Scouting, Volume 39, Number 5, May 1951 Page: 20
This periodical is part of the collection entitled: Scouting Magazine and was provided to The Portal to Texas History by the Boy Scouts of America National Scouting Museum.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
ADVANCEMENT
Bif It/illia+ri £. Jlau-isie+ice
Director, Boy Scouting Service
Wouldn't it be wonderful if every Scout in your
Troop decided he wanted to be a First Class
Scout and then of his own volition made sure that
he did all the things and acquired all the skills?
What then, if he tapped you on the shoulder and
said:
"My Record of Progress card is all filled out.
How about a Board of Review?"
Well, it happens sometimes, but probably not
often. We cannot assume that all Scouts are anxious
to advance and receive the recognition that comes
as a result of their becoming proficient in Scouting.
It is true that advancement is not the purpose or
the ultimate end of a Patrol or Troop program. But
it does indicate that boys have had opportunities
to do things, to become proficient in the skills of
Scouting, and to understand thoroughly the prin-
ciples of the Scout Oath and Law.
Preparation for the Days Ahead
These are days when we hear a lot about Civil
Defense and face the fact that boys who are now
Scouts may eventually be in the armed services.
Boys need every skill that Scouting can give them.
It is the First Class Scout who is rapidly reaching
a point of self-reliance and moral strength. For, in
the requirements that lead to First Class, there is
a series of experiences that will contribute much
to the growth of a boy.
Fewer Tenderfoots
The most important advancement step is from
Tenderfoot to Second Class. The Tenderfoot should
be the exception in a Troop. The requirements are
not difficult if the Patrol and the Troop has an
active program.
"Every Scout First Class" — that would be a
good slogan for any Troop. How about yours?
Can't you, with your Junior Leaders, plan a pro-
gram to provide enough opportunities for hiking
and camping, service projects, and other activities,
so all your Scouts can acquire the skills and the
experience needed to become First Class?
Set Your Goals
What goals? A good one is to have every Scout
in the Troop advance at least one rank each year.
You will be surprised at what happens to the spirit
and enthusiasm of the Troop1 and their pride in
accomplishment.
Regular Board of Review
Meeting once each month on a regular schedule, a
Board of Review will stimulate your Scouts' inter-
est- in advancing. The Board of Review has two
major functions:
First, to provide an opportunity for a Scout to
discuss with an understanding group of men what
his accomplishments have been. They in turn de-
termine whether or not he has had a chance to
have all the required experiences, and is satisfac-
torily qualified for advancement.
The second purpose of the review is more impor-
tant than the first. "To review reasons for lack of
accomplishment." Here is an opportunity to make
it possible for Scouts who are not progressing to
review their experiences. This may reveal indi-
vidual problems and point the way toward a
solution.
Prompt and Dignified Recognition
One of the better ways of discouraging a Scout
is to delay in presenting him with an award which
he has'earned. Recognition ceremonies should be
regular and simple, but they must always be effec-
tive. Put the spotlight on the boy who is being
recognized.
Get the Help of Parents
Sure, Boy Scouts' parents can help. The boy who
really moves ahead and has a successful Scouting
experience is often the boy whose parents have
urged him on. Why not try a meeting of parents to
show them how they can help in stimulating their
sons' interest in moving ahead? Dad and his son
with the Handbook for Boys in the backyard, or in
the fields and woods, can work together on many of
the requirements for Second and First Class.
The Scoutmaster can see to it that the boy's prep-
aration and his qualifications happen. He doesn't
have to do all of the instruction or coaching in order
to accomplish this. He can see to it that it is done
by someone who is competent.
Advancement Doesn't Just Happen — it requires
understanding, guidance, stimulation, and the pro-
viding of opportunities.
20
SCOUTING
BOY SCOUT SECTION
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Boy Scouts of America. Scouting, Volume 39, Number 5, May 1951, periodical, May 1951; New York, New York. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth329196/m1/22/: accessed April 23, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Boy Scouts of America National Scouting Museum.