scoutmaster prior to the board of review.
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Venturing Requirements
AWARD TENURE REQUIREMENTS PREREQUISITE REVIEW POSITION OF RESOURCES
RESPONSIBILITY
Bronze Earn this award immediately after For the Sports, Youth Ministries, or Arts None None None Venturer/Ranger Handbook 33494
joining. No tenure required. and Hobbies award, complete nine Sea Scout Manual 609262
requirements. For Outdoor Bronze, do
Venturing Leader Manual 34655D
half of Ranger, and for Sea Scouting Bronze,
do half of Quartermaster.
Gold 12 months Have earned at least one Bronze. Additional Earn one Bronze Award. Yes Required Venturer/Ranger Handbook 33494
requirements related to personal development, Venturing Leader Manual 34655D
service, and leadership. Know and live by
Venturing Oath.
Silver None Be proficient in emergency preparedness, Earn the Gold Award. Yes Required Venturer/Ranger Handbook 33494
including standard first aid, CPR, and Safe Venturing Leader Manual 34655D
Swim Defense. Complete Venturing Leadership
Venturing Leadership
Skills Course. Participate in Ethics in Action.
Skills Course 34340
Ranger None. Half of Ranger counts as Complete all eight core requirements and None None None Venturer/Ranger Handbook 33494
Outdoor Bronze. at least four of 18 electives. Three facets to Venturing Leader Manual 34655D
all requirements: experiencing, learning,
and sharing.
Quest None Complete all five core requirements and at None None None Quest Handbook 33151
least one of the five electives. Requirements
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based on fitness and sports.
TRUST None Complete all five requirements. Requirements None None None TRUST Handbook 33154
based on religion and service.
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Sea Scouting Requirements
AWARD TENURE REQUIREMENTS PREREQUISITE REVIEW POSITION OF RESOURCES
RESPONSIBILITY
Apprentice None Complete eight requirements for Ideals, Active None Ship bridge of review None Sea Scout Manual 609262
Membership, Leadership, Swimming, Safety,
Marlinspike Seamanship, Boat Handling,
and Service.
Ordinary 75 percent of ship meetings and Complete 16 requirements for Ideals, Active Apprentice Ship bridge of review Yes; complete quarterdeck Sea Scout Manual 609262
activities for six months Membership, Leadership, Swimming, Safety, training, either as an officer
Marlinspike Seamanship, Boat Handling, or as a prospective officer;
Anchoring, Navigation Rules, Piloting and and serve as an activity
Navigation, Practical Deck Seamanship, chair for a major ship event.
Environment, Cruising, Boating Safety Course,
Service, and Electives.
Able 75 percent of ship meetings and Complete 14 requirements for Ideals, Active Ordinary Ship bridge of review Yes; either serve and fulfill Sea Scout Manual 609262
activities for 12 months Membership, Leadership, Swimming, Safety, the responsibilities of a crew
Marlinspike Seamanship, Boat Handling, leader or an elected officer
Anchoring, Navigation Rules, Piloting and of your ship, or serve as an
Navigation, Practical Deck Seamanship, activity chair for two major
Environment, Cruising, and Electives. ship events (in addition to
the Ordinary requirement).
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Quartermaster 75 percent of ship meetings and Complete 13 requirements for Ideals, Active Able Ship bride of review Yes; officer for at least six Sea Scout Manual 609262
special activities for 18 months Membership, Leadership, Swimming, Safety, with council/district months or serve as an
Marlinspike Seamanship, Boat Handling, representation activity chair for three major
Anchoring, Navigation Rules, Piloting and events (in addition to the
Navigation, Weather, Environment, Able requirement).
and Electives.
Small-Boat None Completion of course requirements in both None Instructor recommendation None Sea Scout Manual 609262
Handler Course sections of the course. to ship Skipper
Qualified None Completion of course requirements in all eight None Instructor recommendation None Sea Scout Manual 609262
Seamanship sections of the course. to ship Skipper
Course
SEAL 75 percent of ship meetings and Successful completion of this one-week Ordinary rank Course completion None Sea Scout Manual 609262
(Sea Scout activities for six months course and passing of an exam. achieved; must certification by SEAL
Advanced possess thorough director for their course
Leadership) knowledge of contents
Training of seamanship and
boating safety section
of Sea Scout Manual,
and must not have
reached their 18th
birthday by the date
of the course; must
have the ship Skipper’s
recommendation.
1/5/10 1:25 PM
Notes