Advancement

There are seven Boy Scout ranks: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. In the BSA handbook, there are requirements that, when fulfilled, help you advance to the next rank.

It is MOST IMPORTANT that Scouts keep (i.e. don't lose) their BSA Handbook and Merit Badge blue cards. This is their record of accomplishment which is crucial for the Eagle Trail.

Please complete forms below (when required) for rank advancement. Scouts should send these to the T109 Scoutmaster at least one week in advance of the Boards of Review (to determine eligibility).

T109 Leadership Form -- the scout should list his achievements/accomplishments in the leadership position, what he learned from the role, and how the position can be improved for the next scout.

T109 Service Tracking Form -- the scout should list his pre-approved service activities. A signature is not required for Troop 109, but this form can also be used to receive credit outside of Troop 109 (e.g. school) and a signature may be required by them.

WANT TO BECOME AN EAGLE SCOUT?

Troop 109: The Eagle Trail -- This overview explains what it takes to get there

Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook -- Start with this as you begin your Eagle Project.

T109 Scout completing Citizenship in the Nation merit badge with Senator Feinstein.

 

How to Progress to the Next Rank

The BSA Handbook lists the requirements for advancement through the ranks. The purpose of advancement is to have Scouts progress through a series of attainable challenges while learning skills and leadership. Through this process, the Boy Scout learns, is tested, is reviewed, and is recognized.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS:

1. Read the BSA Handbook and review requirements for next rank.
2. By joining activities with his Patrol and Troop, a Scout can accomplish these requirements.
3. As EACH requirement is completed, an Adult Scout Leader must "sign off" completion at the back of the BSA Handbook. This should be done as soon as possible after the Adult Leader witnesses completion (and in no circumstances should exceed one month later).
4. When ALL requirements for rank advancement have been completed, the Scout must contact the Scoutmaster for a Scoutmaster Conference (must be done at least one week prir to a Board of Review). This represents a one-on-one meeting to review all rank requirements, confirm the Scout has learned them well, and ensure the Scout is ready for his Board of Review. It is also an opportunity for the Scout to become familiar with the Scoutmaster, for the Scoutmaster to assess the goals of the Scout, and for the Scoutmaster to support the Scout on further advancement. (Note that BSA Youth Protection guidelines are always followed.)
5. A Scout progresses to the next rank after successful completion of a Board of Review (BOR). The BOR is comprised of three adult members of the T109 Troop Committee (the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters may not participate in the BOR process). Dressed in his Class A Scout uniform, the Scout participates in the BOR to confirm that he has completed requirements for the rank, to assess his experience with the troop, and to encourage him to progress further. For Troop 109, BORs occur at least twice a year (e.g. in May and December).
6. After a Scout has advanced to the next rank, he will be awarded a new rank badge at the next T109 awards ceremony. He can then wear the badge proudly as a sign of his accomplishment!

Please note that a Scout may work on the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class simultaneously. Then, Advancement through Star, Life, and Eage Ranks must occur sequentially. Use these workbooks to make sure you meet the requirements for rank advancement.

• Scout Rank Workbook
• Tenderfoot Rank Workbook
• Second Class Rank Workbook
• First Class Rank Workbook
• Star Rank Workbook
• Life Rank Workbook

Check out Troop 109 leading a Flag Ceremony at Mountain Man Rendezvous. See how it's done!

For more information, check out these links:

Boy Scouts of America (national website)

US Scouting Service Project

MeritBadge.Org

How to Earn Merit Badges

There are over 100 merit badges among which Boy Scouts can choose. An Eagle Scout must earn at least 21 merit badges, with 12 of these from a compulsory list. Merit badges cover a wide range of topics including skills, sports, crafts, trades, future careers, and more. A Scout learns and grows with each merit badge that he successfully completes.

HOW TO Fill OUT A BLUE MERIT BADGE CARD: Easy instructions on how to do it right!

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS:

1. Scout picks a merit badge subject (after reading the requirements for the merit badge).
• Obtains appropriate BSA Merit Badge pamplet (from local Scout store or T109 library)
• Downloads appropriate BSA Merit Badge worksheet (on-line)
2. Scout can complete a merit badge in any of the following ways:
• Work one-on-one with a counselor designated for that particular merit badge
• Plan to participate in a Merit Badge Midway that offers the particular merit badge in a classroom setting led by a counselor
• Go to Boy Scout Summer Camp
3. Scout obtains a blue merit badge card and has it signed by his Scoutmaster so he can begin.
   • Scoutmaster can also provide a list of designated counselors for each merit badge.
4. If working with a designated merit badge counselor, Scout then
   • Contacts the counselor, indicating which merit badge is desired to be earned
   • Learns from the counselor what are the expectations for this merit badge
   • Uses Buddy System during all meetings with the counselor: there must have be at least one other person with the Scout at each meeting. This person can be another Scout, parent or guardian, etc.
   • Completes the requirements as clearly listed for each merit badge. The counselor determines when each requirement is fulfilled (and requires no more, no less).
   • Has the blue merit badge card signed by the counselor.
5. If participating in a Merit Badge Midway or Scout Camp, Scout
   • Registers for the appropriate merit badge(s) in advance
   • Completes the requirements as clearly listed for each merit badge. The counselor determines when each requirement is fulfilled (and requires no more, no less).
   • Has the blue merit badge card signed by the counselor.
6. To avoid incomplete work on merit badges, a Scout must "be prepared" before meeting with the merit badge counselor.
   • T109 schedules particular merit badge sessions to help scouts work on these together.
7. Scout is responsible for full completion (including counselor's signature) of each blue merit badge card.
8. Scout delivers completed blue merit badge card to Scoutmaster who will provide final signature and update Pacific Skyline Council database with this information.
9. Scout will be awarded this merit badge at the next T109 awards ceremony.
   • Scout will be given his portion of the blue merit badge card as documentation. This verification is required as part of Eagle Scout Rank advancement in the future.
   • Later, the badges can be proudly displaced on Scout's Eagle Scout sash.

 

THE FOLLOWING T109 PARENTS ARE DESIGNATED MERIT BADGE COUNSELORS:

Mr. Kopisch: Backpacking, Camping, Fishing, Geocaching, Hiking, and Orienteering

Mr. Scherm: Camping, Communications, Personal Fitness, and Personal Management

 

For more information, also check out these links:

Boy Scout Merit Badge Information

More Merit Badge Information

Boy Scout Merit Badge Worksheets

 

 

You may contact us at webmaster@mptroop109.com