Unit Advancement Chair
From MeritBadgeDotOrg
| Troop Advancement Chair | |
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The unit advancement chair is appointed by the committee chairman to ensure that the unit has at least monthly boards of review, quarterly courts of honor, and that the unit has goals of helping each Scout advance a rank each year and for new Scouts to reach First Class rank during their first year. The advancement chair is also responsible for record keeping and submitting advancement reports.
Contents |
Unit committee position
- Troop Committee in a Scouts BSA troop
Responsiblities set by BSA Advancement Policies
- Main: Scout Advancement
- "A basic goal should be for each Scout to advance a rank during the year."
- "New Scouts should earn their First Class rank during their first year in the troop."
- Boards of Review - "When reviewed monthly by the troop committee, Scouts will recognize the importance of Scout advancement."
- "Troops should conduct boards of review for Scouts who are not advancing."
- "A minimum of four formal courts of honor a year (one every three months) should be held to formally recognize the Scouts in the troop."
- "Presentation of merit badges and rank badges should not await these courts of honor;"
- "...Awards and badges should be presented at the next meeting after they have been earned. Scouts are recognized again at a formal court of honor."
- "Each troop is responsible for keeping its own records and reporting advancement to the local council service center. This is done on an Advancement Report form."
Responsibilities
- Encourage Scouts to advance in rank.
- Works with troop Scribe to maintain all Scout advancement records.
- Arranges troop boards of review and quarterly courts of honor.
- Develop and maintain a merit badge counselor list.
- Make a prompt report on the correct form to the council service center when a troop board of review is held. Secure badges and certificates.
- Work with the troop librarian to build and maintain a troop library of merit badge pamphlets and other advancement literature.
- Report to the troop committee each month.
See also
Qualifications
Adult leaders must possess the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the Boy Scouts of America deems necessary for positive leadership to youth. They must also:
- Abide by the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Scouter Code of Conduct.
- Subscribe to the precepts of the Declaration of Religious Principle.
- Reside within the USA or a U.S. territory, or be a U.S. citizen residing outside the USA.
- Respect and obey the laws of the United States of America.
- Be 21 years of age or older for primary leadership positions.
- Be 18 years of age or older for assistant leadership positions.
- Complete Youth Protection training (YPT) before application is processed and renew training as required.
- Review the disclosure information related to the BSA’s background check process and complete and sign a Background Check Authorization form.
- Take leader position-specific training.
- Hold only one position within the same unit. The chartered organization representative may multiple as the committee chair or a committee member.
The adult leader application process will not be complete until Youth Protection training has been completed and a criminal background check has been obtained.
References
- 48 BSA Monthly Scouts BSA Program Features for Troops and Crews
- Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops • Program Feature Meeting Plans • Campfire Program Planner
• Troop Resource Survey • Troop Committee Guidebook
- Senior Patrol Leader Handbook • Patrol Leader Handbook • Troop Leader Guidebook: Vol. 1 - Vol. 2 • BSA Nameplates • Outdoor Ethics Guide Handbook • Den Chief Handbook
- Applications: New Unit - Adult Application
- Fundraising, Popcorn, and the importance of Individual Youth Accounts
- Advancement - Advancement Report - First Class-First Year - Advancement Campout - Merit Badge Day - Individual Record
Online or classroom Leader Training
Youth Protection training (YPT) is required for all BSA registered volunteers and must be retaken every two years. Some councils and units may require more frequent (e.g., annual) retaking of YPT). Check with your local council and unit to find out what their policies are.
In addition to YPT, registered adults should complete the following courses online at https://my.scouting.org:
- Before the First Meeting
- First 30 Days
- Position Trained
Other training opportunities: Roundtable – University of Scouting – The Trainer's EDGE – pow wow
Outdoor Leader Training
In addition to fulfilling other requirements, some unit leaders need outdoor-specific training.
- BALOO – To have a Pack campout, or a Webelos Den campout, at least one unit leader must be BALOO trained.
- Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills – Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters -- at least one must be trained to have a campout.
- Wood Badge – Advanced Leadership skills for Cub Scout, Scout, Venturing, district and council Scouters.
- Seabadge – Advanced Leadership skills for unit, district and council Sea Scouters.
Other outdoor-related links
| Official Scouts BSA Forms & Resources | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applications & Reports: | Youth Application | Adult Leader Application | Advancement Report | Uniform Inspections |
| Training Materials: | Youth Protection Training | Safe Swim Defense | Safety Afloat | New Leader |
| Online Training: | Youth Protection Training | Safe Swim Defense | Safety Afloat | New Leader |
| Other Guides: | Scouts BSA Requirements | Insignia Guide | Advancement Guide | Leave No Trace |
| Permit Applications: | Informed Consent | Activity Consent (Permission Slip) | Unit Money-Earning Project | |
| Medical Exam Forms: | Annual Health and Medical Record | other forms… | ||
