Welcome to the Troop 52 Scout Rank Advancement Guide! This page outlines the steps to progress through Scout ranks, from Scout to Eagle, and earn Merit Badges. Follow the steps below to build your skills, demonstrate leadership, and achieve your goals.

The Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks focus on learning and mastering essential Scout skills, such as camping, first aid, and teamwork, while demonstrating your ability to care for yourself and others.

1. Complete Requirements: Fulfill the requirements listed in your Scout Handbook. Each requirement must be checked off and initialed by a Life Scout, Eagle Scout, or Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM).
2. Submit Handbook: Present your signed handbook to your patrol’s designated ASM for advancement approval.
3. Verify Completion: The ASM verifies all requirements are complete. Once approved, schedule a Scoutmaster Conference (SMC) at least 7 days in advance.
4. Scoutmaster Conference: Meet with an Assistant Scoutmaster for your SMC. Recommended durations:
   
   • Tenderfoot: 15–20 minutes
   • Second Class: 20–30 minutes
   • First Class: 20–30 minutes

1. Board of Review (BOR): After the SMC, request a BOR through your ASM, who will coordinate with the Advancement Chair and Coordinator. The BOR involves three adult Scouters. Learn more about BORs on pages 31–32 of the Troop 52 Guide Book or the BSA website.
2. Earn Your Rank: Once all requirements are signed off, your rank is earned. You’ll receive your badge within two troop meetings and be recognized at the next Court of Honor.

Resources:

• Scout Rank Workbook

The Star, Life, and Eagle ranks emphasize sharing your Scout skills, taking on leadership roles, and living the Scout Oath and Law daily. These ranks reflect maturity, accountability, and commitment.

1. Complete Merit Badges: Obtain signatures from your patrol’s ASM for required Merit Badges.
2. Verify Service Hours: Secure a signature or email from the Service Hours Coordinator to confirm completed service hours.
3. Document Requirements: Ensure all requirements are initialed and dated in your Scout Handbook and Scoutbook by your patrol ASM, adult Scouters, or Scoutmaster (not related to you).
4. Prepare for SMC: Show your handbook to your ASM to confirm readiness. Then, email the Scoutmaster to schedule an SMC.
5. Scoutmaster Conference: Attend the SMC once your handbook is verified.
6. Board of Review: Request a BOR through the Advancement Coordinators.
7. Earn Your Rank: After completing all steps, receive your badge within two troop meetings and recognition at the Court of Honor.

• After passing your Life SMC, the Scoutmaster will assign an Eagle Advisor.
• Complete the Eagle Scout Rank Application (No. 512-728, 2017) or print it from the Scoutbook app.
• Use the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook.
• Follow the Bee Cave District Eagle Flow Chart.

Merit Badges are a key part of rank advancement and personal growth. They fall into two categories:

• Life Skills (often Eagle-required): Include Camping, Cooking, Personal Management, and First Aid. Younger Scouts can start with achievable badges like Camping or Swimming, while badges like Personal Management require more maturity.
• Vocational/Hobbies: Include Astronomy, Engineering, Fishing, and more. These badges introduce new interests that could become lifelong hobbies or careers.

1. Obtain Approval: Before starting a Merit Badge, get a “Blue Card” and a suggested Merit Badge Counselor from your patrol’s ASM.
2. Complete Requirements: Work with the counselor to complete the badge requirements.
3. Track Progress: Ensure all progress is recorded in Scoutbook and your Scout Handbook.
4. Avoid Pitfalls: Always secure a Blue Card before starting. For example, you won’t receive credit for the Camping Merit Badge without a Blue Card, even if you’ve attended campouts.

Pro Tip: Start with the Camping Merit Badge as your first Blue Card to ensure you get credit for campouts.

• Merit Badge Signup
• Totin’ Chip Information
• Troop 52 Scout Badge Guide
• Troop 52 Totin’ Chip Teaching Syllabus

• Always work through your patrol’s Assistant Scoutmaster for approvals and Blue Cards.
• Schedule SMCs and BORs in advance to stay on track.
• Keep your Scout Handbook and Scoutbook updated to reflect your progress.
• Celebrate your achievements at the Court of Honor!

For more details, contact your Patrol ASM or the Advancement Coordinator. Happy Scouting!

For Scouts aiming to complete their Eagle Scout Board of Review or receive their Eagle credentials in the current year, the Capitol Area Council has established the following deadlines.

• Mid-December: Last day to schedule an Eagle Scout application verification appointment.
• Mid-December: Deadline for application approval by the Council to hold a Board of Review in the current year.
• Post-Mid-December: Applications submitted after mid-December may not be processed until after January 1st.
• Note: A Scout is considered an Eagle Scout as of their Board of Review date, though official recognition by National follows later.

• Mid-November: Deadline to schedule a Board of Review and submit final paperwork to ensure credentials are available for a Court of Honor during the holiday season.
• Post-Mid-November: Paperwork submitted after mid-November is not guaranteed to be processed until after January 1st, as final processing takes 2-3 weeks.
• Mid-January: Deadline to submit the signed original application to the Fickett Center for final processing to be included in the current year's Eagle class. The Board of Review must occur on or before December 31st.

For questions, contact Bee Cave District Advancement Chair at  beecaveeagle@beecavedistrict.org

Congratulations! I have you on the calendar for _________ at _____pm. Please come find me when you are ready.

Please READ and FOLLOW the instructions below as they are identical for both the STAR and LIFE SMC.

BE PREPARED!

1) Obtain an IPR (individual progress report) from Mrs. Leonard or Mrs. Kelbaugh. Bring this IPR to your SMC.

2) Present your Scout Book to Mrs. Leonard or Mrs. Kelbaugh for signatures as required for Eagle and Non-Eagle MB's and Time in Troop at your Present Rank before your SMC. When you present your book at your SMC these should be signed off.

3) Obtain signature in Scout Book or request email from Mrs. Leonard or Mrs. Kelbaugh verifying service hours. When you present your book at your SMC the service hours should be signed off by Mrs. Leonard or Mrs. Kelbaugh or bring the email from Mrs. Leonard or Mrs. Kelbaugh.

4) Come prepared to demonstrate all of the knots (including the Sheet Bend), all of the lashings and all of the First Aid found in your Scout Book.
... If it is in the book then it is important!
... If it is in the book then it should be important to you!
... If it is in the book then it is important to your Troop!
... If it is in the book then it is important to your Troop Leadership!

5) Come in full uniform with appropriate toggle or neckerchief slide with appropriate rank and POR patch.

You will be expected to know all of the above without help. You will be expected to answer quickly with well thought out and thorough answers.

This SMC is your opportunity to demonstrate your maturity, accountability and responsibility in living the Scout Law and Oath every day ... in being prepared for Life!

Merit Badge Signup and Blue Cards

• Signup: Request a Blue Card and Counselor from the ASM, Advancement Chair or Merit Badge Coordinator at Monday troop meetings or by Scoutbook email.
• Resources: Find Merit Badge details, worksheets, and requirements at the US Scouting Service Project and Troop 109 Merit Badge Library.
• Counselors: Request a counselor from the ASM, Merit Badge Coordinator or Advenacement Chair.
• Starting a Merit Badge: Obtain a Blue Card from your Patrol Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM) before beginning. The ASM will guide you and assign a counselor.
• Camping Merit Badge: Start with a Blue Card from your ASM. Earn 20 nights of camping (up to 6 nights from summer camp count). Requirements begin when the Blue Card is issued, not when you join the troop.
• Eagle-Required Merit Badges: For badges earned at summer camp, MBU, or other events, schedule an appointment with a Troop 52 Merit Badge Counselor to demonstrate proficiency. Only Troop 52 counselors can sign off for these badges.
• MBU Eagle Merit Badges:
  1. Get Blue Card approval from the Eagle Merit Badge Counselor before attending.
  2. Print and complete the Merit Badge worksheet during the course.
  3. Schedule a review with the counselor, bringing the Blue Card and completed worksheet.

• Disputes: The Advancement Chair and Troop Committee resolve any issues.
• Volunteers Needed: Interested in becoming a Merit Badge Counselor? Contact Josi Bogdon, MB Counselors Coordinator, and review the BSA Guide for Merit Badge Counselors and Troop 52 Counselor Orientation.

Note: Always secure a Blue Card before starting a Merit Badge to ensure credit.

"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." – Benjamin Franklin

Positions of Responsibility (POR) are leadership roles required for rank advancement in Scouts BSA. They provide opportunities to develop leadership skills while serving the troop.

• Star Rank: Serve actively for 4 months in one or more PORs as a First Class Scout.
• Life Rank: Serve actively for 6 months in one or more PORs as a Star Scout.
• Eagle Rank: Serve actively for 6 months in one or more PORs as a Life Scout.

• Terms: PORs run for 6 months (Jan–Jun and Jul–Dec).
• Application: Submit requests via the online POR Application form on the troop website during the open enrollment period (May for Jul–Dec term; November for Jan–Jun term). Deadlines are posted on the troop calendar.
• Multiple Roles: Apply for multiple positions separately, explaining why you want each role and how you’ll serve the troop.
• Approval: The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and Scoutmaster (SM) review and approve applications. SPL and ASPL candidates require an interview.
• Missed Deadlines: Email the SPL with at least two POR preferences. The SPL and SM will assign a role based on troop needs.
• Current POR Holders: Check the Scout Leadership Roster in TroopMaster under Reports > Scout/Unit General > Scout Leadership Roster.

Scouts in PORs must actively participate in troop meetings, Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC), campouts, and events. Failure to attend or perform duties may result in non-approval for rank advancement.

• Complete Troop 52 Junior Leadership Training (JLT) or National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) once before serving in any POR.
• JLT: Offered twice yearly (Spring/Fall). See Troop 52 JLT document.
• NYLT: Offered 2–3 times yearly by the Council, requires SM approval.

• Senior Patrol Leader (SPL): Leads troop meetings, events, and PLC; appoints youth leaders with SM guidance.
• Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL): Supports SPL, leads in their absence, and guides other youth leaders.
• Patrol Leader (PL): Elected by patrol; leads patrol activities, attends PLC, and communicates with patrol members.
• Assistant Patrol Leader (APL): Appointed by PL; leads in PL’s absence (not counted for rank advancement).
• Troop Guide: Mentors new Scouts to achieve First Class in their first year.
• Quartermaster (Senior/Patrol): Manages troop/patrol equipment, ensures it’s in good condition, and tracks usage.
• Scribe: Records PLC activities, dues, advancement, and attendance.
• Historian: Preserves troop memorabilia, photos, and awards.
• Librarian: Manages troop books, pamphlets, and merit badge counselor lists.
• Den Chief: Works with Cub Scouts; requires a letter from the Cub Scout Den Leader for credit.
• Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM): Assists SM; must be 16–17 years old with leadership ability.
• Chaplain Aide: Supports troop’s religious needs; must have or be pursuing a religious emblem.
• Order of the Arrow Representative: Liaises between troop and OA lodge.
• Webmaster: Maintains troop website, ensuring youth-led content.
• Outdoor Ethics Guide: Promotes Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly principles.
• Bugler: Plays bugle calls at troop events.

Review detailed POR requirements at USScouts.org.

• Arrive on time for meetings, PLCs, and campouts with necessary materials (paper, pen, calendar).
• Wear proper uniform to set an example.
• Communicate with patrol via email or phone.
• Lead flag ceremonies (arrive 20 minutes early when assigned).
• Run assigned activities at meetings or campouts.
• Monthly Patrol Duties:
  • Set up flags, lashing equipment, etc., before meetings.
  • Perform flag ceremonies.
  • Clean up after meetings (chairs, tables, etc.).
  • At campouts, set up and maintain Central Patrol Area (CPA): covered area, table, water coolers, and trash cans.

• Ensure monthly patrol sets up and cleans up meeting spaces.
• Verify all lights (except lobby/upstairs) are off and doors are locked.
• Oversee CPA setup at campouts and ensure proper equipment availability (e.g., trailer, spars, ropes).

• Jul–Dec Term: Applications open in May; SPL/ASPL interviews and PL/APL elections in June; roles announced in June.
• Jan–Jun Term: Applications open in November; SPL/ASPL interviews and PL/APL elections in December; roles announced before January.

For questions, email the Scoutmaster.

"To help other people at all times" – Boy Scout Oath

Service hours reflect the Scout spirit of helping others through meaningful community service. They are a key part of rank advancement and involve activities that benefit the community beyond Scouts BSA or Troop 52.

Examples That Count:

• Eagle Scout Projects
• Community events (e.g., Emmaus Church Fall Fest, Pancake Breakfast, Fish Fry, Vacation Bible School)
• Conservation projects (e.g., planting shrubs for wildlife, maintaining nature trails, or establishing ground cover in public parks)

Examples That Do Not Count:

• Troop-specific events (e.g., Shred Day, Lights On, Bridge Building for Crossover, Trebuchet Building for Webelo Woods)

Note: For Life Rank, at least 3 service hours must be conservation-related, approved by an Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM).

Service hours may also count toward school or other organization requirements.

1. Get Prior Approval:
   • For non-Troop 52 projects (excluding Troop 52 group projects or Eagle Scout projects), email an ASM for approval at least 2 days in advance. Unapproved hours may not count.

1. Complete the Service:
   • For individual projects, have the Project Sponsor sign the Troop 52 Community Service Form (available on the troop website).
   • For Troop 52 group projects or Eagle Scout projects, the responsible Scout or adult will record hours on a group form. Ensure your hours are accurately recorded.

1. Get ASM Sign-Off:
   • Have the approving ASM sign your Community Service Form.

1. Submit to Advancement Chair:
   • Turn in the completed and signed Community Service Form to the Advancement Chair for recording.
   • Verify your hours on the Individual Progress Report on the troop website before your Scoutmaster Conference for rank advancement.

All volunteers for Eagle Scout projects must sign up using the Community Service Form - Group Project (available on the troop website). After the project, the Eagle candidate must scan and email or deliver a hard copy of the completed form to the Advancement Chair.

For questions or approval, contact an Assistant Scoutmaster via email.