ADVANCEMENT: "IT IS A METHOD--NOT AN END IN ITSELF"

It’s simply a means to an end, not an end in itself.  It is one of several methods designed to help unit leadership carry out the aims and mission of Scout BSA. 

Advancement is the process by which scout progresses from rank to rank.  Like other educational opportunities, a rank or award is not the end of the learning process.  Advancement is the method by which we promote and encourage the ongoing involvement and commitment that keeps members coming back for more. 

In training sessions, scouts are introduced first to a scout skill before they have a chance to practice their skills.  Scouts may participate in games that may mimic “real-life” outdoor situations so that their skills are honed over time.  

In Scouting, after a requirement has been passed, the Scout is placed in practical situations that build retention through repeated use of skills and to teach others using the EDGE method.

Advancement Is Based on Experiential Learning:

• Everything done to advance — to earn ranks and other awards and recognition — is designed to educate or to otherwise expand horizons. 
• Members learn and develop according to a standard. 
• Experiential learning is the key:  Exciting and meaningful activities are offered, and education happens. 
  • Learning comes from doing.  For example, youth may read about first aid, hear it discussed, and watch others administer it; however, they will not learn it until they practice it. 
  • Rushing a Scout through requirements to obtain a badge is not the goal.
  • Advancement should be a natural outcome of a well-rounded unit program, rich in opportunities to work toward the ranks.

Personal Growth Is the Primary Goal

• 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. 
• The concern is for total, well-rounded development. 
• Age-appropriate surmountable hurdles are placed before members, and as they face these challenges they learn about themselves and gain confidence.
• Learning Scout skills and concepts through active participation is a vehicle for personal growth.  For example, learning how to tie a knot, plan a menu, swim, or administer first aid may turn out to be critical in one’s life, but they are secondary to the goal of personal growth that comes with learning. 
• As a Scout learns a skill and then is tested on it, and reviewed and recognized, he/she develops confidence. 
  • He/She comes to realize he can learn and do other similar things. 
  • The retention of Scouting skills and knowledge is important, of course; but for retention to take place, it will be because Scouting skills and knowledge are used in our programs.

Advancement is not a competition 

• It is a joint effort involving the leaders, the members, other volunteers such as merit badge counselors or Venturing consultants, and the family. 
• Though much is done individually at their own pace, youth often work together in groups to focus on advancement at Cub Scout den meetings, for example, or participate in a Scout BSA campout or Sea Scout cruise. 
• As they do this, we must recognize each young person’s unique combination of strengths and weaknesses. 
• As watchful leaders, either adult or youth, we lend assistance as called for and encourage members to help each other according to their abilities.