1. Adult Leader Advancement Training Seminar
PRESENTED BY
Staten Island Council
ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE
Greater New York Council
Boy Scouts of America
At the GNYC Training Extravaganza
January 9, 2010
Presenter note: You should include your name and position. Explain your responsibilities and authority in your troop’s Eagle process.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
On occasion, BSA requirements change. Be sure to stay up-to-date with all current requirements.

2. INTERNET ADVANCEMENT RECORDS
Seminar Objectives
To review the basics of Scout Advancement Management
To review paperwork and record keeping.
Assure records are thorough, accurate and consistent with
GNYC policies.
Discuss need for accuracy in leading up to Eagle rank.
EAGLE RANK DETAILED PROCESS
To answer any questions from Scouts related to their
advancement.
To understand and comply with ALL time requirements.
To Avoid Any Surprises!
EXTRA ADDED ATTRACTION –
INTERNET ADVANCEMENT RECORDS
Presenter notes:
Set the tone for the seminar and put both parents & Scouts at ease.
Remind them that the process & procedures for the Eagle is different from the lower ranks because the district, council, and national BSA have approval requirements.
Note that in the past there may have been problems because everyone did not understand the process and some pitfalls so that is the reason for this seminar – to avoid any surprises.
Note that the troop wants all Scouts to be successful and if they want to earn the Eagle rank, you will help them. Also point out that it is ultimately the Scout’s responsibility (not his parents or the troop leaders) to have a plan for how he will meet all the requirements them follow through to reach his goal. The Scout gets to wear the Eagle rank for the rest of his life, therefore he should be the one to earn it.

3. Unit Organization and Advancement Duties
It is strongly advised that each unit have an Advancement Chair with SOLE DUTIES of keeping records and providing advice to adult leaders and Scouts related to advancement status and needs.
Keep Advancement Records
On a regular basis, Advise SM of Advancement status and needs of each Scout. Also consider advising CC, SPL, ASPL and PL’s.
(This is very valuable to the PLC and trip/activity planning)
Advise each Scout of his status on a regular basis.
Advise SM, CC and SPL of the need for a Board of Review.
In addition to the Normal duties, it is advisable for the
Advancement Chair to LEAD THE WAY in the Troop Committee to
guide and advise about activities and programs that satisfy
advancement requirements.
Presenter notes:
This is a overview, each topic shown here will be discussed in detail in later slides.
The key point here is that the requirements must be completed before the 18th birthday. It is possible (but very unlikely) to get an extension from National BSA in very special circumstances. Don’t count on this.

4. Tracking Advancement and Record Keeping - 1
By a show of hands, what format of record keeping is used.
1. Troop Master Traditional Paper Other
One of the most important things the Advancement Chair can do for a unit is to maintain a clear consistent record for each scout. The records should have the following characteristics:
A c c u r a t e > C o m p l e t e
R e l i a b l e > Up-to-date

5. Tracking Advancement and Record Keeping - 2
Good records allow for easy access to a Scout’s status at any time and allow you to answer questions like:
How many merit badges do I need to complete my Life requirements and which ones specifically?
What else do I need for my Scoutmaster Conference?
When did I earn my First Aid merit badge?
I am transferring to another Troop next Fall. Can I get a full record on my Advancement and status?
With good records, these questions can be answered quickly - no matter what format is used. Remember the criteria
accurate, complete, reliable and up-to-date,

6. First Class in a Year
This is a policy introduced by National several years ago It has a primary goal of ENHANCING RETENTION. However, there is some controversy surrounding it among experienced Scouters. On one hand, it can have the benefit of retention if done with sound training principles. On the other hand, it can RUSH a Scout through ranks without having learned basic scout skills. Much is dependent upon the Scout’s interest, abilities and desires, as well as the unit’s program of activities. If included among the unit’s plans, the following guidelines are suggested.
Must have well planned and coordinated programs.
Use the Scout handbook as a basic guide.
The Advancement Chair is urged to assist in program planning.
Regular camping is a must for Scout Skills development Include Summer Camp.
Reward - with First Class Certificates
Service time is required for Second Class as an introduction to future rank requirements.
Be sure overall unit program includes service type activities.

7. Merit Badge Counselors
MUST be registered as an adult leader.
MUST be approved by Council Advancement Committee
MUST have proficiency
MUST have up-to-date Youth Protection Training (Note: this is not a BSA National requirement but is a requirement of the Staten Island Council)

8. EARNING MERIT BADGES
1. Establish a program at the beginning of the year to have merit badge
work at troop meetings.
2. However, encourage Scouts to seek Counselors outside the Troop. This has a benefit of the scouts experiencing different adult leaders and a setting outside the troop setting.
Summer Camp is a great opportunity to earn merit badges. However, be sure to monitor work of the Scouts, be sure they are prepared to sign up for the badges. Be sure they have done the required prerequisites.
Blue cards MUST be signed by an adult leader – preferably the SM. The Advancement Chair is an alternative.
BE ALERT: Many merit badges offered at summer camps are done in 5 days but in fact really require much more time to be done properly. Without proper monitoring by adult leaders, especially the Advancement Chair, a dis-service can be done for the Scout.

9. STAR AND LIFE RANKS
Up through First Class rank, the emphasis is on Scout Skills.
As a Scout advances, the Star and Life ranks, the emphasis changes to:
LEADERSHIP
TEACHING YOUNGER SCOUTS
SERVICE
In addition, The Staten Island Council Advancement Committee offers, each year, a training course for Star and Life Scouts to teach them these steps and timing related to earning the Eagle rank. It has been well received by the boys and their adult leaders as well.

10. OTHER AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS - 1
There are a number of other awards that are not required for Scout advancement but serve to recognize special accomplishments – for both Scouts and adult leaders,
Reference is BSA booklet entitled “Advancement Committee – Policies and Procedures” – BSA publication #33088.

11. OTHER AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS - 2
MILE SWIM (Scout) - A terrific accomplishment at Summer Camp.
TOTE N’CHIP (Scout) – Recommended for new cross-over Cubs to be earned on their first camping trip.
WORLD CONSERVATION AWARD (Scout) - AUTOMATICALLY Earned when a Scout earns Environmental Science, Citizenship in the World and either Water Conservation or Fish and Wildlife merit badges.
DISTRICT AWARD OF MERIT (Adult) – one per 25 units. “Noteworthy service to youth”
LIFESAVING and MERITORIOUS ACTION (Adult or Scout) – Three levels of recognition. Lifesaving, Meritorious Action (issued by National) Local Council Certificate of Merit. (Discuss detailed requirements and process)
SILVER BEAVER (Adult) – noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth. (issued by National)

12. Eagle Leadership Service Project
Project Ideas
Plan / Proposal
Approvals
Working Project
Final Report
LEADERSHIP

13. Eagle Leadership Service Project
Purpose is to “Demonstrate ability to LEAD Others”
Must benefit community organization
other than Boy Scouts and not on Boy Scout Property
May NOT benefit a commercial business
May NOT be purely a “fund raiser”.
Must be planned and carried out by one Scout
no joint projects
Approval process and project completion may take up to 6 months to complete - plan ahead!
May begin planning project immediately after passing Life Board of Review – work book can be requested.
(not necessary to earn all 21 merit badges before project.)
Time-line handout.

14. Sample Eagle Projects Build a church sign Landscaped church grounds
Repaired church playground
Built church janitor closet
Repaired & cleaned out storage shed for a community group
Collected eye glasses for Lions Club
Build “patrol boxes” for Girl Scout Troop
Did repairs at a home for aged & sponsored social event for residents.
Built newspaper re-cycling bins for an Elementary School
Re-landscaped and fixed up church sign
Built bull-pens for a High School baseball field
Built cabinets for Sunday School rooms
Repaired, re-roof a church gazebo, landscape grounds
Build a bridge in a Park.
Build a set for a local theatre group.

15. Eagle Leadership Service Project Plan
Meet with an adult advisor before doing too much planning.
Draft a project plan write-up.
Must use official BSA Workbook to submit plan and final report (electronic version OK)
Download from BSA National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) website)
Approvals required with signatures and dates.
Scoutmaster / Project Advisor - signatures and dates.
Troop Committee - signatures and dates
Organization served - signatures and dates
District Advancement Committee - signatures and dates
Must have Council approval BEFORE starting work!
(To begin earlier could invalidate the entire project)

16. Eagle Application Process
Complete all requirements
Write project final report – with pictures.
Complete Eagle Scout Application
Submit Application & Project Final Report to: Troop Committee & Scoutmaster
Council verifies Scouts records
Returned to District for Board of Review
Conduct Board of Review with signatures and dates
(this date becomes the actual date of eagle rank)
Council approval with signatures and dates
National approval
Conduct Court of Honor (not a requirement)
See handout for detailed steps and time-line
NEW APPLICATIONS MUST BE USED
AS OF AUGUST 2009.
Utilize the S.I Eagle web site to guide you, to get forms, announce your project, solicit help/bodies and get a list for letters of recognition.
statenislandeagle .org

17. Eagle Application Process – Time line

18. INTERNET ADVANCEMENT - 1
How to use BSA Internet Advancement tool.
Must use Internet Explorer
Click on Volunteer & Parent Resources left hand column
Click on internet advancement
Go to Internet Advancement
If you are a first time user click first time user button and follow set up procedure. You must have a Login number which is supplied by GNYC, not the same as re-chartering login number.
If you are already registered click on returning user.
Enter user ID and password

19. INTERNET ADVANCEMENT - 2
Step one – load unit roster
Click load roster or upload advancement file. If you use packmaster, troop master, rank n file, scoutmate or scoutsoft there is an option in these software packages to create the file to upload.
Once your roster is loaded you can add advancement for your scouts. You can add rank, merit badges or awards. There are also buttons to review unit roster, unit advancement summary, Member Summary or review Advancement Report. You may also print member cards or do a multi person entry

20. INTERNET ADVANCEMENT - 3
When you are finished adding advancement click next
Review your advancement report
Click Send to GNYC
When you send to GNYC it will print your 3 copies of the Advancement report for you to sign and turn in to scout shop and buy awards. There is also an option to order awards on line.
By using this tool, you can help to shorten
the turn-around time when Eagle
applications are processed. It also keeps your records in good order.

21. Who would like an additional course on Troopmaster use?
SUMMARY ask questions
1. Unit Org. – Dedicated Advancement Chair
2. Tracking records – Accurate, complete Reliable, Up-to-date.
3. First class in a year.
4. Merit Badge Counselors and merit badge guidelines.
5. Skill ranks vs. Leadership/Teaching/Service rank.
6. Other awards and recognitions
7. Eagle rank – LEADERSHIP
8. Eagle Rank – SERVICE PROJECT
Eagle rank – PROCESS TIME LINE
What is missing that you want to see.
Who would like an additional course on Troopmaster use?

22. Discussion Questions & Answers.

23. FINAL REQUESTS Complete questionnaire. Complete evaluation sheet.
Be sure you have signed in.
Complete questionnaire.
Complete evaluation sheet.