Advancement through the ranks is up to the individual Scout, but all Scouts are encouraged to advance to First Class, so enabling them to take a leadership position. Occasionally a Scout does not wish to advance. This is not a problem as his continuing enjoyment in Scouting is of more importance. Scouts wishing to advance to the rank of Eagle will be given every assistance and encouragement to reach this the highest rank in Scouting. To date, the Troop has 36 Eagle Scouts, which is above the normal for most Troops.
Scout
All new Scouts start with this rank, which requires knowing and understanding the Scout Oath and Promise. Etc. (See pages 4 – 11 in the Scouts Handbook)
Tenderfoot Scout
The initial rank in Scouting requires some basic camping, first aid and safety knowledge. Motivated Scouts can attain this rank at the first or second C of H. When he receives his first rank, the red BSA scarf is exchanged for the Official Troop Scarf (See pages 31 – 61 & 438 in the Scout Handbook).
Second Class Scout
The second rank in Scouting requires more work on and knowledge of camping, first aid, etc. Scouts can aim to receive this rank at the second or third C of H. Rank badges are only changed at a C of H (See pages 63 -109 & 440).
First Class Scout
The third rank in Scouting, requiring advanced knowledge, of camping, food preparation, first aid, survival, rescue and leadership. This is considered a critical point in a Scout’s career, because once received a Scout has learnt to be self sufficient in the outdoors and has learnt the basic skills of teamwork, participation and following a Patrol leader. The Scout is well on the way to improving the full range of Scouting Spirit, and the other Scouts will all agree – He’s a good Scout!
Troop 130 Scouts are generally active in many other outside pursuits, and some travel back to their home nations in the summer holidays. Troop 130 therefore meets once a fortnight and is quiet during the summer months, so for Troop 130 Scouts we aim to encourage a scout to be First Class within two years of joining Scouts.
Again, the rank badge will only be changed at the end of term Court of Honour (See pages 111- 165 & 442).
Star Rank
The fourth rank in Scouting is more demanding Scouts are now required to take part in service projects, take on a leadership role to advance and earn Merit Badges, including four Eagle required Merit Badges. The new rank and badges will only be changed at C of H (See pages 1 57 -183 & 444).
Life Rank
This is the fifth and last rank before Eagle, when the requirements are more precise and involve more effort on the part of the Scout. Scouts are required to earn Merit Badges including three more Eagle required badges, work on service projects and have a position of responsibility in the Troop. The rank and badge will be changed at the next C of H (See pages 157 – 183 & 445).
Eagle Rank
The highest rank a Scout can achieve and the goal that most Scouts aim for. Scouts are required to have earned at least 21 Merit Badges including the 12 Eagle required badges, prepare and carry out an Eagle project and hold a position of responsibility within the Troop. All the requirements must be completed before the Scout’s 18th birthday (See pages 157 – 183 & 446).
Moving through the Ranks
Once a Scout has completed all the requirements of the next rank he will have a meeting (‘Scoutmaster’s Conference’) with either the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster. They will discuss his progress towards the next rank and the knowledge he has gained. They will review the requirements to advance and the Scout will be asked questions to confirm that the skills and knowledge acquired has been retained and crucially, that the fundamental importance of showing scout spirit is understood.
The speed of advancement is up to the individual. The requirements for each rank are in the Handbook. To advance, a scout will require help and assistance from parents, senior Scouts, PLs, SPL, Scoutmaster and Counsellors.
Scout Handbook
This is the Scout’s guidebook; required at all meetings, campouts etc. The handbook contains all the information a Scout needs to advance through the ranks, helpful advice and the records of all advancements are recorded in the handbook. This is supplied free of charge when a boy joins the Troop.
Scoutmaster’s Conference
Once a Scout has completed all the next rank requirements, he will have a meeting with either the Scoutmaster or assistant Scoutmaster. They will discuss his advancement and the knowledge he has gained and will ask questions or test the Scout on some of the requirements.
A Scout can request a Scoutmaster Conference at any time, even if the Scout is not ready to advance. The Scoutmaster schedules this as soon as practical and will clearly explain to the Scout what else is needed. This may be a technical skill such as tying a knot or first aid, or it may be that the Scout needs to work on a part of Scout Spirit such as cheerfulness or teamwork.
Boards of Review (B of R)
This is a meeting used to evaluate the Scout and used to confirm the Scout is ready to advance, so giving the Scout the opportunity to think on his feet and to respond verbally to questions relating to his rank, attitude to Scouting and involvement in the Troop. It is not a re-testing of his knowledge of scouting.
If the Board of Review agrees with the Scoutmaster, then this is the date when the new rank starts. Troop 130 typically asks parents and experienced adults to meet for these Board’s of review three times a year, shortly before each Court of Honour. Eagle Board of review are individually organised with five adults, including oversight from external people.
Board of Review – Scouts
Once a Scout has completed all the requirements for his next rank and has passed his Scoutmaster conference, he goes before the Board of Review, consisting of three committee members and parents. The Board of Review will confirm if the Scout is ready to advance. He is required to pass this board to receive his next rank. See Annex 3.
Board of Review – Parents
A Board of Review requires a minimum of three adults, normally committee members and parents of other Scouts. The board discusses and asks questions about the Scout’s knowledge of Scouting and his requirements for the next rank. Parents sitting on a board are briefed before on their roles and the type of questions to ask. Further detail on management of Boards of Review is included in Annex 3.
Merit Badges
Troop 130 has an active merit badge programme, particularly aimed at scouts of First class rank and above. Scouts below first class rank are generally encouraged to sample occasional merit badges, but are not expected to wholly focus on these. Troop 130 expects Scouts not yet First Class to focus on basic Scouting skills and the basics of the Scout oath and law. The Scoutmaster’s permission is required before scouts can begin a merit badge.
There are over 100 Merit Badges available to choose from. Of those, there are 12 specific ones required for the rank of Eagle. Merit Badges are all earned with the guidance of a Merit Badge Counsellor (See pages185 – 193 in the Handbook). See Annex 4.
Merit Badge Counsellor
This is an adult leader or parent, who volunteers to guide the Scouts to complete the requirements for the badges of their choice. The Counsellor does not have to be an expert on the subject as assistance is available. Counsellors must always have a minimum of two Scouts present whilst working on badges and badge instruction must always be offered on a troop-wide basis. See Annex 4