Advancement and recognition in the Boy Scouts of America explained

First Class Rank

Advancement and recognition in the Boy Scouts of America is a tradition dating from the inception of the Scouting movement. A fundamental purpose of advancement is the self-confidence a young man or woman acquires from his participation in Scouting. Advancement is one of the methods used in the "Aims and Methods of Scouting"– character development, citizenship training and personal fitness.

There are separate advancement and recognition programs for the main program divisions: Cub Scouting (ages six through 10), Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouting) (11-17),Venturing (14-20), and Sea Scouting (14-20) (and, formerly, through the now discontinued Varsity Scouting (14-18)). Each program is designed for its age group and goals.

Cub Scouting

Scouting uses eight methods to fulfill its aims of character development, citizenship training, leadership, and physical fitness. Advancement is one of the eight methods. Cub Scouts use activities call Adventures to earn promotion, following a three step process of: preparation, qualification, and recognition. Cub Scouting is designed to function around the traditional school year with the goal of earning advancement by the end of the year. Youth participate in Cub Scouting from age 5 to 10, working through Lion, Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light.

In addition to the Adventures used to earn promotion, Cub Scouts can work to earn multiple other individual awards though participation in special programs, many of which happen during the summer time. These include Outdoor Activity Award, Shooting Sports Award, World Conservation Award, National Summer Time Pack Award, Whittling Chip (For Bears and Webelos), Cyber-chip, Interpreter Strip, Messenger of Peace, Nova and Supernova, Recruiter Strip, Religious Emblems, and Service Stars.[1]

Scouts BSA

Scouts BSA Advancement

See main article: Ranks in Scouts BSA.

The advancement program for Scouts BSA (formerly known as Boy Scouting) has two phases. The first phase of Scout to First Class is designed to teach the Scoutcraft skills, how to participate in a group and to learn self-reliance. Scout is the joining rank, and is awarded when the Scout demonstrates a rudimentary knowledge of the Scouting ideals.[2] Tenderfoot,[3] Second Class[4] and First Class[5] have progressively harder requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit.

Focus turns toward individual achievement, leadership and community service once First Class is earned. The ranks of Star,[6] Life[7] and Eagle[8] require a set number of merit badges (minimum of 21 for Eagle Scout, with 13 from a compulsory list), as well as a minimum of time spent in a troop leadership position, and community service requirements, among other things. The rank of Eagle Scout requires the Scout plan, develop and lead their own service project that benefits their community or an organization other than Scouting. In 2010, the Life Scout rank added a specific teaching requirement, where a Star-rank Scout must teach a younger Scout certain requirements for one of the early ranks.

Several religious emblems programs are administered by various religious institutions and recognized by the BSA. These are generally recognized by a medal and an embroidered square knot. Many other advancement and recognitions—such as the 50-Miler Award, BSA Aquatics Awards, Outdoor Ethics Awards, Crime Prevention Award, Emergency Preparedness Award and World Conservation Award —are available to Scouts who show performance in special areas.

Scouts may earn the Den Chief Service Award for their service as a Cub Scout Den Chief.[9]

There are also several positions of responsibility within each troop, which is usually divided into patrols, with patrol leaders and assistant patrol leaders. The troop itself has a senior patrol leader as its youth leader, along with an assistant senior patrol leader, and several other positions of responsibility, such as scribe, quartermaster, librarian, instructor, historian and chaplain's aide. Holding some sort of responsibility in the troop is a requirement for higher advancement ranks.

Order of the Arrow

See main article: Honors and awards of the Order of the Arrow. The Order of the Arrow (OA) is a program of the Boy Scout division of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). It is the BSA's national honor society for experienced campers, based on American Indian traditions, and dedicated to the ideal of cheerful service.

Awards are separate and distinct from the membership levels of Ordeal and Brotherhood. Awards available through the Order of the Arrow include: Vigil Honor, Founder's Award, Distinguished Service Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Red Arrow Award, E. Urner Goodman Camping Award, E. Urner Goodman, Scholarship Fund, National Service Award. Scholastic awards are also available to Arrowmen to aid in education expenses.[10]

Varsity Scouting

Advancement was a key part of the Varsity program. Varsity Scouts could earn any award or recognition that were available to Boy Scouts, including merit badges, ranks advancements, and other awards. There were also several awards that were only available to Varsity Scouts, and sometimes their leaders. Due to the decision by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to cease participation in the Varsity Scouting program, the Boy Scouts of America decided to end the Varsity Scouting program, effective January 1, 2018.[11]

Venturing

Youth advancement

A Bronze Award[12] may be earned for each category of arts and hobbies, outdoor, community and religious life, sea Scouting and sports. After earning at least one Bronze Award and meeting tenure, leadership, personal growth and other requirements the Venturer may earn the Gold Award.[13] To earn the Silver Award,[14] the Venturer must earn the Gold Award, earn first aid and CPR certifications, show leadership and participate in ethics training.

Venturers may also earn expert awards that build on some areas of the Bronze Awards.These include the Venturing Ranger Award[15] (Outdoors);the TRUST Award[16] (Community and Religious Life);the Quest Award[17] (Sports);and the Quartermaster Award[18] (Sea Scouting).

Male members under the age of 18 may also earn Merit Badges and the Star, Life, and Eagle Scout ranks from the Boy Scouting program if they have earned at least First Class rank in a Boy Scout troop or Varsity Scout team.

Venturing Leadership Award

See main article: Venturing Leadership Award. Both youth and adults are eligible for the Venturing Leadership Award. There are three levels of these awards: council (for those at the crew, district, and/or council levels), region (for those at the area or region levels) and National. A limited number of these awards are presented on an annual basis to those involved in Venturing who have made exceptional contributions to Venturing at their particular level and who exemplify the Venturing Code. These awards are similar in scope to the Silver Beaver Award, Silver Antelope Award, and Silver Buffalo Award.

Sea Scouting

In Sea Scouts, the traditional advancement program consists of the 4 ranks in the following order Apprentice, Ordinary, Able, and finally Quartermaster. Quartermaster is the highest Sea Scout Rank and is equivalent to Eagle Scout or Venturing Silver Award.

SEAL Training, (Sea Scout Experience Advanced Leadership Training), is the highest level of Leadership Training. The program originated in 1996 and at the time was under the name of Sea Exploring, however in 1998 when Venturing was formed the organization was known as Sea Scouts. The name SEAL training did not change. There are about 4-6 course per year held around the country. Participants age over 14.5 to less than 18 years old. Participants must have earned the rank of Ordinary before attending the course. Approximately 80% of participants pass the course. The course is similar to NAYLE or what was previously known as NJLIC. Upon successful graduation from the course the student may wear the SEAL Pin on their uniform. This is the only youth earned pin that an Adult may wear.

Sea Scouts may choose to earn any Venturing awards, advancement, and training if they wish to. A male Sea Scout who has earned the rank of 1st Class in a Boy Scout Troop may complete further Boy Scout ranks and training from within his Sea Scout Ship.

Outdoor Code

Since March 1954, the Outdoor Code has represented the core teachings of "Scouting's Outdoor Ethics" and serves as both a goal and a promise:[19]

As an American, I will do my best to –

Be clean in my outdoor manners.
Be careful with fire.
Be considerate in the outdoors.
Be conservation minded.

Lifesaving and meritorious action awards

BSA's National Court of Honor is responsible for lifesaving and meritorious awards.[20] [21] All Courts of Honor for Eagle Scout rank are convened as National Courts of Honor also.

Honor Medal With Crossed Palms
  • A lifesaving award presented to a registered BSA member (youth or adult leader) who has demonstrated both unusual heroism and extraordinary skill or resourcefulness in saving or attempting to save a life at extreme risk to self; may be awarded posthumously.
    Honor Medal
  • A lifesaving award presented to a registered BSA member (youth or adult leader) who has demonstrated unusual heroism in saving or attempting to save a life at considerable risk to self.
    Heroism Award
  • A lifesaving award presented to a registered BSA member (youth or adult leader) who has demonstrated heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save life at minimal personal risk.[22]
    Medal of Merit
  • Awarded to BSA members (youth or adult leaders) who have performed an outstanding act of service and exceptional character by putting into practice Scouting skills and ideals. It does not need to involve risk to self.
    National Certificate of Merit
  • This award may be presented by the National Court of Honor to a registered BSA member (youth or adult leader) who has performed a significant act of service that is deserving of special national recognition. Such action need not involve attempts of rescue or risk to self, but puts into practice Scouting skills or ideals.
    Local Council Certificate of Merit (No. 606760)
  • This may be awarded by local BSA councils for individual meritorious actions by a registered BSA member (youth or adult leader) that do not merit national recognition.

    Nova and Supernova Awards

    These STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) awards are for all three levels of youth scouting.[23] Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers may all earn up to four Nova awards, each based on one of the four STEM principles. The Supernova award is a culmination of the youth's work on the Nova award and there are a number of various Supernova awards that the scout may earn.

    Adult leader awards

    See also: Leadership in the Boy Scouts of America.

    Cub Scout leader recognition

    Cub Scout leaders who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by a system of awards. The Cub Scout Den Leader Training Award is available for Den Leaders, the Scouter's Training Award is for any registered Cub Scout leader, and the Scouter's Key is for Cubmasters. These awards are recognized by a certificate and an embroidered square knot insignia with the appropriate square knot device pin (indicates program or rank for which the award was earned).

    Boy Scout leader recognition

    Boy Scout adult leaders who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by a system of awards. The Boy Scout Leader's Training Award is available to any leader, while the Scoutmaster's Key and the Scoutmaster Award of Merit are only available to the Scoutmaster.

    Varsity Scout leader recognition

    The Boy Scouts of America ended the Varsity Scouting program, effective January 1, 2018.

    Adult Varsity leaders were able to earn the Varsity Letter and activity pins. They met the same requirements as the youth and also had to complete Fast Start and Basic Leader Training (New Leader Essentials and Varsity Coach Leader Specific Training), attend six Varsity Roundtables, and complete a minimum of six months tenure.

    Varsity Scout leaders who completed tenure, training and performance requirements were able to earn the Varsity Scout Leader Training Award. Varsity Coaches were able to earn the Varsity Coach's Key and the National President's Varsity Scout Coach Award of Merit.

    Venturing leader recognition

    Venturing adult leaders who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by a system of awards. The Venturing Leader's Training Award[24] is available to any leader, while the Venturing Advisor's Key[25] and Venturing Advisor Award of Merit[26] are only available to the Advisor.

    Sea Scout leader recognition

    Sea Scout adult leaders who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by a system of awards. The Sea Scout Leader's Training Award (part of the Scouter's Training Award series) is available to any leader, while the Skipper's Key is only available to Skippers. Seabadge is an advanced leadership program for all Sea Scout leaders. Seabadge can be worn as a pin or a knot with a single trident. Unofficial knots with multiple tridents are sometimes worn to represent a staff member or course director.

    Sea Scout adult leaders may also wear the SEAL pin if they, earned it as a youth, served as course director, or served as a course director's mate.

    Sea Scout adult leaders may also receive the Venturing Leadership Award

    Commissioner recognition

    Commissioners who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by a system of awards. The Arrowhead Honor is for commissioners who exhibit quality performance and leadership. The Roundtable Staff Training Award (part of the Scouter's Training Award series) is available to Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout and Venturing roundtable staff. The Commissioner's Key (part of the Scouter's Key series) is available for roundtable commissioners, district commissioner, assistant district commissioners, unit commissioners, council commissioners and assistant council commissioners. The Distinguished Commissioner Service Award recognizes commissioners who provide quality service over a period of at least five years.

    Scouter's Training Award

    The Scouter's Training Award is a set of recognitions for leaders who complete tenure, training and performance requirements.

    Scouter's Key

    The Scouter's Key is a set of recognitions for primary unit leaders who complete advanced tenure, training and performance requirements.

    Unit Leader Award of Merit

    The Unit Leader Award of Merit is for Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, Venturing Crew Advisors, and Sea Scout Skippers who meet 7 requirements for tenure, personal training, unit quality and youth training.

    Leadership and training awards

    Distinguished service awards

    Distinguished service awards are presented at various levels to recognize noteworthy and extraordinary service to youth.

    Service awards

    National service awards

    Scouting Service Award

    Named after Whitney M Young Jr., and recognizes outstanding services by an adult individual or an organization for demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for youth from rural or low-income urban backgrounds.

    Recognizes outstanding services by an adult individual or an organization for demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for Hispanic American/Latino youth.

    Recognizes outstanding services by an adult individual or an organization for demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for Asian American youth.

    Honors an adult (volunteer or professional) for bringing Scouting opportunities to Scouts with special needs.

    Honors and adult for bringing Scouting opportunities to American Indian youth.

    Support of Scouting awards

    Square knot system

    See main article: Square knot insignia.

    Adult leaders display their awards on their uniform through a system of square knots above the left uniform pocket, much as a member of the military would with their ribbons. Although the square knot system was created for adult scouters, there are some square knot awards such as the youth religious emblem which can be granted to scouters below the age of 18.[39]

    Memorials

    Unit awards

    Scholarships

    Wood Badge Scholarships for Scouters

    Special opportunities

    Aquatics
    Conservation
    Disabilities
    Outdoors
    Scoutcraft
    International
    Tenure
    Other
    Retired

    Awards from other organizations

    Awards no longer in use

    These awards are no longer awarded, but may be worn by those who earned them:

    References

    Sources

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: Other Youth Awards . . Scouting.Org . 22 March 2022.
    2. Web site: Boy Scout Joining Requirements . U.S. Scouting Service Project . March 23, 2006.
    3. Web site: Tenderfoot Rank Requirement . U.S. Scouting Service Project . March 23, 2006.
    4. Web site: Second Class Rank Requirement . U.S. Scouting Service Project . March 23, 2006.
    5. Web site: First Class Rank Requirement . U.S. Scouting Service Project . March 23, 2006.
    6. Web site: Star Scout Rank Requirements . U.S. Scouting Service Project . March 15, 2010.
    7. Web site: Life Scout Rank Requirements . U.S. Scouting Service Project . March 15, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100416062740/http://usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/bsrank6.asp . April 16, 2010 . live.
    8. Web site: Eagle Scout Rank Requirements . U.S. Scouting Service Project . March 15, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100412182256/http://www.usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/bsrank7.asp . April 12, 2010 . live.
    9. Web site: Cub Scout Leader Recognition Awards . Boy Scouts of America . February 6, 2006 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080405201547/http://www.scouting.org/cubscouts/awards/adults/adultawards.aspx . April 5, 2008.
    10. Book: Scholarships, Grants and Prizes 2007 . 2007 . . 978-0-7689-2314-8 . 494 .
    11. Web site: Jason . Swenson . Camille . West . Church Replacing Varsity and Venturing Scouting with New Activities Program . The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints . Intellectual Reserve . September 1, 2018 . May 11, 2017 . The First Presidency has announced that effective January 1, 2018, the Church will discontinue its Varsity and Venturing Scouting programs for young men ages 14–18 in the United States and Canada, replacing them with a new activities program..
    12. Web site: Venturing Bronze Award . Boy Scouts of America . March 15, 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080303060743/http://www.scouting.org/Venturing/Awards/bronze.aspx . March 3, 2008 . dead.
    13. Web site: Venturing Gold Award . Boy Scouts of America . March 15, 2006 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080303193654/http://www.scouting.org/Venturing/Awards/gold.aspx . March 3, 2008.
    14. Web site: Venturing Silver Award . Boy Scouts of America . March 15, 2006 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080303193718/http://www.scouting.org/Venturing/Awards/silver.aspx . March 3, 2008.
    15. Web site: Venturing Ranger Award . Boy Scouts of America . April 20, 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080303193713/http://www.scouting.org/Venturing/Awards/ranger.aspx . March 3, 2008 . dead.
    16. Web site: Venturing Trust Award . Boy Scouts of America . April 20, 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080303214658/http://www.scouting.org/Venturing/Awards/trust.aspx . March 3, 2008 . dead.
    17. Web site: Venturing Quest Award . Boy Scouts of America . April 20, 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080303193708/http://www.scouting.org/Venturing/Awards/quest.aspx . March 3, 2008 . dead.
    18. Web site: Sea Scouting Quartermaster Award . Boy Scouts of America . April 20, 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080303174559/http://www.scouting.org/Venturing/Awards/quarter.aspx . March 3, 2008 . dead.
    19. Web site: The Outdoor Code . Boy Scouts of America.
    20. Web site: National Court of Honor — Lifesaving and Meritorious Awards . US Scouts.org . April 28, 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080416185904/http://usscouts.org/usscouts/advance/heroism.asp . April 16, 2008 . live.
    21. Web site: National Court of Honor will fete the scouts of the Little Sioux Scout Ranch . September 12, 2008 . Missouri Valley Times . October 31, 2008 . July 14, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110714102158/http://www.missourivalleytimes.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=993&TM=56281.27 . dead .
    22. Web site: Bryan Wendell . BSA reinstates Heroism Award, one of three national-level lifesaving awards . Bryan on Scouting . Boy Scouts of America . September 1, 2018 . August 29, 2018 . The Heroism Award was first presented in 1977 and discontinued in late 2012. Its official reinstatement came after a vote by the National Executive Board in February 2018..
    23. Web site: Boy Scouts of America . Stem/Nova . Boy Scouts of America. October 17, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20151117024939/http://www.scouting.org/stem.aspx. November 17, 2015. dead.
    24. Web site: Venturing Leader's Training Award . U.S. Scouts Service Project . March 30, 2006 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110613054727/http://www.usscouts.org/awards/scoutertraining3.asp . June 13, 2011.
    25. Web site: Venturing Advisor's Key . U.S. Scouts Service Project . March 30, 2006 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20071104153505/http://usscouts.org/awards/scouterkey3.asp . November 4, 2007.
    26. Web site: Venturing Advisor Award of Merit . U.S. Scouts Service Project . March 30, 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080303193744/http://www.scouting.org/venturing/awards/merit.aspx . March 3, 2008 . dead.
    27. Web site: International Scouter's Award . February 26, 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080226171227/http://www.scouting.org/international/highlights/22-721.aspx . February 26, 2008 . dead.
    28. "BSA Community Organization Award fact sheet." Retrieved on May 23, 2007.
    29. Web site: Alpha Phi Omega: National Service Fraternity Herbert G Horton Service to Youth Award . July 13, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070829065126/http://www.apo.org/show/About_Us/Awards/National/Herbert_G_Horton_Service_to_Youth_Award . August 29, 2007 . dead.
    30. Web site: Search | The American Legion. www.legion.org.
    31. Web site: The Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks of the USA: Marvin Lewis Awards. https://web.archive.org/web/20070713203215/http://www.elks.org/GrandLodge/youth/MarvinLewis.cfm. dead. July 13, 2007.
    32. http://www.ifsr-net.org/dochterman.htm Cliff Dochterman Award
    33. Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award
    34. Web site: Archived copy . October 4, 2006 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20061004184625/http://www.sar.org/forms/handbook/SAR_Handbook_Vol_III.pdf . October 4, 2006.
    35. Web site: Archived copy . July 13, 2007 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070927010409/http://www.ruritan.org/publications/scoutLeaderAward.pdf . September 27, 2007.
    36. Web site: Microsoft Word – 10-USPS Finley Sea Scout Service Award.
    37. Web site: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) :: Community Service. https://web.archive.org/web/20070710210554/http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=cmty.levelc&cid=1833&tok=1. dead. July 10, 2007.
    38. Web site: Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal . July 13, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070927035649/http://www.scatacook.org/ArticlesAndFlyers/MOVSM.htm . September 27, 2007 . dead.
    39. News: Know Your Boy Scouts Square Knots . Scouting Magazine . January 2008 . Bryan . Wendell.
    40. Web site: archive.ph. archive.ph. October 16, 2022. July 16, 2012. https://archive.today/20120716120908/http://old.scouting.org/awards/10-278/. bot: unknown.
    41. Web site: NJCS Eagle Scout Scholarship Program . February 10, 2006 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20060212173421/http://www.jewishscouting.org/awards/eagle.html . February 12, 2006.
    42. Web site: NSSAR – Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship Program . February 10, 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20060208205502/http://www.sar.org/youth/eagle.html . February 8, 2006 . dead .
    43. Web site: Sea Scouting: Opportunities and Activities . February 10, 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20060106134021/http://seascout.org/reference/opportunities/index.html . January 6, 2006 . dead.
    44. Web site: Young American Award . Boy Scouts of America . March 30, 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080227101153/http://www.scouting.org/awards/youngamericanaward.aspx . February 27, 2008 . dead.
    45. Web site: William H. Spurgeon Award . February 3, 2018 . Exploring.

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