Advancement
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In the rest of the world, the term "rank" refers to what BSA calls "office" or "position." This unique tradition has its roots in the first two decades of the BSA's history in which it did not use the Patrol System. A Troop was divided into Patrols, but Scoutmasters were instructed to keep the Patrol Leaders powerless. See especially "The Patrol Leader and the Scout Master" at:

http://inquiry.net/adult/methods/1st

Because Patrol Leaders were not included in the chain of command, it was easy for Americans to mistake the sequence of "awards" in Scouting (Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class) for the sequence of "ranks" in the military (Private, Corporal, Sergeant). 

However, for the Patrol System to work, the correct rank sequence in the Scouting chain of command is Patrol Leader, Troop Leader (or "Senior Patrol Leader"), Scoutmaster, etc.

In most Troops, this confusion between chain of command versus skills competency becomes apparent when it leads to challenging the Patrol Leader's authority because (for instance) any Star Scout "outranks" a First Class Patrol Leader.

I believe that even in his South African Constabulary, Baden-Powell's training sequence of "Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, 1st Class" did not replace military ranks (like Sergeant). The former were recognition of a military scout's understanding of military scouting skills, while a military scout's "rank" was based on his leadership abilities.

Note also that "Scoutmaster" and "Tenderfoot" are capitalized in the BSA, but even "senior patrol leader" is lower case, due again to the BSA's confusion of "ranks" with awards.

Advancement Ceremonies

A collection of Advancement ceremonies from various sources. 

In the early days of Scouting, a Scout was welcomed into his Troop with a formal ceremony called his "Investiture".  At this time he was awarded his Tenderfoot Badge, which was equivalent to our present "rank" of "Scout. "

Traditional Scouting Advancement

An Americanized version of the Tenderfoot through First Class Rank Advancement requirements as written by Baden-Powell.

"Climbing the Mountain"

A "Scoutmaster Minute" on Advancement by Ernest Thompson Seton

Birch Bark Roll Coups & Degrees

The Advancement scheme of the Woodcraft League of America, upon which Baden-Powel based Boy Scout Advancement.

Court of Honor Ceremony

By Rick Seymour

This is a Candle or Torch-Light Ceremony.  

Webelos Transition Plan

By Todd N. Tingblad

Tracking Sheets

These are various charts that I designed to organize the offering of requirements during the year.   Let me know if you find any errors.

See Also: 

Ideals: 

Scout Spirit Scavenger Hunt

Personal Growth: 

Learning Scout Law

Good Turn Test

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Additional Information:
[ Climbing the Mountain ] [ Woodcraft Badges ] [ 1st Class, 1927-1940 ] [ Woodcraft Coups&Degrees ] [ Advancement Ceremonies ] [ Tracking Sheets ] [ Webelos Transition ] [ Traditional Scouting ] [ Bushman's Cord ] [ Senior Scouts ] [ Do Program! ] [ Traditional Award Badges ] [ 1st Year Summer Camp ] [ TF-FC Requirements in 1911 ] [ Journey Requirements ]

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Last modified: January 31, 2012.