Advancement
New scouts and their parents often ask how to earn ranks, and what programs the Troop has scheduled to help. Scout thru 1st Class requirements can be signed off by Patrol Leaders, the SPL, or other designated scouts at particular outings or meetings. This note is intended to provide some background.
A common question is: how rapidly should scouts advance?
Scout Rank (summarized on p. 439 of Scout Handbook)
- Scout Rank should be earned as soon as possible after joining scouts. This rank teaches the basics and can mostly be accomplished in a couple hours.
- Mr. Lin and Mr. Zung will work with the scouts to earn this rank.
Tenderfoot (summarized on pp. 440-441)
- Tenderfoot Rank can be earned sometime during the first year of scouts, as early as the November Court of Honor, but it’s fine to achieve it by the June Court of Honor at the end of their first year too
Second Class (summarized on pp. 442-444)
- Second Class Rank can be earned by the end of the first year at the June Court of Honor, if a scout wants to advance quickly. But it’s fine if Second Class is earned by the end of the second year.
First Class (summarized on pp. 445-447)
- First Class Rank can be earned sometime during the second year, if a scout wants to advance quickly. Many scouts earn First Class during the third year.
Scout advancement generally occurs 3 times per year with a Scoutmaster’s Conference, Board of Review, and presentation of rank at a Court of Honor.
Active membership is required for scout rank advancement.
Active Member Requirements
- Abide by the Troop policies and procedures as documented in the Troop Guidebook
- Attend and participate in a minimum of 4 scheduled troop meetings
- Attend and participate in a minimum of 2 scheduled troop outings
- Participate in the Memorial Day flags service project (planting and/or removal) – preferred, or another Troop sponsored service project
- Participate in the Wreath Sale fundraiser
- Pay annual Troop dues
Leadership membership is required for scout leadership position credit.
Leadership Member Requirements (Star, Life, Eagle)
- Fulfill Active Member requirements (which count towards attendance requirements below)
- Attend and participate in a minimum of 6 (Star) or 9 (Life, Eagle) scheduled troop/patrol meetings
- Attend and participate in a minimum of 2 (Star) or 3 (Life, Eagle) scheduled green bar/instructor corps meetings
- Attend and participate in a minimum of 2 (Star) or 3 (Life, Eagle) scheduled troop outings
- Attend and participate in the troop scout leader training meeting
- Fulfill requirements of your leadership position to the approval of the SPL and Scoutmaster
- Actively work towards rank advancement
Any exceptions to these requirements require advance approval of the Scoutmaster and completion of an equivalent alternate requirement (e.g. attending two troop service projects in lieu of an outing)