Ventura County Council #57 The Essentials of Cub Scout Advancement Expiration Date This presentation is not to be used after Dec. 31, Obtain an updated version at :

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Learning Objectives 1.Role of Advancement 2.Delivering the Program 3.Reporting Advancement 4.Advancement Exceptions

Cub Scout Leader Book Cub Scout Handbooks Guide to Advancement Books Your Unit Should Have

The Mission and Vision of the Boy Scouts of America 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 Law.” Vision Statement “The Boy Scouts of America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law.”

Role of Advancement One of the eight Methods —Not an end in itself Designed to be age-appropriate Ranks are established and authorized by the National Executive Board of the BSA Administered by adult and youth leadership to carry out the aims and mission of the Boy Scouts of America Role of parents differs with member age and ability

Goal of Advancement Help build a boy’s self-esteem Help build self-reliance Give positive recognition Bring a boy and his family closer together through family activities

Delivering the Program Experiential Learning is Key –Exciting and meaningful activities are offered by the unit –Education then happens as a natural result –Testing confirms that learning happened –Reviewing confirms that the skill has been ingrained –Recognition is not the end of the learning process –A strong unit program reinforces and crystallizes the skills through activities and games Personal Growth is the Primary Goal –Success is achieved when we fulfill the BSA Mission Statement –Success is achieved when we accomplish the Aims of Scouting

Delivering the Program Cub Scouts –Den leaders and Cubmasters conduct meetings implementing the three steps in Cub Scout advancement: preparation, qualification, and recognition. –Den meetings—two monthly—support a traditional school year and are designed to result in advancement for all boys. –Supplemental plans are provided for dens that meet more often, and adjusting for different school schedules is simple. –To achieve a full experience and the greatest impact, regular "home assignments" challenge parents and sons to work together.

Delivering the Program Roles & Approvals –Den leaders, Cubmasters, and their assistants stimulate interest in advancement and present the program where it occurs. –Cub Scout advancement administration belongs to the pack committee. –For Wolf, Bear, and Webelos advancement, den leaders take the lead in approving requirements. –Assistants and also parents who help at meetings, may be asked to play the role of "Akela" and assist. –For the Bobcat trail and Tiger Cub achievements, parents (or adult partners) should sign in the boy's handbook; the den leader then approves as progress is recorded in the den's advancement record.

Delivering the Program How Fast Should a Boy Advance? –Motivation for learning –Advancement activities in den meetings The “Bar” –Centered on its motto: "Do Your Best."

Delivering the Program The Den Leader’s Role –Stimulate interest by providing opportunities in den meetings. –Plan meetings that support the advancement program. –Help parents and adult partners understand the advancement plan and their role. –Keep accurate records and promptly submit advancement reports. –Notice boys who are not advancing. –Provide reinforcement for and recognition of advancement at den meetings. –Assist with impressive advancement and graduation ceremonies at the pack meeting.

Delivering the Program The Cubmaster’s Role –Provide a quality year-round program full of action and fun for the boys. –Provide advancement reinforcement at the pack meeting. –Ensure that boys who have earned awards receive them at the next pack meeting. –Make sure that den leaders are trained and know how to use the advancement program effectively. –See that advancement standards are maintained. –Work with the pack committee to ensure that advancement records are up to date and accurate.

Delivering the Program The Pack Committee’s Role –Help train leaders and adult partners or family members in the proper use of the advancement program. –Collect den advancement reports at each pack leaders’ meeting. –Record advancement using the Internet Advancement reporting system. –Help plan advancement and graduation ceremonies for the pack meeting. –Help build and/or secure equipment for use in meaningful advancement ceremonies.

Delivering the Program Cub Scout Rank Badges –Bobcat –Wolf –Bear –Webelos –Arrow of Light Arrow Points

Delivering the Program Immediate Recognition Items –Tiger Cub Immediate Recognition Emblem –Tiger Tracks –Wolf and Bear Progress Toward Ranks –Webelos Activity Badges –Webelos Compass Points

Delivering the Program Other Awards for Cub Scouts, Dens, and Packs

Delivering the Program Religious Emblems Program

Delivering the Program Advancement Checklist Do the Cubmaster and pack committee give den leaders and families guidance in using the advancement program effectively? Do family members understand their part in the advancement program? Do den leaders talk to the parents about boys who are not advancing? Do den leaders implement the core den meeting plans leading to advancement? Are accurate advancement records kept in the dens and the pack? Do boys receive immediate recognition? Do pack advancement ceremonies create an incentive for advancement? Are wall charts and den doodles used? Does the pack have an advancement ladder or chart?

Reporting Advancement Part of Scouting's Journey to Excellence

Reporting Advancement Suggested Frequency of Reporting –Monthly, but at least quarterly –Before the end of the charter year –Before Journey to Excellence reporting –More often for larger units with lots of advancement Using Internet Advancement –BSA recommendation on reporting advancement from the Guide to Advancement states that it is the unit committee’s responsibility to use the BSA’s Internet Advancement to report advancement to the local council.

Policy on Unauthorized Changes to Advancement Program No council, committee, district, unit, or individual has the authority to add to, or subtract from, advancement requirements. There are limited exceptions relating only to youth members with disabilities which is outlined in the Guide to Advancement.

Questions? Resources: Cub Scout Handbooks Cub Scout Leader Book Den and Pack Meeting Resource Guide Guide to Advancement (BSA #33088) Unit Commissioner Camarillo District Advancement & Recognition Committee Members Ventura County Council Professional Staff