Advancement Resources
Scouting ranks, merit bades, and the advancement programs
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LATEST POSTS
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By BetterWithCheddar · Posted
As a Scout, I would have loved the opportunity to pursue some of the more "academic" merit badges in a MBU setting. I don't see the problem as long as 1) the programs are well run and 2) they don't replace the outdoor program. -
Our district has the option to earn 1 or 2. I’m involved as an archery MCA ONLY so scouts can complete partials from camp. I think that is a good service for the Scouts where the others MBs are not good scouting. In my youth, there were no MBs at camporees nor were there merit badge universities. -
By RememberSchiff · Posted
"On Monday, April 14, 2025, Joseph Csatari passed away peacefully in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. His career as an illustrator and fine artist spanned more than 60 years. He worked in oil, watercolor, pastel, and charcoal, and his artwork has been recreated on collectible plates, figurines, and medallions and displayed in museums throughout the country. Csatari spent more than 10 years as art director to his friend and mentor Norman Rockwell on the beloved illustrator’s Scout calendar paintings. In 1976, Csatari embarked on a freelance career and was asked to continue the annual calendar commission in the Rockwell tradition. In a letter sent from Chief Scout Executive Roger Krone, he writes, “Joe joined Scouting in 1953 as an artist in the layout division in the Supply Division's advertising department. He held numerous positions during his 24 years with the organization, including taking on the role of Art Director of Boys' Life magazine, like his mentor Norman Rockwell, in 1973. Joe’s son Jeff was also an editor for Boys’ Life for more than 5 years. In 2005, Joe was awarded the Silver Buffalo Award for his dedication to Scouting. Joe was a remarkable artist and a cherished part of the Scouting family. His artwork captured the spirit of Scouting for generations, and his legacy will continue to inspire us.” Joseph Csatari didn’t just paint life—he painted what is best in life. He gave us moments frozen in time, full of laughter, learning, and love. In doing so, he ensured that his vision of America—honest, hopeful, and full of heart—will never fade. Thank you, Joe. May your memory be a blessing, and may your art continue to inspire generations to come." Source National Scouting Museum: Thank you. Scout Salute and Farewell, -
This seems to be part of the overall trend where Scouting is less experiential learning, less growing through group dynamics, less boy led and more, well almost school work focus. Along with MBU and not really becoming "Scouts", this is wanted by parents, who do not want to actually be involved, they just have expectations. They are expecting the new scouts to stay within their peer groups, stay in their comfort zones, get socially promoted through the ranks and be led by the leaders through monitored and "safe" activities. That whole outdoor and weekend camping interferes with sports, is scary and challenging, and boys may get dirty and be uncomfortable. Also how will the parents keep an eye on them, I mean they aren't heading out to the woods as an ASM or leader. In many cases the new crossover families want a warm and embracing Webelos III experience. The challenge is many boys, after 5th grade, find this somewhat boring. The retention rates is very low for many units due to these expectations and families assuming the Scouts program (11 - 17 years olds) will be like Cubs. One of the reasons there is not overall growth in the program. On a macro scale the promise of fun and adventure in many (though not all) cases is not being delivered. Units are getting way smaller. Average size for units at our camp 8 years ago was +/- 24 youth in camp. Last year the average was less than 17 youth. The Scouts that are in units that camp, that challenge them, that get them out of their normal comfort zone, and let the youth run the program keep those Scouts. Those units lose most to aging out, not just having kids not showing up any more. Sadly there are less and less units that are run in this manner. -
By RememberSchiff · Posted
Central Georgia Council still exists. Scout HQ and Shop are located at 4335 Confederate Way, Macon, GA. They appear to schedule outdoor programming at non-council or other council facilities.
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