Scout advancement is driven by the Scout himself.

It is well known, however, that Scouts whose parents/guardians encourage them and track what is needed to achieve the next rank or badges are much more successful in the Scouting program.

Scouts and parents are highly encouraged become familiar with the ranks of Scouting as well as the specific requirements for each rank. The best way to do this is to read the Scout Handbook (yes, cover to cover) and get in the habit of making sure a Scout leader records the date of completion for each specific requirement in the Scout Handbook.

But, keep in mind that the recording of the completion dates in the Scout Handbook is merely the tracking tool for the Scout himself. 

To achieve official rank advancement, the completion dates must be formally recognized by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and that only occurs when completion dates are recorded with the Troop Advancement Coordinator.  Thus, Scouts are expected to present their Scout Handbooks on a regular basis to their Troop Advancement Coordinator (who will record the information into an electronic system that transmits the completion dates to the BSA).

Scouts should also learn to ask adult leaders for guidance and help in their advancement.  So Scouts:  Please ask adult leaders if you have questions about your rank advancement, when you are ready for a Scoutmaster Conference or Board of Review, or how to make sure your achievements recorded with the Boy Scouts of America.

All of these things can be taken care of at regular Troop Meetings or during any Scout activity or camp.

Scouts themselves make sure they advance through the ranks at the speed they desire.

For example, each Scout should read and follow their Scout Handbook and feel free at any time to let a Troop adult (other than their parent) know when they are ready to test on specific requirements toward rank advancement.  This is all part of growing individual responsibility and leadership skills in each Scout.

Scouting is an early lesson in individual responsibility, which is the primary difference between Cub Scouts (adult led) and Boy Scouts (boy led).  Quality adult leaders promote individual responsibility and leadership roles, even for the youngest members of the Troop.

Let's remember Baden Powell's philosophy that Scouting is "Fun with a Purpose."  In Boy Scouts, boys are allowed to take on leadership roles and along with that comes the possibility that they may occasionally make mistakes. 

As hard as it can be at times for the adults to watch, the Scouts need space to both succeed and occasionally fail. One example is a recent Scout who had to redo the 90-day requirement for Personal Management because he failed to keep good records the first time around. He wasn't happy, and it might have been easy for the adult leader to "call it good."  But, adults don't do kids any favors by giving them a false sense of security that someone will always make it better for them when they fail to do their part.  The right thing to do was for the Scout to redo the requirement and earn the badge faithfully. In this way, the Scout also learned the consequence of not making good choices along the way.

Adult leadership in the Scouting program has the responsibility to set the correct example (not show it's okay to "let things slide"), to help guide the Scouts in developing quality behaviors and skills, and oversee that the Troop boy-leadership is progressing in a positive, long-term direction.

At Troop 77, the Scouts and adults alike are committed to adhering to the Scout oath, making Scouting fun for everyone, and keeping the Troop focused on a common, positive purpose.

Each Troop has an Advancement Coordinator (Mary O'Malley for Troop 77) who uses a computer program to record and submit rank advancement completion dates to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).

Scouts need to bring their Scout Handbook to EVERY meeting/outing so things can be recorded as the are done, and not after the fact.

Scouts should regularly present their Scout Handbook to the Troop Advancement Coordinator so completion dates can be updated to system and reported to the BSA.  

Before a boy requests a Board of Review the boy should confirm that the Advancement Chair agrees that they have completed all the requirements and participation expectations for the desired rank, usually this is done by showing the advancement chair their book so it can be confirmed and updated in troopmaster. They then should get with the Scoutmaster (preferable), or one of the ASM's for their scoutmaster conference. they will be given a form at that point that is signed by the person completing the scoutmaster conference to take to the Board of Review, to be signed by each member of the board of review, then the scout turns that form into the Advancement Chair for recording of  the rank earned.

Scoutbook is an electronic tool that provides a great way to track Scout advancement, activities, training, and more!

Each year upon payment of dues, Scouts are activated in Scoutbook and both Scouts and parents are immediately eligible to receive a username and password for Scoutbook.  Scoutbook comes in two flavors: a mobile app for those who want to track Scout activity on their phone, and a web version for those who prefer to use a computer to access Scout tracking information.

Tracking the 
Scouting Experience 
from Tiger to 
Eagle Scout

From the first knot tied to final hours of service performed, the Scouting experience is a journey like no other. Scoutbook ensures not a moment is missed - tracking advancement, milestone achievements and all the fun along the way. 

Click here to watch a video of how Scoutbook can improve your Scouting experience.

ANY registered troop 77 adult (Committee/SM/ASM) can sign off on handbook advancement at this time. Some revisions to this may be made soon. Older scouts are welcome to test younger scouts and then ask an adult to sign off on them. A skill cannot be signed off on the same week/day that the skill is taught. 

Is your son having fun and learning, even if this is not showing up as progress through the ranks?

As we all know, different scouts progress at different rates but only the ones that are enjoying the meetings and outings stay with the program. We have seen the ones that push ahead as fast as possible with a single focus on Eagle, then we never see them again. We have also seen ones like Boy X that spent several summer camps playing with the bubbles, looking for snakes and having a great time. Of course, mom was not happy that none of his badges were finished. Then there was the memorable summer when he suddenly stepped forward and was one of the strongest leaders in that summer's contingent, served as Patrol Leader at Mackinac Island and worked hard to finish his Eagle requirements. Boy Y
and Z followed a different route. Y rapidly made Life, then went to Philmont with the Council, Boundary Waters with the Council and returned to Philmont for three weeks with the OA. He turned in his Eagle paperwork the day before his 18th birthday. Z went to Philmont and the National Jamoree and had a lot of fun before deciding HE wanted Eagle, not just his parents. He skipped a trip to Dorchester to finish his project and turned in his paperwork the last possible day. My suspicion is Boy X, Y and Z truely enjoyed their scouting experience more than the scouts that only did it for an Eagle Badge.

Class A uniform is preferred for Board of Review. This means buttoned, tucked in uniform shirts, neckerchief, clean face.

They should have handbook open to rank checklist, know why your there, etc. 

Prepare the area for review. set up chairs, ask adults to review you. 

Relax. this is not a pass/fail thing. if the scoutmaster has concerns about the scout advancing they should be addressed in the scoutmaster conference or before. 

NOTE: the board of review is a check on the SM/ASM's as much as it is on the scout.

A Board of Review must have a minimum of 3 adults. Two of the adults must be registered Troop Committee members. The third adult can be ANY troop 77 adult who is available. You can't do a Board of Review on your own child.

Yes to a point. Parents need to understand that participation in activities, campouts and service projects are required to earn ranks. Specifically Second Class rank requires a boys must have attended 2 of such events (troop meetings don't count)since joining the troop and First Class rank requires a total of 3 such events. Scouts are required to make 20 events to earn their Eagle. Attending weekly meetings is very important but so are the additional offerings.

A "troop adult" is any adult which has a child active in the troop or is a background checked volunteer. You do not need to be a registered Troop Committee Member or attend Troop Committee meetings in order to fill a "troop adult" role for a Board of Review. Troop Committee Members or Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmasters can sign off on advancement requirements.

As of 9-28-11 Troop 77 will pay the annual BSA registration/insurance fee for all interested adults who desire to be active with Troop 77 and are willing to join the Troop Committee. They must complete the initial adult BSA registration form and participate in the background checking process.

The Troop 77 leader who completes the re-chartering paperwork/renewal for the new year, each December, should feel comfortable dropping the registration for any adult who has drifted away/become inactive. The individual dropped would need to complete a new application/background check in order to join the Troop Committee again.

4th Wednesday of the Even Months and others as needed.

All of the boy leadership from top to bottom and patrol leaders should plan on attending. This is where the BOYS decide on programming for meetings, outings, and most everything in regards to program, and having input on fundraisers and such. Please be there !

The Patrol Leader is elected by the patrol and leads the patrol.

      Qualifications:

·       Second Class rank or higher (Exception: There is no rank requirement for the Patrol Leader for a new scout patrol)

·       Must be approved by the Scoutmaster

·       Elected by the members of the patrol

·       May not serve three consecutive terms (Exception: May run for a third term if there are only one or zero candidates)

Reports to: The Senior Patrol Leader

Patrol Leader expectations:

·       Plan and lead patrol meetings and activities.

·       Keep patrol members informed.

·       Create a duty roster for each camping trip.

·       Help patrol members succeed in their assigned duties

·       Represent the patrol at all Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) meetings. Attendance expectation 65%

·       Make sure Assistant Patrol Leader attends any meeting/activity he will not be able to attend.

·       Prepares the patrol to take part in all troop activities.

·       Develop patrol spirit.

·       Participate in outings. Attendance expectation 65%

·       Attend troop meetings. Attendance expectation 65%

·       Work with other troop leaders to make the troop run well.

·       Know what patrol members and other leaders can do.

·       Set a good example.

·       Wear the field uniform (class A) correctly to all regular troop meetings and religious services.

·       Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

·       Show Scout spirit.

Troop 77 has limited scholarship funds available for families who need financial assistance with summer camp and/or Michigan International Camporee fees. Requests need to be directed to Scoutmaster or Treasurer. Troop will pay up to half of fee providing that boy has been fully participating in fundraising opportunities offered by the troop. 

In addition, if we have the funds available we will pay for up to half of a scouts NYLT tuition, and half of a registered adults IOLS and WoodBadge tuition. Other Advanced training for either scouts or scouters are paid for as funds are available. 

 In the end it doesn't matter, however we recommend spending a little extra and getting the stainless steel version. It is much easier to keep clean. Boys also need a knife, fork and spoon which are also sold as a set. Each boy needs to have a mess kit for troop outings. Be sure he uses a permanent marker to label each part. Any adults that come on outings should have a mess kit as well.

When a boy takes his turn as Grubmaster for an outing he is required to do the shopping for his patrol. Generally these are specially put together patrols based on who is attended the outing rather than our regular patrols. His patrol will gather at a meeting before the outing and plan their menu. Grubmaster needs to take home a troop cooler for the items which need to be kept cold. Grubmaster will go shopping with a parent. Budget is $10.00/boy. Grubmaster can present receipt to Troop Treasurer for reimbursement at the next regular meeting. Any snacks, desserts, etc. purchased with Grubmaster funds need to be made available to all the boys in the patrol.

As of 9-28-11 Troop 77 will continue to ask troop adults to pay for any direct expenses associated with adult participation at all outings and activities, ie. Canoe rental, Climb Kalamazoo, snow tubing. Adults will not be charged for food or group campsite expenses if we are tent camping.

As of 9-28-11 Troop 77 will be charging any adult attending a cabin camping outing $10 payable to the Troop Treasurer.

At the Spring Court of Honor, Volunteers from the tri-county area come to speak with our group about the true costs of scouting. The Chief Okemos District will invest $210 per youth member to provide one year of Scouting programs. Donations are an optional investment and can be paid at the time of the presentation or pledged for payments throughout the year. Many employers have matching funds and volunteer hour programs that can benefit the Chief Okemos District.