Advancement Is Based on Experiential Learning

[fred8033]

Though I'm late to the game, I just read the BSA 2019 Nov/Dec advancement news.  Great article for ALL unit leaders in it.  I'm putting this under "Program" as it's a comment about focusing on "program", not advancement. 

Read "Advancement Is Based on Experiential Learning" on page 6 in BSA 2019 Nov/Dec Advancement News.  https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/advancement_news/2019_Nov-Dec.pdf

A few comments 

• Advancement is natural outcome.  Program over advancement.  Scouts attend because of program.   Growth is tracked thru advancement.  
• Keep inside the PLC the planning / mapping of advancement to troop program.  The troop scouts should be motivated by the excitement of the program.  Don't expect them excited because it fulfills a requirement.  
  • Example:  Troop program should not have a calendar entry for a five mile hike for second class scouts.  Instead, it should have a hike to local attraction (waterfall, dam, overlook, etc) where the trail ends at a local ice cream parlor.   Just so happens the round trip length, starting point, etc are five miles.   Give the tenderfoot scouts the maps and compasses.  Let the older scouts hang back and chat and enjoy the event.
• The PL should be coached that they can ask to see the scout's handbook and sign off on requirements the scout has demonstrated even if the scout didn't know he was fulfilling a requirement.  Even though PL is ideal, I'm okay with SM/ASM doing same if that's the personality of the troop.  
• My favorite memory is a local SM years ago who every year took his scouts on a long canoe trip.  During the trip, new scouts would be coached on canoe strokes and parts of the canoe.  Each would canoe with the SM at some point.  ... The SM and scout would be in the canoe for hours together.  Relaxed conversation.  And periodic discussions about canoeing ... At the end of the trip, the SM would award the canoing MB to any scout that had not already received it.  Scouts kept going on the trip year after year. ... IMHO, that's the type of SM I'd like to be.
• My key thought ... Avoid saying XXXXX fulfills an advancement requirement.  That's not motivating. 

 

Edited November 9, 2020 by fred8033

[Jameson76]

Agree -

Just because a Troop does not have advancement centric outings does not mean advancement may not occur on outings.  It should be organic.  

As an example, these are requirements 9B of the Camping merit badge

On any of these camping experiences, you must do TWO of the following, only with proper preparation and under qualified supervision:

1. Hike up a mountain where, at some point, you are at least 1,000 feet higher in elevation from where you started.
2. Backpack, snowshoe, or cross-country ski for at least four miles.
3. Take a bike trip of at least 15 miles or at least four hours.
4. Take a non-motorized trip on the water of at least four hours or 5 miles.
5. Plan and carry out an overnight snow camping experience.
6. Rappel down a rappel route of 30 feet or more.

Annually we do 5 of these in the normal course of our normal outdoor program.  That is what Scouting should be, going out and doing stuff.  Sadly we rarely if ever are able to PLAN a snow camping experience what with being down south and all.

 

[Eagledad]

Our troop was a out door boy run centered program. Advancement was never encourage over any other method. In fact, the PLC was responsible for applying  all the methods and advancement was never high on their list. In 5 years time, our troop was 2nd only to an Eagle Mill with the number of Eagles in the district. 

The struggle here is convincing adults that a healthy advancement program is the biproduct of a healthy outdoor patrol method program. Maybe if the adults hear this over and over, they might give it a chance.

Barry

[CynicalScouter]

My troop did a Webelos/AoL event recently. We had the parents to the side and let the Scouts led the Cubs. The adults talked and we showed the Troop plan: our unit hikes or camps at least 1 if not 2 a month every month but December where we do a rock climbing lock in.

The Cub parents were amazed. "Where do you get the time for rank advancement?" they asked. And as a former Den Leader I got that. Cubs is so totally focused or can be focused on "this week/weeks is this adventure or that adventure". When we explained that the rank advancement comes automatically with the outdoor activities they got it.

As was said, at least for Scouts, BSA rank advancement is the naturally occurring byproduct of outdoor engagement and activity.

[fred8033]

 

52 minutes ago, CynicalScouter said:

... Cubs is so totally focused or can be focused on "this week/weeks is this adventure or that adventure". When we explained that the rank advancement comes automatically with the outdoor activities they got it.

As was said, at least for Scouts, BSA rank advancement is the naturally occurring byproduct of outdoor engagement and activity.

I totally get that.  When my sons were in CUBS, it was before "adventures".  We were often trying to piece together activities to close out individual requirements. 

Perhaps the new Cub "Adventures" is the response to that requirement focus.  I'm not sure if it's better or just different.  

[Armymutt]

We're trying to do that with our Tiger den this week.  Taking a one mile "hike" with their 6 essentials.  Not sure what we are going to see since it will be dark, but we'll give it a shot.

[fred8033]

2 minutes ago, Armymutt said:

We're trying to do that with our Tiger den this week.  Taking a one mile "hike" with their 6 essentials.  Not sure what we are going to see since it will be dark, but we'll give it a shot.

Night hikes are often the best.