1. Cub Scout Advancement: Delivering Adventure National Advancement Committee
Begin with a simple opening ceremony such as the Pledge of Allegiance and perhaps reciting the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Then welcome everyone and thank them for attending. They could be doing something else with their time, but they chose to be at this presentation.
Challenge participants to ask questions and encourage them to join in the discussions.
This presentation provides new and prospective pack advancement coordinators with the basic knowledge and skills needed to get started, and can serve as a refresher to others. Participants will learn about the Cub Scouting advancement process, related BSA national policies and procedures, and gain a better understanding of how to improve the quality and rate of advancement. The session takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes depending on the experience of those attending.
Like all the educational experiences produced by the National Advancement Committee and its Webinars and Education Task Force, this session has an expiration date, after which it is not to be used. Upon that date a replacement session will be available at the URL shown on the first slide.
We encourage presenters to have at least one copy of the following publications on hand:
Guide to Advancement, No
Tiger Handbook, No
Wolf Handbook, No
Bear Handbook, No
Webelos Handbook, No
Tiger Den Leader Guide, No
Wolf Den Leader Guide, No
Bear Den Leader Guide, No
Webelos Den Leader Guide, No
Cub Scout Leader Book, No
Advancement News—any recent issue
Local council newsletter—recent issue
Handout with key council and district contact information
Most of the literature above is for the program year. Depending on when this session is presented it may also be a good idea to have material representing the year. A flip chart or white-board, and pens may also come in handy.
The National Advancement Committee welcomes feedback through but would ask that questions and concerns first be shared with volunteer or professional advancement administrators at the local district and council.
Expiration Date
This presentation is not to be used after Dec 31, 2015.
Obtain an updated version at

2. Guide to Advancement Official source for advancement issues
Supplemented by Advancement News and Twitter account: @AdvBSA
No council, committee, district, unit, or individual has the authority to add to, or subtract from, advancement requirements
The primary source that we will be using for today's presentation is the current edition of Guide to Advancement.
(To presenter: Hold up GTA and explain its numbering system. Note that the 2015 edition of the Guide is scheduled to release in April. It will be posted first as a PDF at The 2013 edition is current until then.)
The Guide to Advancement is the official source for administering advancement in all Boy Scouts of America programs: Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, Venturing, and Sea Scouts.
Additional information and best practices appear in other official BSA resources such as Advancement News, the National Advancement Committee’s Twitter feed, and the advancement educational presentations released by the National Advancement Committee. All of these can be found at
Be aware that statements or interpretations offered from unofficial websites and other such sources may be out of date or incorrect. No council, committee, district, unit, or individual has the authority to add to, or subtract from advancement requirements.

3. Character development Participatory citizenship
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 Scout Law.
Aims of Scouting
Character development
Participatory citizenship
Mental and physical fitness
But to a Cub Scout, the primary aim is FUN.
(Hold up your copy of the Guide to Advancement and open it to the inside of the front cover. Point out the BSA Mission Statement and the aims found there.)
The BSA mission and aims represent our desired outcomes. Everything we do in advancement, and in the Scouting programs as a whole, should contribute to achieving the aims and the mission of Scouting. As we do this, though, we need to remember why boys join Cub Scouting. In most cases, it’s not to have their character developed.
We will know we’re on the right track when we see youth accepting responsibility, demonstrating self-reliance, caring for themselves and others, learning to weave Scouting ideals into their lives, and becoming positive contributors to our American society.
NOTE TO PRESENTER: If your session includes people who are learning about Scouting, spend a few minutes discussing the importance of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. These have been adopted for all programs—including Cub Scouting—in order to carry a clear statement of Scouting’s values throughout the organization.

4. Advancement is… A method Based on experiential learning
Not an end in itself
Based on experiential learning
Designed to educate or expand horizons
“Do Your Best”
A means for personal growth
Age-appropriate hurdles that allow Scouts to learn and gain confidence
Advancement is simply a means to an end, not an end in itself. It is one of several methods designed to help pack leaders carry out our aims and mission. The other methods of Cub Scouting include living the ideals, belonging to a den, involving family and home, participating in activities, serving home and neighborhood, wearing the uniform, and making character connections.
Everything done to earn rank advancement—and also other awards and recognition—is designed to educate or to otherwise expand horizons; while at the same time encouraging the natural interests of a boy. Young people learn by doing. In the Guide to Advancement we refer to it as “experiential learning.” This is the case from the time a member joins and moves through Cub Scouting, and then even beyond, through Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing or Sea Scouts.
In Cub Scouting, “Do Your Best” is the standard for successful advancement. For example, if a requirement says, “Build a birdhouse,” then we expect the boy to put his heart into it and do the best he can. We accept whatever he comes up with—as long as we’re comfortable he’s done his best. Contributing to the aims and mission of Scouting is more important than having a perfect birdhouse.
Scouting skills—what a young person learns to do—are important, but not as important as the primary goal of personal growth achieved through participating in a unit program. It is this growth that the aims and mission of Scouting are designed to affect. The concern is for total, well-rounded development. To achieve this we place age-appropriate, surmountable hurdles before our members. As they face these challenges, they learn about themselves, gain confidence, and grow.
Guide to Advancement, ,

5. Three Steps in Cub Scout Advancement
Preparation
Qualification
Recognition
Let’s consider the three steps in Cub Scouting advancement.
Preparation refers to the time spent learning new skills—whether in den meetings, pack meetings, or other activities, or in family settings.
Qualification refers to Akela’s approval that a Cub Scout has completed the requirements to the best of his ability—that he is now “qualified” to advance.
Akela (ah-KAY-la) is a title of respect used in Cub Scouting. It suggests that any good leader is Akela, and thus, also a leader and guide for Cub Scouts on the advancement trail. Later in the session we’ll talk more about who, specifically, plays the role of Akela when it comes to actually signing off advancement requirements.
Recognition occurs during den and pack ceremonies when a Cub Scout is recognized for his accomplishments and presented his awards. This should be done as soon as possible. Remember, it’s ok—and often best—to recognize the boy at a den meeting, and then to do it again at a pack meeting or other activity.
Who’s responsible for these three steps? Is it just one person? Several?
[If there is time, let this lead to some discussion, and then go on to the next slide.]
Let’s take a look at the different roles and responsibilities that go into delivering the advancement method.
Guide to Advancement,

6. Who Delivers the Cub Scout Program?
Den leaders
Cubmaster
Pack committee
Parents and adult partners
Delivering a good Cub Scout program requires teamwork. Lots of people are involved: den leaders, Cubmasters, the pack committee, and the parents, and they all have specific roles to play in promoting an engaging advancement program.
The next few slides will cover the detail of how they work together to maximize the number of boys who advance. The result will be more fun, more personal growth, and more time spent in Cub Scouting.

7. Role of the Den Leader Program planning Den meetings Recognition
Reporting
Communication with parents
Den leaders are the key to successful Cub Scouting advancement.
With the other pack leaders, they participate in the annual program planning process that maps out the pack’s calendar for the upcoming year, providing opportunities for activities that are rich in advancement.
They’re responsible for planning den meetings, using the den leader guides for each rank to assist with activity ideas that support the rank requirements.
Den meetings should become a forum for recognizing boys as soon as possible after they have completed ranks or awards. This can be through den ceremonies, with den advancement charts, or the use of “den doodles.” (If it will be helpful, take a moment to explain what den doodles are.)
Den leaders also need prepare a monthly report of all awards and recognitions completed, and submit it to the pack advancement coordinator—whom we’ll talk about in a moment. The pack advancement coordinator can then purchase the awards for the next pack meeting.
Sounds like a lot to do? It is. That’s why many den leaders enlist the help of assistant den leaders, parents, and den chiefs to help out. If they work as a team, a higher level of advancement may be the result. (If any participants are unfamiliar with “den chiefs,” take a moment to explain.)
It is vital for den leaders to maintain contact with parents—first, to get to know them and gain their trust, but also to relay expectations for requirements that are to be completed at home. If a Cub Scout misses a den meeting, it is important to let the parents know what he needs to do to “catch up.”

8. Role of the Cubmaster Program planning Pack meeting activities
Meaningful ceremonies
Support and guidance to den program
The Cubmaster is the program manager of the pack, and as such, should work with the pack committee chair on the pack’s annual program planning process. One of the keys to success in Cub Scouting is establishing an annual plan loaded with quality activities that provide opportunities for advancement. The higher the rate of advancement, the longer the boys will remain with the program.
The Cubmaster is in charge of pack meetings and activities. As plans for these gatherings are developed it is important to include meaningful ceremonies. They not only build self-esteem and confidence, but they also inspire the rest of the Cub Scouts to advance. But don’t stop there. Other pack meeting elements such as games, songs, skits, and the Cubmaster’s minute may do the same.
The Cubmaster, as pack program manager, should also set the standard and vision for advancement; providing support and guidance to den leaders, as needed, to help them provide engaging advancement opportunities that will ensure all boys are progressing.

9. Role of the Pack Committee
Program planning
Parent education and communication
Administration of advancement, primarily through the pack advancement coordinator
As part of the annual program planning process, the members of the pack committee should contribute to planning a pack program that leads to rank advancement, annually, for every Cub Scout.
Note that everyone on the committee should take part in the process.
[Ask participants for thoughts about what various pack committee members might do to help promote and facilitate advancement. Bring up the following if not mentioned.]
Activities or outdoor program chairs should consider advancement opportunities when planning or coordinating pack field trips, campouts, or other adventures.
A public relations chair should send releases about advancement ceremonies to the local newspaper. A PR chair might also take on the responsibility to keep families informed about district and council opportunities that may present advancement opportunities; for example, Cub Scout day camp.
A pack trainer should orient new parents to their role in the advancement process.
A pack membership chair or other member of the committee should ensure new members are registered so their advancement can be recorded.
But the committee member who has the most responsibility for the administration of advancement is the pack advancement coordinator. Let’s take a closer look at the duties of this position.
Guide to Advancement,

10. Role of the Pack Advancement Coordinator
Parent education
Promotion of advancement tools
Recordkeeping and reporting
Recognition
Pack advancement coordinators have the basic responsibility to support the unit’s advancement program and to maximize rank achievement. And though the coordinator’s first responsibility is to support the Cubmaster’s vision for advancement, and give advice on policies and procedures found in the Guide to Advancement, the most important task most likely relates to education.
In the Guide to Advancement, the second item under topic , “Unit Advancement Responsibilities,” expresses this clearly: “Educate parents, guardians, unit leadership, and committee members on appropriate methods to stimulate and encourage advancement. For example, help build unit programming rich in advancement opportunities, encourage members who are advancing slowly, and post advancement charts.”
The result we’re looking for is parents or guardians who are involved in their sons’ Cub Scouting experience: attending meetings and activities, volunteering to help, doing their part to sign off requirements when appropriate, and above all, encouraging their Cub Scouts and taking pride in accomplishments.
Topic in the Guide names a number of other responsibilities that we can summarize. For one, pack advancement coordinators should encourage den and pack leaders to use the many tools available to them to promote advancement, such as den advancement charts, den doodles, and other methods to keep track of each boy’s progress.
Reporting advancement is important, too. Each month, coordinators must look for a den advancement report from the den leaders, maintain pack advancement records, report advancement to the council, and purchase awards. There’s a lot to do, so many coordinators recruit other parents to help.
The coordinator may also help the Cubmaster plan and conduct recognition ceremonies. Equipment such as awards boards, advancement charts, costumes, artificial campfires, advancement ladders, candles, spotlights, and other props can go a long way to enhance the experience and make these ceremonies memorable.
The goal, of course, for a good pack, is to provide opportunities for each Cub Scout to advance in rank by the end of the Scouting year.

11. Role of Parents Help with home assignments
Support den and pack activities
Encourage advancement
Note advancement progress in handbook
Parents, guardians, and Tiger adult partners also have an important role in advancement.
Cub Scouts will often have activities related to advancement to complete at home. These may be projects that were started at a den meeting and not finished, or projects designed to strengthen family relationships. Family members should help Cub Scouts to complete these assignments in a timely manner as requested by the den leader, and then report that completion to the den leader as requested.
Adult family members are also expected to support den and pack activities that lead to advancement. This might include short-term tasks such as teaching specific skills or organizing a pack campout.
A parent’s support goes a long way in a youth’s progress along the advancement trail. Encourage family members to ask their Cub Scout to tell them about what he has accomplished at den meetings and praise him for his efforts.

12. Unit Advancement Responsibilities: Reporting
Use BSA’s Internet portal to report advancement.
The new electronic reporting tool at my.scouting.org will be more dynamic.
All advancement for a calendar year must be recorded during that year to count for Journey to Excellence.
[Note to presenter: The release of a new tool for the electronic reporting of advancement will be announced in Advancement News and through the National Advancement Committee’s Twitter account. Presenters can also look for the new tool in my.scouting. Once it is live, its functionality can be discussed with this slide. Eventually the new tool will replace Internet Advancement, but it is likely that Internet Advancement will also be available during a transition time.]
It is the responsibility of the pack committee and the advancement coordinator to make sure advancement is reported through BSA’s Internet portal for reporting advancement. This has been called, “Internet Advancement.”
[Mention the new electronic advancement reporting tool here. If it has not been released then let participants know that it will do everything that Internet Advancement does, and much more—including tracking individual requirements for the new Cub Scout adventures. If it HAS been released, go to and find the Advancement News archives. You will be able to search there for the article announcing the release. It will give you what you need.]
Reporting advancement electronically will ensure the Cub Scouts receive proper credit, and that the pack is acknowledged through the Journey to Excellence program for facilitating advancement. The “Journey to Excellence” is the roadmap to a successful pack program, designed to encourage and reward success. It is meant to promote excellence in quality programming at all levels of the BSA.
It is important to understand that for advancement to be counted for JTE purposes, it must be reported within the calendar year that ranks were earned.
Guide to Advancement , 12

13. Cub Scout Program Updates
Effective
June 1, 2015
2015 is a year of change in Cub Scouting. The update is designed to ensure that the program remains relevant and engaging for today’s youth and parents, and that boys are having fun.
As of of June 1, the new handbooks and new rank requirements are in effect.
There is an option, however, for second year Webelos Scouts. We’ll cover this a little later, and you can also find out how all this works at

14. Structure of Advancement
Bobcat badge is still first
Each other rank: seven “adventures” required
Elective adventures available to fill out each program year
The Cub Scout program is centered primarily in the den, home, and neighborhood, and in the outdoors. It leads to advancement through six ranks, which is essentially the same structure we’ve used for decades.  
Bobcat continues to focus on the fundamentals of Cub Scouting and is the first badge of rank earned, no matter what age a boy joins. The subsequent ranks are grade- or age-based.
Tiger – first grade or 6 years old
Wolf – second grade or 7
Bear – third grade or 8
Webelos – fourth grade or 9
Arrow of Light – fifth grade or10
Because requirements for each of these ranks are age-appropriate, boys do not “go back” and work on earlier ranks that they may have missed due to their age when joining.
Earning the Webelos badge is no longer a prerequisite for the Arrow of Light rank. A Cub Scout joining as a fifth grader goes directly into the Arrow of Light den, earns Bobcat, and then the Arrow of Light rank.
A new term has been introduced in Cub Scouting! “Achievements” are no more. An “adventure,” instead, is a themed set of requirements and activities around which den meetings are based. And you’ll be pleased to know that they’re more, well, adventurous!
“Do Your Best” continues to be the standard. Even Cub Scouts of the same age may learn skills at different rates. This is why performance is centered on this motto. When a boy has done his very best, then regardless of the requirements for any rank or award, it is enough; his accomplishment is noted. This is why den leaders, assistants, and parents or guardians, are involved in signing off requirements. Generally they know if the effort put forth is really the Cub Scout’s best.
Do Your Best!
Guide to Advancement,

15. Cub Scout Required Adventures
TIGER
WOLF
BEAR
WEBELOS
ARROW OF LIGHT
Backyard Jungle
Call of the Wild
Bear Claws
Cast Iron Chef
Building a Better World
Games Tigers Play
Council Fire
Bear Necessities
First Responder
Camper
Team Tiger
Howling at the Moon
Fur, Feathers and Ferns
Stronger‐ Faster‐Higher
Scouting Adventures
Tiger Bites
Paws on the Path
Grin and Bear It
Webelos Walk‐ About
Duty to God in Action
Tiger in the Wild
Running with the Pack
Paws for Action
Duty to God and You
Elective Adventure
My Family’s Duty to God
Duty to God Footsteps
Fellowship & Duty to God
For Tiger, Wolf, and Bear ranks, six adventures are required and the seventh is chosen from electives specific to the given rank. Required and elective adventures may be undertaken at the same time. The adventures are creative and much more active than requirements have been in the past. Imagine “running with the pack;” “fur, feathers, and ferns;” and a “backyard jungle!”
For Webelos, five adventures are required and two are electives. For Arrow of Light, four are required and three are elective. One pool of elective adventures are shared for Webelos and Arrow of Light ranks.
[If you are presenting to a large group, this slide will be difficult for the audience to see. In that case, you might want to give a few more examples of the adventure names under each rank.]
Each adventure is designed to take roughly three den meetings to complete, one of which may be an outing. These could be anything from attending a sporting event or taking a hike, to visiting a museum or going on a campout. At the conclusion of each adventure a recognition device is awarded.
Once a Cub Scout has fulfilled the required adventures plus the requisite number of elective adventures, he has completed his badge of rank, which should be presented to him at the next pack meeting.

16. Recognition: Adventure Loops & Pins
Adventure belt loops – Tiger, Wolf, & Bear
Adventure pins – Webelos & Arrow of Light
The recognition device for completing an adventure is a belt loop or pin depending on the program year. For Tiger, Wolf, and Bear, it’s belt loops. The border color for the loop is the same as the background of the rank badge, and they fit on the official Cub Scout belt.
For Webelos and Arrow of Light ranks the recognitions are pins. For required adventures the pins are diamond-shaped for Webelos and arrowhead-shaped for Arrow of Light. Elective pins are oval. Adventure pins are attached to the Webelos colors—a ribbon-like device worn on the right sleeve of the uniform shirt—or on the front of the Webelos cap.
Completion of adventures should be acknowledged as soon as the boys finish all the requirements. This immediate recognition can be as simple as announcing a boy’s name at the den meeting and applauding his achievement.
Formal recognition should take place at the next pack meeting where boys actually receive the adventure awards—along with any badges of rank and any other awards that have been completed.
Guide to Advancement, &

17. Examples of Required Adventures
Tiger: Backyard Jungle
Wolf: Call of the Wild
All creatures, big or small, have a place in our environment. Tigers should be careful of their habitats.
While enjoying family campouts, boys learn about knot tying, weather, emergency preparedness, and animal identification.
Bear: Paws for Action
Webelos: Cast Iron Chef
While becoming more independent, Scouts learn to take care of themselves and help their family, community, and the environment.
Scouts learn better nutrition and ways to take care of their bodies while being mindful of menu planning and finances.
Let’s take a closer look at what the adventures are all about.
Each has a theme for the activities involved and a rationale describing what we’re looking for in the way of results.
In the Tiger required adventure, “Backyard Jungle,” a Cub Scout will become more acquainted with his neighbors and his community, whether it’s humans, animals, or bugs. Teaching about respect is important here.
In the Wolf-required adventure, “Call of the Wild,” Cub Scouts become more aware of the outdoors, and learn about emergency preparedness. They may also pick up some useful skills for family campouts or any other activities.
In the Bear adventure, “Paws for Action,” boys learn about becoming more independent and how they should help their families, communities, and the environment. This is an example of how the aim of participatory citizenship includes not only patriotism and loyalty to our country, but also the notion of service and participation as citizens.
In the “Cast Iron Chief,” Webelos Scouts learn about the results of healthy eating, and the value of proper nutrition, menu planning, and budgeting for meals.

18. Duty to God A “duty to God” adventure is required for each rank
Family-based
Could be completed at den meetings with parental permission
The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God. This principle is reinforced in the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Whenever a Scout repeats the Scout Oath, he promises to do his “duty to God.” When he repeats the Scout Law, in the 12th point he affirms, “A Scout is reverent.”
The new duty to God adventures are faith-neutral and generally intended to be home-based. They may be accomplished with the parent or guardian, or a spiritual advisor or religious leader. Each rank, except for Bobcat, requires the earning of one.
Working on duty to God requirements as a den may be a sensitive issue. Thus, it is not recommended unless all parents give consent for their sons to participate. A leader, of course, must never impose his or her beliefs on the Cub Scouts or on others involved in the program.

19. Examples of “Duty to God” Adventures
Tiger Adventure
Webelos Adventure
My Family’s Duty to God
Duty to God and You
A boy investigates what “Duty to God” means to him and his family, and discovers what makes each member of his family different and special.
In this adventure, a Scout has the opportunity to explore duty to God in his own way. He can call on the past (his ancestors) and the present, to understand how to make duty to God an important part of his life.
The Tiger “Duty to God” adventure includes discovering what duty to God means to a Cub Scout and his family.
In the Webelos required adventure, a boy will have the opportunity to explore duty to God in greater detail, but still in his own way.

20. Sample Elective Adventures
RANK
ADVENTURE
DESCRIPTION
Tiger
Floats and Boats
Learn about boats and water rescues
Wolf
Collections and Hobbies
Learn a new skill from a hobby
Bear
Bear Picnic Basket
Learn how to cook at home and in the outdoors
Webelos &
Arrow of Light
Fix It
Learn how to use tools and make repairs around the house
As explained earlier…
One elective adventure is required for Tiger, Wolf, and Bear ranks.
Two elective adventures are required for Webelos rank
Three are required for Arrow of Light.
Dens and families can also use these elective adventures to remain active year-round.
Here we have a few examples of the electives adventures.
In Tiger “Floats and Boats,” the lessons are about swimming and boating, of course, but also about teamwork, problem solving, and safety awareness. Again: themed activities with a rationale behind them.
For “Collections and Hobbies,” the Wolf Cub Scout has the opportunity to learn skills through collecting items of interest or enjoying a hobby.
“Bear Picnic Basket” helps with some important skills and safety practices for cooking inside or out, and also speaks to selecting, preparing, and eating raw foods.
In “Fix It,” the Webelos Scout learns how to use tools to make repairs around the house, how to take care of the lawn, or perhaps how to keep a car, bike, or your home in good shape.

21. Webelos to Arrow of Light Den Transition For 2015-2016 Program Year Only
For boys who earn Webelos rank by May 31, 2015:
Option 1: Continue using requirements
Option 2: Use new Arrow of Light requirements. The following may be substituted for the three electives adventures:
Activity badges that were not counted toward Webelos rank
New adventures required for the Webelos rank
(Note to presenter: You may choose to skip this slide if it is not relevant to those in attendance.)
Now that you have a basic understanding of how “adventures” work, we can cover the transition options for Cub Scouts who finished the Webelos rank as of May 31. These boys are then moving on to their second Webelos year, where work begins on the Arrow of Light rank.
These Webelos Scouts have two choices available during the program year. They may earn the Arrow of Light using the same handbook they used during the program year, or they may switch to the new handbook. After May 31, 2016 all Webelos Scouts must work from the new Cub Scouting program.
If Scouts choose option 1, they may still complete the new adventures and earn pins—the work just won’t count toward Arrow of Light rank.
If they switch to the new Webelos book, they must complete the four required adventures for Arrow of Light that are found in the new handbook, but they have some choices for fulfilling the requirement for the three elective adventures.
To make up the three elective adventures, they can use any of the 18 new elective adventures available for Arrow of Light, or
They may substitute activity badges that they didn’t use to fulfill their Webelos rank requirements, or any of the four new adventures required for Webelos rank under the new program.
And while we’re talking about the Arrow of Light; since it’s Cub Scouting’s final rank, much of the focus is on practicing skills that prepare the Cubs to become Boy Scouts. Once the Arrow of Light is completed, it—like all other badges of rank—should be presented during an impressive ceremony at the next pack meeting.
Guide to Advancement,

22. Who Approves Cub Scout Advancement?
Tiger, Wolf, and Bear ranks:
Akela signs handbook upon completion
Den leader then signs to approve
Webelos and Arrow of Light ranks:
Den leader approves unless otherwise delegated
A key responsibility for den leaders is to conduct the den meeting plans as outlined in the four den leader guides—which will assure completion of ranks for all Cub Scouts. But who is actually responsible for signing off completion of those requirements in the handbooks?
For Tiger, Wolf, and Bear ranks, if an activity is completed outside the den meeting—at home, camp, or a district event, for example—the parent, adult partner, or another trusted adult should sign in the boy’s handbook, indicating the Cub Scout has done his best to complete the requirement. The den leader then approves that requirement after consultation with the family or the boy to confirm completion.
If the requirement is completed in a den meeting, the den leader signs in both places. Den leaders may, however, ask an assistant or parent who helps at meetings to play the role of “Akela” and assist with the approvals.
For Webelos and Arrow of Light ranks, the den leader signs for approval of all requirements, unless otherwise delegated by the den leader.
Guide to Advancement,

23. FAQs: Cub Scout Advancement
Timely recognition
Age-appropriate ranks
Working on electives
Time extensions
Boys held back in school
When a boy completes an adventure or rank, how long should he wait until he receives his recognition? Should he wait until the Blue & Gold Banquet or until all den members have finished?
When a boy completes advancement requirements, he should be congratulated right away in a den meeting, and then receive his recognition at the next pack meeting. Advancement is an individual process, not dependent on the work or progress of others. Awards should not be withheld for group recognition. Likewise, a boy should not be presented with recognition he has not earned simply so that he will “not feel left out.”
If a boy joins Cub Scouts for the first time at the beginning of third grade, may he work on the Wolf badge before earning the Bear badge?
No. A boy entering Cub Scouts as a third grader would earn Bobcat first, of course, and he would be working on his Bear rank. He would not “go back” and work on Wolf. That rank is designed for second graders.
Can a boy work on elective adventures before he earns his badge of rank?
Yes. He can work on elective adventures for his specific rank only, and earn as many of those available as he wants—while at the same time working on the required adventures. It works much like merit badges in Boy Scouts. Once he has the requisite number of required and elective adventures and receives his rank, he may already have a number of additional elective belt loops or pins to his credit. He is presented recognition for elective adventures at the next pack meeting after completion. It is not necessary to earn the badge of rank first.
If a boy has not completed his rank when his den graduates to the next level at the end of the school year, is he allowed to finish before the next year starts?
If a boy is close to earning a badge of rank when the school year ends, he may be allowed a few extra weeks to finish. Earning the badge will give him added incentive when he finally does tackle the next rank. This hold true only for the Cub Scouting ranks. A boy who has graduated to Boy Scouts and joined a troop does not work on Cub Scout advancement.
What about a boy who must repeat a grade in school? Does he also repeat the rank in Cub Scouting?
This should be decided based on what is best for the boy. Generally, repeating a grade does not mean being kept back in Cub Scouting, but it depends on the circumstances. The decision is up to the parent or guardian.
Guide to Advancement,

24. Advancement in Camp
Camp programs should support advancement, but not focus on it.
Advancement should occur naturally as a product of the camp experience.
Cub Scout day camp and resident camp should not exist for the sake of advancement, right? Advancement should take place, of course, but it should more or less “happen” as Cub Scouts participate in an exciting program.
Council and district advancement committees should be active participants in the planning process for camping and outdoor programs, or at least provide consulting on advancement policies and procedures. In doing so, one of the points they may need to get across is that skill mastery, though it may be an incidental side benefit, is not an objective of the Cub Scout program. Camp activities are simply fun things to do that help develop character, citizenship, and personal fitness. “Do your best,” not mastery, is the performance standard.
Camp programs and activities should also take care not to detract from den and family responsibilities related to advancement. It is best to let the leaders and parents accompanying the boys fulfill their given roles.
Guide to Advancement,

25. Cub Scouts with Disabilities
“Do your best” is still the standard.
If activities are beyond the abilities of the youth, the Cubmaster and pack committee may determine appropriate substitutions.
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Advancement is so flexible that, with guidance, most Cub Scouts with disabilities can complete requirements. The standard is, “Has he done his best?” It may take him longer to attempt requirements and demonstrate this, but his accomplishments will be rewarding to him, his parents, and his leaders.
There could be times, however, when a Cub Scout’s “best” isn’t enough even to get a start. For example, a boy in a wheelchair cannot pass requirements calling for walking or running. In these cases, parents or guardians may recommend, and Cubmasters and pack committees may jointly determine appropriate substitutions that are consistent with the Cub Scout showing he can “do his best.” For example, elective requirements could take the place of those required. Or in consultation with parents, other minor adjustments representing similar challenges could be made.
For help in providing program to youth with special needs, many councils have a disabilities awareness committee or a special needs committee. Check with your district executive or council service center. If no such committee exists in your council, you may contact with questions.
It may also be helpful to become a subscriber to Abilities Digest, published by the National Disabilities Awareness Committee. The address is on the screen.
Guide to Advancement,

26. Adult Recognition Training Awards Cubmaster’s Key
Den Leader Training Award
Scouter’s Training Award for Cub Scouting
Cubmaster’s Key
Unit Leader Award of Merit
While most awards in Scouting are for our youth, these training recognitions are designed to recognize adults. The awards and requirements can be found in the Guide to Awards and Insignia, No The requirements for most of these awards are an excellent guide to being the best possible leader.
Note that the Den Leader Training Award can be earned once for each rank served. Multiple device pins are worn on the knot for each time the requirements are fulfilled.
The recognitions also are a good way to thank leaders. The pack committee chair should keep track of the requirements for the awards, and be sure that leaders who have earned an award receive it. You cannot rely on the leaders to report it themselves.

27. In Summary, Advancement…
Encourages Cub Scouts to “do their best” while learning new skills and exploring new subject areas
Provides a tangible reward for hard work
Helps build confidence
Facilitates a Cub Scout’s personal growth
Provides a method to fulfill the mission and aims of Scouting
Advancement is about education and personal growth. Experiential learning is the key and should result in rank advancement as the reward for successful accomplishment.
“Do Your Best” encourages boys to earn ranks and gives them added incentive to continue in Cub Scouting and tackle the next rank. They aren’t held back because they’re on different development timetables.
As boys grow we know we are on the right track when we see youth accepting responsibilities, demonstrating self-reliance, and caring for themselves and others—in other words, achieving the aims of Scouting: development in character, citizenship, and physical and mental fitness.

28. The key is for boys to have FUN and always do their best!
The same goes for us.

29. Other advancement presentations are available at:
For More Information
Other advancement presentations are available at:
Resources
Guide to Advancement, No
Cub Scout Leader Book
Den leader guide for each rank
Pack meeting guide – online only
Advancement News:
Twitter:
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