Advancement Recognition
Robert Heller (RHeller@SWRI.EDU)
Thu, 14 Aug 1997 07:57:24 CDT
I am Scoutmaster of Troop 59, Alamo Area Council, San Antonio Texas. When my
oldest son and I joined the troop some 2.5 years ago, there was an existing
advancement recognition policy that seemed to work well. Since it works, I
will not fix it.
Formal Courts of Honor are held quarterly, and appear on the yearly troop
calendar.
Scoutmaster Conferences and Boards of Review are held almost on demand. From
a personal point of view, this is sometimes difficult when the quarterly COH
approaches.
However, recognition is given at nearly every Troop meeting for Scouts
finishing merit badges or passing a board of review. We distribute rank
patches and merit badges, but not cards. Cards are held and distributed at
COH only. In this manner, we recognize the Scouts immediately for
acheivement, but also use the formal occassion to allow parents to pin on the
rank advancement in front of the assemblage of troop and families.
Recognition during a troop meeting does not relieve the pressure to complete
prior to the next quarterly COH.
I know from personal experience that SM conferences are sparse after a
quarterly COH but gradually increase as a COH approaches [Troop 59 has 60
scouts registered and actively advancing].
-.Robert.-
I will always be an Eagle '71,
I used to be a Bear (working my ticket when I can)
But I always...
Watch for falling rocks.
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
