Advancement

Note: Scouts and parents should be familiar with the Troop 29 provided hardcopy Scoutbook. This is also not a replacement for the Guide to Advancement. 

How to Rank Up:

1. Use the physical scout book or Scouting phone app to start working on your rank. Tip, you can go in any order, you don’t have to follow sequentially. 

2. Mark the left column in the book when you think you know your skill. 

3. Demonstrate your skills to the Eagle Patrol for Scout rank through First Class, or a Scouter for Star and above. They will sign off if you can show what you know. Tip, words like explain, demonstrate, repeat from memory show you what to do. It also provides the page for the answer!

4. Notify the advancement chair at advancementchair@bcsf-t29.org when you are ready for a scoutmaster conference.

5. Participate in a scoutmaster conference. This is a coaching session, not a test of your knowledge. Tip, don’t wait until the week before Court of Honor. You can do this anytime for your rank. It can happen even before everything is checked off.

6. Participate in a parent board of review (except Scout Rank). Why? 1) It’s a victory lap for the prepared scout; and another chance to grow for the unprepared Scout. 2) Provide opportunity for Scouts to practice speaking with adults 3) Builds confidence and skills 4) Provides opportunity for parents to support the troop and learn about and monitor the advancement of Troop in a safe manner.

7. Congratulations, you’ve ranked up! We mark this as achieved in Scoutbook. Receive your badge recognition at the next Court of Honor. We mark as awarded when you get your badge.

FAQ

• How do I ask for a scoutmaster conference? 

  • Send an email to advancementchair@bcsf-t29.org. You may also cc Mr Horn: kinneyhorn@gmail.com and Mr. Kraay ekraay@gmail.com who are the current T29 advancement chairs. 

• What should the email say? 

  • Dear Advancement Chairs: 

  • I am ready for my scoutmaster conference for [rank]. Do you have availability for a conference on [date]? 

  • [Include any other detail you need.]

  • Thanks, [Your Name]

• Who is responsible for ranking up?

  • The scout. Their patrol leader should be aware of where their scouts are with regard to rank and what they need to do. 

• What is the Mission of Scouting?

  • “The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law

• What is the Vision of Scouting?

  • The Troop 29 vision is to “Foster an environment to stretch ourselves, serve the community and share our skills...and have fun!”

• How do I check in with the scoutmaster on Eagle Required Merit Badges

  • Just talk with your Scoutmaster, or email the advancement chair when you are ready.