Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.
Every Boy Scout has a Scout Handbook that lists the requirements needed for advancement. Though a Scout has to serially go through a list of ranks, they can work on multiple rank requirements at the same time, where possible. A new set of official Scout Rank requirements has become effective Jan 1, 2016. The following guidance (published by BSA) will be used to determine the requirements for advancement.
Scouts who joined the Boy Scouts of America on or after Jan. 1, 2016, MUST follow the rank requirements as printed in the new Boy Scout Handbook or in the current year’s Boy Scout Requirements book.
Scouts who joined the BSA prior to Jan. 1, 2016:
• Who are working on the Tenderfoot through First Class ranks MAY continue to follow the old requirements, but MUST convert to the current requirements upon attaining First Class.
• Who have completed the First Class rank MAY complete the rank they are currently working on in the old requirements, but MUST convert to the current requirements for subsequent ranks.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2017, all Scouts MUST use the current requirements regardless of rank.
A Boy Scout will complete the needed requirements for a Rank Advancement and will go through a Scout Master Conference (SMC) and a Board Of Review (BoR) prior to the advancement. The completion of requirements will be recorded and signed off in the Scout Handbook. The Scout Handbook will be used for the SMC and BoR. The youth leaders will assist a Scout in arranging for a SMC. The SMC will be conducted by the Scout Master but can be delegated to Assistant Scout Masters, if necessary. The BoR will be formed by the Advancement Chair along with committee members and parent volunteers.
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