Advancing in rank helps expand a Scout’s horizons

Advancement is the process Scouts use to progress from rank to rank. It is one of several methods the Boy Scouts of America has developed to help leaders carry out Scouting’s aims and mission.

Everything done to advance—to earn ranks and other awards and recognition—is designed to educate or to otherwise expand a Scout’s horizons. From the time a member joins, he learns and develops according to defined standards. The same process applies as he moves from Cub Scouting to Scouting to  Venturing or Sea Scouts.

Experiential learning is key to meeting these standards. When Scouts are offered exciting and meaningful activities, education happens. Learning comes from doing. A boy may read about first aid, hear it discussed and watch others administer it, for example, but he will not learn it until he practices it himself.

Rushing through the requirements to obtain a badge is not the goal. Advancement should be a natural outcome of a well-rounded unit program, rich in opportunities to work toward the ranks.

The Advancement and Recognition Committee’s role

The National Capital Area Council’s Advancement and Recognition Committee (ARC) is responsible for serving our Scout’s advancement and recognition needs and providing guidance for Scouters who administer the program. Along with District ARCs, our Council’s ARC is tasked with ensuring adherence to the requirements established by the National Council and the NCAC.

Our Council’s committee includes chairs of the District ARCs and other volunteers. District ARCs are made up of the advancement representatives from each unit within that District.

Our Council’s ARC is advised by and reports to a professional staff advisor who provides coaching and guidance—especially as it relates to national policies and procedures. We work closely and in harmony with the other efforts and functions within the NCAC to deliver and support the Scouting program.

Scouts and Scouters with advancement and recognition related comments, issues, or concerns should first contact their District Advancement Chair for guidance or resolution.  As necessary, they will contact the correct individuals on the NCAC ARC for further guidance or resolution.

Second class, first class swimming requirement exception

It was announced August 1^st, 2017 that, “The BSA Executive Board has approved an exception to the Second Class and First Class swimming requirements, allowing Scouts who live prohibitively far from safe swimming areas to substitute other requirements.”

Our Council’s Advancement and Recognition Committee has determined that NO Scouts within the National Capital Area Council’s geographical borders live “prohibitively far” from any safe indoor or outdoor swimming  areas.