SCOUTBOOK & Rank Advancement

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The Scout rank through First Class rank are about Learning your "Scout Skills" and "checking off the boxes" in your Scout Handbook. Tenderfoot,Second Class, First Class Ranks - These Ranks are about building proficiency in your "Scout Skills" and demonstrating your ability to take care of yourself and others. Scout Rank Workbook here.

1.  The requirements are checked off and initialed in the book by a Life Scout, Eagle Scout or Assistant Scoutmaster. 

2.  The scout presents the signed handbook to the Patrol's Assistant Scoutmaster  (ASM) designated for work with that patrol for Advancement Leader Approvals.

3.  ASM verifies all requirements have been completed. Once all requirements are signed off by the ASM, a scout can then request a Scoutmaster conference. This should be scheduled 7 days in advance.

4.  ASM sets up Scoutmaster conference with an Assistant Scoutmaster

• Times recommended for SMC's = Tenderfoot is 15-20 minutes,Second class is 20-30 minutes,First class is 20 - 30 minutes

5.  After the Scoutmaster conference is completed, a scout can request a Board of Review with the ASM. ASM works with Advancement Chair and Advancement Coordinator to set up Board of Review with three Adults Scouters (Board of Reviews details are described in page 31 & 32 of the Troop 52 Guide Book here and on this BSA web page here)

6.  When all of the boxes are checked off w/signature by the scouts/scouters above, and all requirements are checked and blue, the rank, badge, and award are deemed earned.

7.  Scout will receive his rank advancement badge within 2 meetings & recognition at Court of Honor

Star - Life - Eagle - These Ranks are about "Sharing Your Knowledge of Scout Skills, Personal Responsibility, Commitment, and Leadership." It is your opportunity to demonstrate maturity, accountability and responsibility in living the Scout Law and Oath every day.

1.  Obtain signature from the Patrol's designated ASM for the Required MB's

2.  Obtain signature or email from the Service Hours Coordinator verifying service hours

3.  Make sure ALL requirements are initialed and dated in the book and on Scoutbook with Leader approval by Patrol ASM, Adult Scouters or Scoutmaster, not related to the scout.

4.  Show your book to the Patrol ASM to verify you are ready for a SMC. At that time you will be asked to set up an appointment with the Scoutmaster for the SMC.

5.  Send an email to the Scoutmaster requesting an appointment for your SMC. This is done after, and ONLY after your book has been verified by the ASM.

6.  Request BOR from Advancement Coordinators.

7.  Receive rank advancement badge within 2 meetings & recognition at Court of Honor Life - Eagle

When you pass your Life SMC, the SM will assign you an Eagle Advisor.

• Eagle Scout Rank Application 2017, No. 512-728, here or print your application from the Scoutbook App.
• Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook here
• Bee Cave District Eagle Flow Chart here

... BLUE CARD ... MERIT BADGE ... BLUE CARD ... MERIT BADGE ... BLUE CARD ...

A vital part of Rank Advancement are Merit Badges ... IT IS YOUR REPONSIBILITY AS A SCOUT TO OBTAIN LEADER APPROVAL (PATROL ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTER) FOR A BLUE CARD AND SUGGESTION FOR A MERIT BADGE COUNSELOR, TO REACH OUT TO, BEFORE YOU START A MERIT BADGE. Merit Badge Signup. See above procedures in Scoutbook for getting set up with a Merit Badge.  As a default, always go to your Patrol Assistant Scoutmaster for any advancement approval needs, including setting up an approval "BLUE CARD" for a Merit Badget. You will not be a happy camper if you've been in scouts for a year, gone on all the campouts and not get Camping MB credit because you "forgot" to get the Blue Card. CAMPING SHOULD BE THE FIRST BLUE CARD THAT YOU GET FROM THE ADVANCEMENT COORDINATORS.

Think of Merit Badges in 2 Categories:

1. Life Skills - Generally, these are Eagle Required MB. Fitness, Personal Management, Family Life, Camping, Cooking, etc... Scouts and Parents should consider a Scout's maturity and readiness to learn the life skills necessary to successfully complete these Merit Badges. Skills such as Camping, Swimming, and Cooking are readily achievable by younger Scouts. However, more maturity may be necessary for the more advanced Topics like Personal Management, Emergency Preparedness, and First Aid.
2. 2) Vocational or Hobbies - Generally, these are Special Topic MB. Astronomy, Law, Engineering, Shooting, Fishing, etc... These should be Fun Merit Badges used to expose Scouts to new interests which could develop into lifelong hobbies or even a Profession as an adult. Totin Chip (see attachment below)

T52Scout_Badge.pdf

T52TeachingSyllabusForTotinChip.pdf

The Capitol Area Council Eagle processing has deadlines for Scouts who want to have their Eagle board of review this year, or want to receive their Eagle credentials this year.

Holding a Board of Review in Year

• The last day to schedule an appointment for an Eagle Scout application ​verification is generally mid-December. Eagle applications will be verified up to mid-December. ​
• If the Scout wants to hold his Eagle board of review in year, he needs to have his application approved by the Council by ​​mid-December. ​
• Scouts may continue to submit their applications for final processing after mid-​December, but these applications may not be processed until after January 1st.
• As always, the Scouts are considered Eagle Scouts as of their board of review date (just not official until recognized by National).

Holding a Court of Honor in year

• If Scouts want to have their credentials back in time for a court of honor during the holidays, then they should plan to schedule a board of review and submit their final paperwork by mid-November.
• Final paperwork submitted after mid-November is not guaranteed to be available for pick up until after the first of the year. Since final processing takes 2-3 weeks, we cannot guarantee credentials will arrive back before the holidays to anyone submitting their final paperwork after mid-November.

To be considered as part of the Eagle class of the year, a Scout must have his board on or before December 31st and submit the signed original application to the Fickett Center for final processing on or before mid-January. ​​ Regards, Kim Eckert, 512-617-8610 or email here, Bee Cave District

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: See Advancement Chair at Monday Meeting

Use this signup to request a Merit Badge Blue Card.

Merit Badge information can be found online under US Scouting Service Project Merit Badge site here (new meritbadge.org owners) and Troop 109 has a good Merit Badge Library here

These sites offer Boy Scout resources for all ranks including worksheets and cross-references for Merit Badges and Scout Awards.

USE 'TROOPMASTER->REPORTS->MERIT BADGE COUNSELORS->GROUPED BY BADGE' FOR THE CURRENT COUNSELORS GROUPED BY MERIT BADGE

Eagle required merit badges done at summer camp, MBU, etc. where the scout will need to meet with one of the troop merit badge counselors to make sure he is proficient in the merit badge. The Advancement Chairman and the Troop Committee will have the final say in any disputes.

CAMPING SHOULD BE YOUR FIRST BLUE CARD THAT YOU GET FROM THE PATROL ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTER.

1. Camping merit badge requirements, as other merit badge cards, start from the time the scout signs out the card, not from the time he has joined the troop.
2. 20 nights are required for the camping merit badge. 6 nights at summer camp are allowed for the 20 nights. More than 6 summer camp nights are not counted toward the 20 nights. 

... BLUE CARD ... MERIT BADGE ... BLUE CARD ... MERIT BADGE ... BLUE CARD ...

A vital part of Rank Advancement are Merit Badges ... IT IS YOUR REPONSIBILITY AS A SCOUT TO OBTAIN LEADER APPROVAL FOR A BLUE CARD BEFORE YOU START A MERIT BADGE. You will not be a happy camper if you've been in scouts for a year, gone on all the campouts and not get Camping MB credit because you "forgot" to get it.  For merit badges, go to your patrol's ASM for approval to start badge. The ASM will provide guidance on the badge and help identify a merit badge counselor.

EAGLE MB's taken at summer camp, mbu, other district merit badge workshops, etc requires that before you are awarded the mb you demonstrate proficiency and knowledge with your Eagle MB Counselor. A sign off on your blue card by anyone other than a T52 MBC will not count toward the awarding of that MB.

• EX: First Aid is taken at summer camp and signed off as completed. Before the scout is awarded the First Aid MB he must set an appt with a T52 MBC and demonstrate proficiency and knowledge of the requirements.

MBU EAGLE MB's

• Contact the Eagle MB counselor for approval
• Get the Blue card prior to attendance at MBU
• Print the MB worksheet, take worksheet to the course, complete the worksheet during the course. Bring worksheets back with you.
• Contact the Eagle MB counselor for an appointment to demonstrate proficiency and knowledge of the MB.
• Bring the Blue Card AND the completed worksheet with you when you do the review with the MB counselor.

MB Counselor Volunteers:

We always need merit badge counselors and you can contact me anytime if you are interested in helping.  For more information please check out these resources:

• BSA Guide for Merit Badge Counselors here
• Troop 52 Merit Badge Counselor Orientation presentation here

Thanks, MB Counselors Coordinator, Josi Bogdon

Positions of Responsibility (POR)

The Jul 2020 to Dec 2020 POR Application Enrollment is OPEN here.   

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

For a list of current POR holders, see the 'TroopMaster->Reports->Scout/Unit General->Scout Leadership Roster'report.

Requirements & Process:

1. A Position of Responsibility (POR) is REQUIRED for Rank Advancements as follows:

• Star Rank : "While a First Class Scout, serve actively 4 months in one or more POR..."
• Life Rank : "While a Star Scout, serve actively 6 months in one or more POR..."
• Eagle Scout : "While a Life Scout, serve actively for a period of 6 months in one or more POR..."

2. POR Terms run for 6 months (Jan-Jun and Jul-Dec)

3. Scoutmaster, with recommendations from SPL and ASPLs, signs off Scout PORs to recognize successful completion of their POR for Advancement purposes.

4. ALL Scouts with a POR are expected to actively serve the Troop during their term of service. Scouts are expected to attend Troop Meeting, PLCs, Campouts and other Troop Events.  A Scout will not fulfill the requirements of a POR and credit for the POR will not be approved by the SPL and SM for rank advancement if:

• The Scout is not active in the Troop during their Term of Service OR
• The Scout fails to perform the duties required of the specific POR

5. All POR's require participation in T52's Junior Leadership Training (JLT) or NYLT prior to serving in a POR in order to receive credit for rank advancement.

• Participation in JLT OR NYLT is only required ONE TIME for any and all POR's.
• T52 JLT's are offered twice a year (before the Spring or Fall terms).  See JLT document here for more information: Troop52JLT.docx 
• NYLT is offered two to three times a year by the Council ... you must have SM approval to attend NYLT.
• The next T52 JLT is TBD

6. All POR requests are submitted through an On-line form. The form will be open on the Troop Website when POR's are announced for each session

• Scouts may request multiple positions, but must submit each position separately using the on-line POR Application
• Scouts must indicate Why? they want a particular position and how they plan to serve the Troop in that position
• The On-line Sign Up form will be taken off of the website and not available for further sign-ups beyond the posted deadline
• All POR's will be reviewed by the SPL & SM before being approved
• SPL and new ASPL candidates must apply and attend an interview with Troop Leadership

If you miss the Sign-Up Deadline:

• Scouts who miss the posted deadline will not be able to use the online signup.
• Instead, they must submit their POR requests directly to the SPL via email and must request at least two POR in case the preferred POS is filled.
• The SPL and SM will confirm by email which POR has been assigned to best serve the interest of the Troop.
• The SPL and/or SM will inform the Advancement Coordinator so that the date can be recorded into Troopmaster.

POR Timeframe for the JAN-JUN Term: Applications: Signups generally open at the beginning of November and the cut-off will be posted on the calendar. Interviews: SPL & ASPL interviews will be scheduled by the ASM and posted on the calendar. Elections: Patrol Leader & Assistant PL elections will be scheduled by the ASM and posted on the calendar. ​Announcement: New POR's will be announced before the new year.

POR Timeframe for the JUL-DEC Term: Applications: Signups generally open at the beginning of May and the cut-off will be posted on the calendar. Interviews: SPL & ASPL interviews will be scheduled by the ASM and posted on the calendar. Elections: Patrol Leader & Assistant PL elections will be scheduled by the ASM and posted on the calendar. ​Announcement: New POR's will be announced in June.

Scouts should go to usscouts.org to review what the requirements are for each POR before going to the online form. Please complete the POR Application (see link at top of this page during application enrollment period) and be sure to comment on how this POR will benefit the troop and yourself. Questions should be sent to our Scout Master Mathew Gomes by email here.

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POR EXPECTATIONS:

• Patrol Leaders (PL) and Assistant Patrol Leaders (APL) are elected by their patrols
• Show up for meetings on time
• Show up for PLC's on time, with paper/pen/calendar ready to work on setting the troop meeting agendas
• Show up for campouts
• Show up in uniform to set an example
• Know the scouts in their patrols
• Know how to communicate with their patrol by email or phone
• When responsible for the Flag ceremony you must show up 20 minutes early
• Run an activity as assigned by the SPL at a troop meeting
• Run an activity as assigned by the SPL at a campout
• Quartermaster: Required to meet at 6:30pm the Monday before a campout at the trailer to make sure it is ready to go.
• Den Chief: Submit a letter from the Cub Scout Den Leader to the SM acknowledging your participation and how your involvement will help the Cub Scouts and your troop.
• Assistant Patrol Leader is an NFPOR (Not For Position Of Responsibility) as the scout does not get credit towards rank leadership requirement ... but gains valuable experience

POR Definitions:

1. Senior Patrol Leader: The senior patrol leader (SPL) Represents the troop as the top youth leader in the troop. He runs all troop meetings, events, activities, the annual program planning conference, and the patrol leaders' council meeting. He appoints other troop youth leaders with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster.
2. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader: The assistant senior patrol leader (ASPL) is the second highest-ranking youth leader in the troop. The assistant senior patrol leader acts as the senior patrol leader in the absence of the senior patrol leader or when called upon. He also provides leadership to other youth leaders in the troop.
3. Patrol Leader: The patrol leader is the elected leader of his patrol. He represents his patrol on the patrol leaders’ council and appoints the assistant patrol leader.
4. Assistant Patrol Leader: The assistant patrol leader is appointed by the patrol leader and leads the patrol in his absence. He represents his patrol at patrol leaders’ council meetings when the patrol leader cannot attend. The assistant patrol leader position does not count towards leadership requirements for Star, Life, or Eagle.
5. Troop Guide: The troop guide works with new Scouts. He helps them feel comfortable and earn their First Class in their first year. He teaches basic Scout skills and works with the patrol leader at patrol leaders’ council meetings.
6. Sr Quartermaster: The Senior Quartermaster keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order. He keeps records on troop equipment, makes sure equipment is in good working condition, and issues equipment and makes sure it is returned in good condition. (Appointed by the SPL)
7. Patrol Quartermaster: The patrol quartermaster keeps track of patrol equipment and sees that it is in good working order. He keeps records on patrol equipment, makes sure equipment is in good working condition, and issues equipment and makes sure it is returned in good condition. (Appointed by the SPL)
8. Scribe: The scribe keeps the troop records. He records the activities of the patrol leaders’ council and keeps a record of dues, advancement, and Scout attendance at troop meetings. (Appointed by the SPL)
9. Historian: The historian preserves troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia. (Appointed by the SPL
10. Librarian: The librarian oversees the care and use of troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists. (Appointed by the SPL
11. Den Chief: The den chief works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and den leaders in the Cub Scout pack. Helps Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks and encourages Cub Scouts to join a Boy Scout troop upon graduation.
12. Junior Assistant Scoutmaster: The junior assistant Scoutmaster (JASM) serves in the capacity of an assistant Scoutmaster except where legal age and maturity are required. He must be at least 16 years old and not yet 18. He is appointed by the Scoutmaster because of his leadership ability.
13. Chaplain Aide: The chaplain aide works with the troop chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts in the troop. He also works to promote the religious emblems program. Must be mature and sensitive, and have earned the respect and trust of his fellow Scouts.  MUST HAVE RECEIVED OR BE WORKING ON THE REQUIREMENTS LEADING TO THE AGE-APPROPRIATE RELIGIOUS EMBLEM FOR HIS FAITH. (Appointed by the SPL)
14. Order of the Arrow Representative: The Order of the Arrow Representative is a youth liaison serving between the local Order of the Arrow (OA) lodge or chapter and his troop. In his unit, he helps meet the needs of the unit and will serve as a communication and programmatic link to and from Arrowmen, adult leaders and Scouts who are not presently members of the Order. (Appointed by the SPL)
15. Webmaster: Works with various unit members on needed topics.  Ensures the Web site is as youth-run as possible. Helps out Web site where needed.
16. Outdoor Ethics Guide: should have a thorough understanding of and commitment to Leave No Trace principles and Tread Lightly! guidelines. The outdoor ethics guide helps the troop or crew plan and conduct an outdoor program that effectively practices the principles of outdoor ethics. (Appointed by the SPL)
17. Bugler: The Bugler should be able to make appropriate bugle calls, as requested, at troop activities. (Appointed by the SPL)

Additional POR Descriptions: While not official BSA information, USScouts.org provides a wealth of comprehensive information on scouting advancement, awards, and merit badge requirements. We suggest you bookmark USScouts.org. Put it on your smartphone, too, for quick reference! 

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Monthly Patrols by Scouts - PATROL LEADER: send out an email to all of the scouts in your patrol to notify them of their responsibilities below:

• Arrive early to set up ... put out flags, put out lashing equip, etc.
• Perform Flag ceremony.
• Stay late to clean up ... put up chairs, tables, etc.
• Campouts ... put up and take down of CPA (Central Patrol Area) including:
  • 1 Covered Area (2 or more if chance of rain)
  • 1 table under covered area
  • 2 water coolers (water, bug juice)
  • 2 trash can's with liners
  • responsible for keeping coolers full and deposing of trash and replacing liners if necessary.

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Monthly Patrols by ASM's

• Arrive early to ensure that scouts have everything out for the meeting.
• Ensure that the monthly patrol stays and puts everything away and is left in the condition to which you arrived. TURN OFF EVERY LIGHT (except the lobby light and the lights upstairs) ... LOCK EVERY DOOR
• responsible for ensuring that the monthly patrol sets up CPA (central patrol area) at monthly campouts
• responsible for ensuring that scouts have the proper equipment to put on a quality program ... to include getting trailer to off-site areas, spars, ropes, etc.
  

Scout hours have their basis in the Boy Scout Oath .... "To help other people at all times" ... Service to others is a special Good Turn that puts Scout spirit into action. Service can take many forms. You might take part in a community cleanup; repair a place of worship, a museum, or the home of an elderly person; improve a wildlife habitat; volunteer at a hospital or with a public safety group; organize a recycling effort; or conduct a clothing pickup or food drive.

Service Hours as defined by T52: "Service hours count when they benefit someone that is not the Scout or when the hours benefit a group that is not BSA or Troop 52."

Examples that DO count: Eagle Projects, Emmaus Church: Fall Fest, Pancake Breakfast, Fish Fry, VBS at your church,etc.

Examples that DO NOT count: Shred Day, Lights On, Bridge Building for Crossover, Trebuchet Building for Webelo Woods, etc

******service hours may count towards school and other organizations******

Remember that the service hours for Life have changed, and 3 of the hours MUST be conservation related, as determined by an Assistant Scoutmaster. (Examples: plant shrubs to provide food and cover for wildlife; plant grasses and legumes to provide ground cover in schoolyards, public parks, and recreation areas; help develop or maintain a nature trail in a public park)

Process for Scout Service Hours:

Get prior approval from ASM: Other than for Troop 52-organized group service projects or Troop 52 Eagle Scout projects, the Scout must obtain prior approval for a service project from an Assistant Scoutmaster (email approval is strongly preferred - contract ASM at least 2 days in advance). Volunteer time not approved in advance by an ASM may not count toward your service hours.

Complete your service hours: Complete your service and have the appropriate T52 Community Service Form signed by the Project Sponsor (the adult responsible for the project). The form is attached below. For T52-organized group projects or Eagle Scout projects, the Responsible Scout/Adult for that event will record your hours on a group Community Service Form so the Scout does not need to fill out an individual form, but it is the Scout's responsibility to make sure his service hours are correctly recorded by the Responsible Scout/Adult.

Get ASM sign-off. Have the ASM who approved the service project to sign on the Community Service Form.

Report your service hours to the Advancement Chair. Turn in your completed and fully approved Community Service Form to the Advancement Chair, so that they can record your hours in the troop's records. Check your Individual Progress Report on the website to make sure your hours have been recorded BEFORE your scoutmaster conference for rank advancement.

Eagle Candidates: Have all volunteers sign up using the Community Service Form - Group Project listed below. Please scan and email (or give a hard copy of) the completed Community Service Form - Group Project to the Advancement Chair after you have completed your project.