It’s not just merit badges! Scouting is Experiential Learning with a primary goal of personal growth. Advancement is the product of mentorship and youth relationships.
Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. Scouts plan their own advancement and progress at their own pace as they meet each challenge. Scouts are recognized and rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.
A Blue Card is the Application for Merit Badge.The document serves as a sort of passport while a Scout is working on a badge and then later as a permanent record.
- First, the Scout meets with the unit leader (or other designated adult leader) to get the names of one or more registered merit badge counselors who are approved to counsel the badge in question. At this meeting, the unit leader signs the front of the card.
- Next, the Scout (along with a buddy) meets with the counselor he or she selects to work on the requirements. When the counselor is satisfied that all requirements have been completed, he or she signs both the applicant’s and counselor’s records, keeping the counselor’s record.
- Finally, the Scout brings the rest of the card back to the unit leader, who signs the applicant’s record and retains the application itself.
Board of Review is an essential part of the Scout experience. The board of review is a chance for adults to talk with the Scout about what he’s done, what he’s learned, how has it helped him in his advancement and how he’s enjoying the program.
Scouts BSA Rank Requirements (also listed in your Scout Handbook)