Troop 306 Advancement
Fun
Advancement
Service
Training
Rank Advancement
Advancement requirements vary with the Scout's age and are designed to learn new information, learn to do new activities, experience new challenges, and have fun. Teaching is done by Troop leaders (boys and adults) and by merit badge counselors. Parents should encourage their Scout to set goals and make steady progress toward the next rank.
Advancement awards are purchased by the troop.
Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class
These ranks are geared to learning and experiencing the fundamentals of Scouting.
Scout skills such as knot tying, fire building, camping, cooking (in patrols), use of a compass, understanding nature are building blocks for higher advancement in Scouting and life.
A major feature of this time is learning to work as a team in a patrol.
Individual requirements are witnessed by fellow Scouts of higher rank or Scouters (not parents) and approved by the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster.
There may be times when a requirement is performed on a family outing and shortly thereafter explained and/or demonstrated for approval in the troop (rare occurrence).
Star & Life
These ranks will engage the maturing Scout.
A succession of merit badges are earned (some from a required list for the Eagle rank).
Leadership is experienced.
Service is performed.
Eagle
Eagle Scout is scouting highest rank and Scouting's most prestigious achievement.
This accomplishment is recognized and respected worldwide as marking a man of high character that finishes what he starts.
The trail to Eagle is challenging, but worth the effort.
In addition to earning additional merit badges beyond Life rank, and performing additional leadership and service, the Eagle candidate will perform a significant service project with the help of others.
Merit Badges
Merit badges are an opportunity for the Scout to increase his skill in things he likes to do, and to try out new activities that may result in fresh in interests or hobbies, possibly influence a career path.
Participation in a merit badge is approved in advance by the Scoutmaster and approved for completion by a certified merit badge counselor.
Here is a link with
merit badge
requirements.
This is useful for reviewing possible merit badge selection.
Please remember to obtain the latest issue of the specific merit badge for the current requirements.
Here is a link for adults to download the
application
to become a merit badge counselor.
Scoutmaster Conference
When a Scout is ready for advancing in rank, he calls the Scoutmaster for a conference.
The Scoutmaster reviews the Scout's performance and helps prepare him for the next rank.
Board of Review
Following a successful Scoutmaster conference, the Scout goes before a group of committee members.
The purpose of the Board of Review is to help the Troop Committee to receive feedback from the Scouts and to help the Scout set goals.
The Advancement coordinator assembles the board of review after advice from the scoutmaster that a candidate is ready.
The Arrowhead District performs the Eagle Board of Review.
Court of Honor
Formal ceremonies are held several times each year to recognize Scouts' achievements and rank advancement.
Parents are given a Parent's Ribbon to hold and wear the Scout's rank pins.
A special Court of Honor is held to recognize and honor a Scout's achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout.
The Eagle Scout and his parents plan the Eagle Court of Honor.
Keeping Records
Each scout is strongly encouraged to keep and maintain a binder for rank advancement and merit badge records. Plastic filler pages for baseball cards work well for keeping rank advancement cards and merit badge cards.