1. Boy Scouts of America Guide To Advancement 2015 August 13, 2015 Northern Lights Advancement Committee Boy Scout Advancement Leader Dan Talbott danieltalbott12@gmail.com

2. BSA Mission Statement 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 Scout Law

3. The Aims of Scouting Every Scouting activity moves boys toward three basic aims: 1.character development 2.citizenship training 3.mental and physical fitness

4. Guide to Advancement 2015 Advancement is one of the methods used by Scout leaders to help boys fulfill the aims of the BSA. No council, committee, district, unit or individual has the authority to add to, or subtract from, advancement requirements. This publication clearly identifies mandated procedures with words such as “must” and “shall”. You may not deviate from these. Recommended best practices are offered using words like “should”, while other options and guidelines are indicated with terms such as “may” or “can.” Refer questions to your district advancement team. The Guide to Safe Scouting always applies.

5. Guide To Advancement is a critical reference tool The official source for administering advancement in all BSA programs. Organized and indexed so you can find answers to your advancement questions. Updated every two years to reflect changes to programs, requirements and policies. Changes come from a team of national-level professionals and volunteers. The new guide always lists significant changes in section 1.0.3.0

6. CONTENTS Section 1. Introduction Section 2. Advancement Defined Section 3. Guidelines for Advancement and Recognition Committees Section 4. The Mechanics of Advancement Section 5. Special Considerations Section 6. Internet Advancement Reporting Section 7. The Merit Badge Program Section 8. Boards of Review: An Overview for All Ranks Section 9. The Eagle Scout Rank Section 10. Advancement for Members With Special Needs Section 11. Appendix

7. CONTENTS (example) 4.1.0.0 The Mechanics of Advancement 4.1.0.1 Mechanics of Advancement: In Cub Scouting 4.1.0.2 The Role of the Pack Committee 4.1.0.3 Who Approves Cub Scout Advancement 4.1.0.4 “Do Your Best” 4.1.1.0 Cub Scout Ranks 4.1.1.1 Bobcat 4.1.1.2 Tiger, Wolf, and Bear 4.1.1.3 Webelos and Arrow of Light 4.1.1.4 More on Webelos and Arrow of Light Adventure Pins 4.1.1.5 Cub Scout Program Transition Information 4.2.0.0 Mechanics of Advancement: In Boy Scouting

8. Examples of changes: Merit badge worksheets are not allowed for certain requirements: If a requirement uses words like “show, demonstrate or discuss”, then that is what Scouts must do. Filling out a worksheet, for example, would not suffice. Scoutmaster conferences should be face-to-face, not online: New language says Scoutmaster conferences are meant to be face-to-face, personal experiences. They should be held with a level of privacy acceptable under the BSA’s rules regarding Youth Protection. Parents and others within hearing range of the conversation may influence the Scout’s participation. For this reason, the conference should not be held in an online setting.

9. Examples of changes: (continued) New Cub Scout program is now included in the Guide: Den leaders, Cubmasters conduct meetings implementing the three steps in Cub Scout advancement preparation, qualification, and recognition. New leader guides explain the mechanics for doing so while helping to maximize advancement. Unit merit badge counselor lists shouldn’t be available to Scouts online: Due to concerns about merit badge counselor privacy, and since the Scouts should receive the names and contact information from the Scoutmaster, unit counselor lists should not be made available to Scouts online.

10. Examples of changes: (continued) Youth observers aren’t allowed at boards of review: No youth should sit in to “observe” a board of review. Guidance is offered for boards of review conducted through videoconferencing: Section 8.0.1.6 is new. It covers how to conduct a board of review through videoconferencing if a Scout goes off to college or the military for example. Where it is unreasonable to expect a Scout to travel long distances, or to wait several months, it is permissible to use videoconferencing. Crowdfunding for Eagle Scout projects: Section 9.0.2.10 discusses the use of “crowdfunding” via the internet, if your local council allows.

11. Where to find help Northern Lights: http://northernlights.circleten.orghttp://northernlights.circleten.org Circle Ten Council: http://circleten.orghttp://circleten.org Be A Scout: https://beascout.scouting.orghttps://beascout.scouting.org New Tools: https://my.scouting.orghttps://my.scouting.org Program updates: http://www.Scouting.org/home/programupdates.aspx http://www.Scouting.org/home/programupdates.aspx Google search: “Boy Scout Program updates” you will find updates and downloadable PDF’s that you can share

12. Questions ?