Friday, May 22, 2015
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Dr. Robert M. Gates at 2015 Boy Scouts of America National Annual Meeting
BSA President Robert Gates made some news at the
National Annual Meeting in May pertaining to the membership requirements.
It is best that Scouters read his entire remarks which are located here:
It is best that Scouters read his entire remarks which are located here:
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
REMEMBER – There is No Retesting at Boards of Review
From the Guide to Advancement: 8.0.1.1 Not a Retest or "Examination"Though one reason for a board of review is to help ensure the Scout did what he was supposed to do to meet the requirements, it shall become neither a retest or “examination,” nor a challenge of his knowledge. In most cases it should, instead, be a celebration of accomplishment. Remember, it is more about the journey. A badge recognizes what a young man has done toward achieving the primary goal of personal growth. See "Personal Growth Is the Primary Goal," 2.0.0.3. It is thus more about the learning experience than it is about the specific skills learned. See also "Mechanics of Advancement: In Boy Scouting and Varsity Scouting,"4.2.0.0.A Scout must not be rejected at a board of review for reasons unrelated to advancement requirements. For example, he must not be rejected just because he did not bring his Boy Scout Handbook with him or because he was tardy for a board of review, but the reason for his tardiness may certainly be a topic for discussion.By the way, this is NOT a new policy. Similar wording was in the 1990, 1970, 1968, 1947, and 1936 Scoutmaster Handbooks
Tenderfoot through Life boards of review should take approximately 15 minutes, but not longer than 30 minutes.Eagle boards generally last 30 minutes or somewhat longer. This is the highest rank a Scout may achieve; there should be a discussion of his successes, experiences, and future plans, but rarely should one last longer than 45 minutes. (also from the Guide to Advancement)
The Boy Scout Advancement Trail—Looking Ahead to January 1, 2016
Unlike recent revisions to the Cub Scout and Venturing programs, the Boy Scout rank requirements, to be released at the National Annual Meeting later this month, will see only minor modifications. The revised requirements are based on the work of the 411 Task Force, a team of more than 75 volunteers from around the country who worked with a variety of BSA committees and professionals to ensure that the Boy Scout advancement program is “appealing, exciting, and culturally relevant.” Previous announcements have revealed some enhancements to requirements, such as service at each rank; development of physical fitness as a life-long habit; safety awareness; and greater emphasis on outdoor ethics. In addition, some requirements will be rearranged to more effectively organize content and to pro-vide a more logical progression. While advancing through the early ranks, boys will experience key Scouting methods such as the outdoors, the patrol method, and leadership development.
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