bsa guide to advancement 2020
the 2019 Guide to Advancement including the removal of Varsity Scouting references. January 1, 2021 - Scouts BSA - a number of changes have been made to Scouts BSA rank requirements. Cub Scouts can continue to work on their current den’s advancement through July 31, 2020. A. Extensions are considered only for Scouts who are Life rank. Please send additional questions to advancement.team@scouting.org Advancement — Cub Scouts - As of April 20, 2020 Cub Scouting/Scouts BSA/Venturing/Sea Scouting Rank Advancement and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) The following questions regarding advancement have arisen as we deal with closures, cancellations, or other issues caused by the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). A: Yes. Extensions shall only be granted to youth in Scouts BSA who have already achieved Life rank. 2.0.0.2 Advancement Is Based on Experiential Learning. BSA Guide to Advancement Extension of the Age Requirement (GTA 9.0.4.0) provides the five tests to be considered when reviewing extension requests. It is referenced throughout the answers provided here. 2.0.0.3 Personal Growth Is the Primary Goal. By employing common sense and creative solutions, many requirements–even Scoutmaster conferences–can be fulfilled through videoconferencing or telephone calls. Both remain authorized methods to record merit badge work. Click here to download these Questions and Answers. As explained in more detail below, this change aligns the Venturing advancement program with the Scouts BSA and Sea Scouting advancement programs. The Guide to Advancement (Section 9.0.2.14) is clear “All Eagle Scout service projects constitute official Scouting activity and thus are subject to Boy Scouts of America policies and procedures. Parents or guardians may send advancement work on behalf of their child. A: Scouting units should use ScoutBook to record and track advancement. When the requirement’s intent cannot be reached virtually, the requirements cannot be completed, and the Scout must wait to complete that badge/requirement. Scouting at Home - Link to ideas of activities to stay active in Scouting while units are not actively meeting face-to-face. Every unit has certain advancement responsibilities as listed in the BSA . A: Youth should continue to work on advancement in so far as they are able—e.g., independently, or over the phone or videoconference—and at Scouting activities once they resume. 5. Q: How can advancement be tracked remotely? The tests were designed to accommodate such obstacles as those presented by COVID-19 disruptions. This is to provide any additional time a Cub Scout needs to complete their badge of rank; if they earn their badge of rank prior to July 31, 2020, they may advance to the next rank. Guidelines for Advancement … COVID-19 Advancement Questions and Answers, BAC Additional Guidance for Videoconference Boards of Review, Spirit of Adventure Council’s New England Base Camp Online, Schapiro Scout Service Center (Council headquarters), Cub Scout Adventure Box - Instructional Videos, Registration and Advancement for Scouts with Special Needs, Scout Service, Support, and Suggestion Page, Fees: for Registration, Insurance and Boys' Life. 2.0.0.1 It Is a Method—Not an End in Itself. Normally granted only in rare circumstances, the BSA and its local councils will allow extensions for Life Scouts needing more time to finish their Eagle Scout requirements. Service Project Workbook but be saved to your desktop before you can use. Please send additional questions to advancement.team@scouting.org All Scouting Programs. The following questions regarding advancement have arisen as we deal with closures, cancellations, or other issues caused by the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Aims of Scouting – Character development – Citizenship training – Mental and physical fitness Advancement is one of the eight methods 2. To track advancement remotely, parents should: 1) Connect with their child’s member profile via an invitation that the unit leader sends within ScoutBook. A: Yes. Q: If youth have already received an extension, can they request additional time due to COVID-19? BSA Scouting at Home - Link to BSA website with info for. Purchased kits will begin shipping the week of June 15th. This is to provide any additional time a Cub Scout needs to complete their badge of rank; if they earn their badge of rank prior to July 31, 2020, they may advance to the next rank. Please follow this link to the Guide to Advancement (GTA), which remains the primary source for information related to Scouts BSA advancement. Q: If my den is behind in advancement due to COVID-19, can my Cub Scout continue to work on advancement through the summer? We strongly encourage that parents use the Scouting App or ScoutBook to record completion of their child’s requirements. 5. – The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Home Calendar Contact Us Smoke Signals. Questions and Answers Cub Scouting/Scouts BSA/Venturing/Sea Scouting Rank Advancement and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) The following questions regarding advancement have arisen as we deal with closures, cancellations, or other issues caused by the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). May 1, 2019 – Topic 4.0.0.2 - Added endorsement of Scoutbook as preferred method of electronic advancement … The Scout plans their advancement and progresses at their own pace as they meet each challenge. If youth are registered and unable to meet the expectations of their positions because of COVID-19 disruptions, then units may need to waive or rethink the expectations. Click HERE. Venturing Advancement Cub Scouts can continue to work on their current den’s advancement through July 31, 2020. 410-420-4090. Unit review/approval of Eagle or Summit Project Proposals: Project proposal reviews may be conducted using web video conferencing. Some other Scouting programs require completion of some merit badge requirements without earning the merit badge. Councils may grant Eagle/Summit/Quartermaster boards of review up to six months after the youth’s 18th/21st birthday. BSA Home > Resources > Guide to Advancement 2019 > The Mechanics of Advancement > Mechanics of Advancement in Scouts BSA. Q: Will youth who are not yet Life Scouts be allowed to apply for an extension to earn the Eagle Scout rank? Project proposal reviews may be conducted using web video conferencing. Through July 31, 2020, parents and other adults in the Cub Scout’s family, may sign off on Webelos and Arrow of Light requirements. A: Yes, registered merit badge counselors or Nova counselors/Supernova mentors may work with youth using digital platforms, ensuring that all youth protection measures noted in the Guide to Safe Scouting and BSA’s social media guidelines are in place. A: Yes. If you select to pick up your kit at a council service center, you will receive an email when it is ready to be picked up. It can be established that COVID-19 disruptions were the only circumstances that delayed work on Eagle Scout/Summit/Quartermaster advancement requirements, such as the service project or merit badges. All rights reserved. Go to https://help.scoutbook.com to learn more about how to start using ScoutBook and how to connect parents to their Scouts. Scouting at Home - Link to ideas of activities to stay active in Scouting while units are not actively meeting face-to-face. The decision to grant or deny those applications is made by the National Advancement Lake Erie Council Scouting at Home - use this link to reach, Instructional videos and video taped live events, Plus Self-Guided Activities for BSA Programs, Spirit of Adventure Council’s New England Base Camp Online - use this link to reach, Alamo Area Council - use this link to reach, ScoutShare - use this link to reach the ScoutShare site, 701 Wyman Park | Baltimore MD | 21211 It is possible, however, that as of Jan. 1, 2021, COVID-19 could become a circumstance that warrants an extension if it qualifies under the three tests listed in 9.0.4.0, below. A: No. Scouts BSA provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. Cimarron Council, BSA © 2000 - 2020. council@cimarronbsa.org (580) 234-3652 As a reminder, all requirements must be completed while the individual is a registered member of Scouts BSA, or as a member of a Venturing crew or a Sea Scouts ship after achieving First Class in Scouts BSA, per the Guide to Advancement. Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation 1929 Susquehanna Hall Road | Whiteford, MD | 21160 It is referenced throughout the answers provided here. Leader Guides A variety of Leader Guide's are available to assist parents and leaders in their Scouting efforts. A: Yes. 2.0.0.4 The Methods of Scouting. 3. BAC Eagle Application Processing - use this link to reach the BAC process for handling Eagle Applications during the COVID-19 restrictions. A: Yes. If youth are registered and in good standing, a disruption from COVID-19 virus can be the “noteworthy circumstance” that prevents participation. Advancement Updates. 3) The Scouting app provides parents the ability to report any advancement that was completed at home. If approved, the notification must be attached to the youth’s Eagle/Summit/Quartermaster rank application. 33088 - SKU 648216) and 2020 Scouts BSA Requirements (Publication No. Q: How can advancement be tracked remotely? Q: Does the National Council grant extensions of time to complete rank requirements beyond the 18th birthday for the Eagle or 21st birthday for Summit or Quartermaster? Ensure to maintain two-deep leadership throughout the virtual meeting: follow youth protection guidelines. 1929 Susquehanna Hall Road | Whiteford, MD | 21160 Q: What should be done while an extension request is being considered? Extensions also are available for Venturers needing to finish Summit Award requirements and Sea Scouts needing to finish Quartermaster Award re… Q: May parents sign off on Webelos and Arrow of Light requirements? Council Scout executives may grant extensions, or delegate authority to the Council Advancement Committee to grant extensions under the limitations listed above. Q: May time missed due to canceled unit meetings count toward active participation requirements? A: Yes, but only for the Eagle Scout rank as described in GTA Topic 9.0.4.0 or for Venturing Summit or Sea Scout Quartermaster as described in GTA Topic 4.3.3.0. Scouts BSA, … Advancement Defined. Council Strategic Plan & Journey to Excellence, Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award Banquet, 2019 Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award Banquet, CGC Social Media/Web Requirements & Guidelines, Grants & Scholarships with Pilot International. A: Yes. If, once a Scout achieves Life rank, it turns out that COVID-19 disruptions along the way have left them with insufficient time to complete Eagle requirements, then this may be cited when the time comes to submit an extension request. See GTA Topic 4.2.3.4, “Positions of Responsibility,” with its six subtopics. In addition to youth protection, the advancement guidelines in GTA Section 7 are required. Section 2. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. A written response stating the outcome of the extension request must go to the youth. 33216 - SKU 653801) are the official Boy Scouts of America sources on Scouts BSA advancement … From the National Boy Scouts of America. Cub Scouts can continue to work on their current den’s advancement through July 31, 2020. Cub Scouts. COVID-19 Advancement Questions and Answers - use this link to reach the BSA FAQ page with questions/answers about advancement, extensions, boards of review, and more. Extension requests for more than 3 months beyond the youth’s 18th/21st birthday must be sent to the National Service Center following the process outlined in the GTA. However, due to the current situation—effective immediately and through September 30, 2020—council Scout executives may grant extensions, or delegate authority to the Council Advancement Committee to grant extensions under the following limitations: 1. To track advancement remotely, parents should: 1. Ensure to maintain two-deep leadership throughout the virtual meeting: follow youth protection guidelines. Scoutbook is a part of the BSA Internet Advancement system, which means that entering an advancement record in Scoutbook is the same as entering it in Internet Advancement. Anyone with a BSA member ID automatically has access to a Scoutbook account through their my.scouting account. Although there are difficulties and constraints, advancement can … This is to provide any additional time a Cub Scout needs to complete their badge of rank; if they earn their badge of rank prior to July 31, 2020, they may advance to the next rank. Updates to Scouts BSA Advancement Requirements due to continued effects of COVID-19. Through July 31, 2020, parents and other adults in the Cub Scout’s family, may sign off on Webelos and Arrow of Light requirements. Go to. If any other causes were involved, the extension request must go to the National Council following the process outlined in the GTA. A: Youth may take a picture of their completed activity/requirement and share the work with unit leaders. To view the complete information, related changes to the Guide to Advancement, and forms to use, […] Request for Extension of Time to Earn Eagle, Summit or Quartermaster Ranks Update: Feb 22, 2021 Effective January 1, 2021, BSA will allow local councils to grant limited extensions of time to complete Eagle, Summit, or Quartermaster rank requirements. Although there are difficulties and constraints, advancement can continue. Please follow this link to the Guide to Advancement (GTA), which remains the primary source for information related to Scouts BSA advancement. Electronic or digital signatures will be accepted through September 30, 2020. If meetings or activities are canceled or limited, youth should continue to work on requirements as far as possible. This policy has been in place for many years and is explained in GTA Topic 4.2.3.1. BAC Additional Guidance for Videoconference Boards of Review - use this link to reach the BAC Process for implementing Videoconference Boards of Review during COVID-19 restrictions. Q: Can merit badge requirements be adapted since some elements can’t be completed as stated right now? BSA Scouting at Home - Link to BSA website with info for A: Scouting units should use ScoutBook to record and track advancement. Extension requests for more than 3 months beyond the youth’s 18th/21st birthday must be sent to the National Service Center following the process outlined in the GTA. On December 15, 2020, BSA released advance copies of 5 sections of the 2021 Guide to Advancement, with the following notice: Effective January 1, 2021, local councils will have the authority to grant limited extensions of time to complete Eagle, Quartermaster, or Summit requirements. Additionally the FAQs provides guidelines to allow Scouts BSA advancement to continue during the COVID-19 restriction. Guide to Advancement: 3.0.0.3 Unit Advancement Responsibilities . 4. Youth, parents, and leaders should work together to implement creative, common sense ways to facilitate advancement while adhering to the Guide to Safe Scouting and following the rules of Youth Protection training. Youth, parents, and leaders should work together to implement creative, common sense ways to facilitate advancement while adhering to the Guide to Safe Scouting and following the rules of Youth Protection training. Internet Advancement / Scoutbook; Journey to Excellence Journey to Excellence is the BSA's council performance recognition program designed to encourage and reward success, and measure the performance of our units, districts, and councils. Q: Can merit badge counseling or Nova/Supernova counseling be done using digital technologies like Zoom or WebEx? Q: Are extensions required when an Eagle/Summit/Quartermaster board of review must be delayed? Note from Mayflower Council: Council Advancement Committees have been told that after Dec. 31, 2020, there is no plan to authorize COVID-19 extensions as has been allowed during 2020. Scoutmaster conferences: Scoutmaster Conferences may be held using web video conferencing. Some relate specifically to the Eagle Scout Service Project and Eagle Scout Boards of Review. Q: Are electronic or digital signatures acceptable for rank advancement or for the Eagle/Summit/Quartermaster packets/applications? the process described in sections 9.0.4.0 and 9.0.4.1 of the Guide to Advancement 2019. January 10, 2021: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Merit Badge - the introduction of this badge, which was supposed to come out on January 1 and be required for Eagle after May 1, has been put "on hold" until further notice. Note: A “month” in BSA advancement is defined as a day from one month to the next. Scoutmaster Conferences may be held using web video conferencing. Upon turning 18, the Scout must submit a completed adult application and successfully complete YPT; their participant code will now be UP for SBSA or VP for Venturing and Sea Scouting. In keeping with Youth Protection Training policies, all communications from youth should be sent to at least two adults. Bill_W Note: This section of the guide pertains to the path to Eagle Scout. Scouts BSA - Science activities, other fun, and 58 merit badges that can be worked at home - make sure to have a counselor! (443) 573-2500, Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation Updates to Scouts BSA Advancement Requirements due to continued effects of COVID-19. In those cases, the request must begin with a letter and proceed through the normal steps as described in the Guide. GTA. 2) Once a connection is made, the parent should use the Scouting app, found in both the App Store and Google Play, to stay connected with their unit. Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts Q: May merit badge requirements or rank requirements be modified? Just as youth must not be held to unestablished expectations, they must not be held to expectations that are impossible to fulfill. Guide to Advancement 2019 Active Participation When there is a conflict between two published lists of requirements, such as Scouts BSA Requirements (BSA Publication No. For Eagle, the extension must not exceed 3 months from the youth’s 18th birthday; for Summit/Quartermaster, the extension must not exceed 3 months from the youth’s 21st birthday. This is to provide any additional time a Cub Scout needs to complete their badge of rank; if they earn their badge of rank prior to July 31, 2020, they may advance to the next rank. Q: Can merit badge requirements be adapted since some elements can’t be completed as stated right now?The published guidelines for the methodology of the merit badge program and the role of the merit badge counselor is found in the Guide to Advancement, Section 7.0.0.0. Q: Does a Scout need a hard copy of a Blue Card when working on merit badges? Internet Advancement allows you to enter youth advancements, awards, and merit badges and perform the following actions: Select members from your existing roster, Review, update, or add ranks, merit badges, and/or awards, Access an online Review Unit Roster feature and the Unit Advancement Summary, Print an Advancement Report with a Unit Awards Summary to assist in purchasing. 701 Wyman Park | Baltimore MD | 21211 (443) 573-2500. Once a connection is made, the parent should use the Scouting app, found in both the App Store and Google Play, to stay connected with their unit. BSA Guide to Advancement Extension of the Age Requirement (GTA 9.0.4.0) provides the five tests to be considered when reviewing extension requests. Connect with their child’s member profile via an invitation that the unit leader sends within ScoutBook. The Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence, grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others. Scouts BSA Advancement The Scout advancement plan allows the Scout to plan and progress at his own pace. Baltimore Area Council. Q: May time missed due to canceled unit meetings count toward position of responsibility requirements? Scouts BSA Advancement. The Guide to Advancement - 2019 and 2020 Scouts BSA Requirements are the official Boy Scouts of America sources on Boy Scout advancement procedures. Ensure to maintain two-deep leadership throughout the virtual meeting: follow youth protection guidelines. A: Normally, that is not allowed. Q: How can a youth continue to work on advancement requirements if they don’t have internet or high-speed internet for videoconferencing? Ensure to maintain two-deep leadership throughout the virtual meeting: follow youth protection guidelines. Although there are difficulties and constraints, advancement can continue. 3. 2. Q: Will virtual camping count toward Order of the Arrow nights camping? Q: Does a Scout need a hard copy of a Blue Card when working on merit badges?No. 2020 Bert Adams Scout Camp Webelos Requirements Covered We follow the BSA’s Guide to Advancement that states, “For Webelos and Arrow of Light ranks, the den leader signs for approval of all requirements, unless the den leader delegates this responsibility” Further, we believe that “advancement performance in Cub Scouting is centered Section 3. Unit leadership must become familiar with the five tests under 9.0.4.0. A: Yes. The Scouting app provides parents the ability to report any advancement that was complet… STEM kit, 2' nylon rope, and a BSA knot guide. It is important to remember that leaders and merit badge counselors must not make additions or deletions to requirements. This includes those who will be staying … 3) The Scouting app provides parents the ability to report any advancement that was completed at home. All requirements must be completed as written. © 2019 Baltimore Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. Merit badge counselors signing off on requirements must determine to the best of their ability if the Scout has demonstrated the intended outcome.All existing youth protection policies and digital safety guidelines must be followed. For example, March 5 to April 5. No, virtual camping will not count toward the 15 nights camping required for membership in the Order of the Arrow. A: Yes. Click, BSA Guide to Advancement Extension of the Age Requirement, Cub Scouts - activities Cub Scouts can do at home. Upon completion of The Fundamentals of Training, new trainers will be able to apply the techniques they have learned across the BSA’s leadership development programs, from unit level … The authority for councils to grant this extension is effective immediately and continues through Sept. 30, 2020. At the end there is the Extension Request Form for those who need it. 1.0.4.6 Special Needs Scouting. See GTA Topic 8.0.3.1, “Eagle Scout Board of Review Beyond the 18th Birthday.” See also, GTA Topic 8.0.1.6, “Boards of Review Through Videoconferencing.”. A: Yes. Since the introduction of Scoutbook, the BSA has offered Scouts two ways of recording merit badge requirement completion: The Blue Card and Scoutbook. This web page shows the revisions made to requirements for ranks, merit badges and other advancement opportunities, in the 2020 edition of Scouts BSA Requirements General Information The Guide to Advancement - 2019 (Publication No. We strongly encourage that parents use the Scouting App or ScoutBook to record completion of their child’s requirements. When the council receives a COVID-19-related request for a time extension, the council reviews the request and approves it if appropriate. The Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The Scout is expected to meet the requirements as stated; however, in some cases, virtual “visits” may fulfill the intent of a requirement. That’s why, as outlined in the Guide to Advancement (section 8.0.1.6), the BSA allows units to conduct boards of review by teleconferencing, using tools like Skype, Google Hangouts or Zoom. 2020—Camp Three Falls—Scouts BSA Leaders Guide 4 Paperwork Every camper, youth and adult, needs a BSA Health History Form, Parts A, B, and C, completely filled out with a medical pro-fessional’s dated signature. The authority for councils to grant extensions is temporary, lasting only through Sept. 30, 2020. A: No. Cub Scouts can continue to work on their current den’s advancement through July 31, 2020. Guide to Advancement. Scouts BSA, …