Advancement and Awards
Advancement is one of the methods used to achieve Scouting’s aims—character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. The advancement program is designed to help the Cub Scout achieve these aims and aid in his personal growth.
WHAT IS ADVANCEMENT?
Advancement is the process by which a boy progresses from badge to badge, learning new skills as he goes. The Cub Scout advancement program is designed to encourage the natural interests of a boy. Each of the ranks and awards in Cub Scouting (Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light) has its own requirements. As a boy advances through the ranks, requirements get progressively more challenging, matching the increased skills and abilities of a boy as he grows older.
Advancement gives boys a means of measuring their progress. They learn skills based on a standard that Cub Scouting provides. Credit is given to the Tiger or Cub Scout for each requirement when the adult partner (Tigers), den leader, and/or Webelos adventure counselor is satisfied that the boy has done his best.
Advancement provides a satisfying means of recognizing boys for their progress. Boys have a ladder to climb, with recognition at each step. Presenting awards to boys in meaningful ceremonies to recognize their accomplishments is a principle of advancement.
Advancement is not competition among boys. Each Cub Scout is encouraged to advance steadily and purposefully, setting his own goals with guidance from his family and leaders. Measurement for satisfying requirements is “do your best,” and that level can be different for each boy.
HOW THE ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM WORKS
The success of the advancement program depends entirely on how Cub Scout leaders and parents apply it. Careful research has gone into developing the advancement program, but den and pack leaders and families make advancement really work in the dens, in the home, and, most importantly, in the lives of boys.
How Fast Should a Boy Advance?
A boy’s approach to advancement progress will depend on two factors:
► His own motivation for learning new skills, the encouragement and help he gets fom his family, and his need for recognition
► The den leader’s preparation for and presentation of advancement activities in the den meetings
The den meeting plans outlined in the rank den leader guides are structured so that a den that begins meeting at the start of the school year and meets as a den at least twice per month will advance its boys around the time of the blue and gold banquet, assuming the boy attends all meetings. If a boy cannot attend all meetings, the den leader should help ensure that boy and his family make up the missed activities.
Advancement is the process by which a boy progresses from badge to badge, learning new skills as he goes. The Cub Scout advancement program is designed to encourage the natural interests of a boy. Each of the ranks and awards in Cub Scouting (Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light) has its own requirements. As a boy advances through the ranks, requirements get progressively more challenging, matching the increased skills and abilities of a boy as he grows older.
Advancement gives boys a means of measuring their progress. They learn skills based on a standard that Cub Scouting provides. Credit is given to the Tiger or Cub Scout for each requirement when the adult partner (Tigers), den leader, and/or Webelos adventure counselor is satisfied that the boy has done his best.
Advancement provides a satisfying means of recognizing boys for their progress. Boys have a ladder to climb, with recognition at each step. Presenting awards to boys in meaningful ceremonies to recognize their accomplishments is a principle of advancement.
Advancement is not competition among boys. Each Cub Scout is encouraged to advance steadily and purposefully, setting his own goals with guidance from his family and leaders. Measurement for satisfying requirements is “do your best,” and that level can be different for each boy.
HOW THE ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM WORKS
The success of the advancement program depends entirely on how Cub Scout leaders and parents apply it. Careful research has gone into developing the advancement program, but den and pack leaders and families make advancement really work in the dens, in the home, and, most importantly, in the lives of boys.
How Fast Should a Boy Advance?
A boy’s approach to advancement progress will depend on two factors:
► His own motivation for learning new skills, the encouragement and help he gets fom his family, and his need for recognition
► The den leader’s preparation for and presentation of advancement activities in the den meetings
The den meeting plans outlined in the rank den leader guides are structured so that a den that begins meeting at the start of the school year and meets as a den at least twice per month will advance its boys around the time of the blue and gold banquet, assuming the boy attends all meetings. If a boy cannot attend all meetings, the den leader should help ensure that boy and his family make up the missed activities.