Scout spirit - BSA Policy - signoff STAR, LIFE, EAGLE

[klflintoff]

Different practices locally on when scout spirit gets signed off, and by whom. Sometimes creates problems. Interested in this for upper ranks, STAR through Eagle. Would appreciate references to specific manual, book, or policy if you can help with that.

 

- Who can sign off scout spirit (I've heard: SM, Unit Chairman, BOR)

 

- When can it be signed off (I've heard: before, during, after SM conference; and by the BOR)

 

- How is scout spirit addressed and handled in a BOR (I've heard: if signed off before BOR, BOR can't challenge; also heard if spirit is not signed off before a BOR, BOR can deal with)

 

- Eagle letters of recommendation (also for STAR, LIFE if used) -- if all are positive and support advancement, how do they fit into scout spirit signoff?

 

- What is SM conference role in scout spirit - how could a SM pass a scout in SM conference unless scout demonstrates satisfactory scout spirit?

[OldGreyEagle]

In the BSA publication "Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures" it states:

 

"Scout Spirit is defined as living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in a Scout's everyday life."

 

Is this the Scout Spirit you speak of?

[EagleInKY]

Old Grey One - That sounded like a BW answer. I believe klflintoff is wanting to know more abour the procedure than the policy.

 

As I understand it (and practice it), it is up to the SM to determine who signs it off. In our case, I retain that right. In most cases there is no issue. But when there is, I make sure to get input from the other adults, the SPL and his PL.

 

I sign off on scout spirit when I have the SM conference. We'll talk about how he's living by the oath & law. I'll ask him to give me an example or two if he can. I'll point out an example if I can.

 

I have held guys up on this. When I have done that, I give them specific examples of how they are not acting like scouts should act. I also give them expectations. The only problem I have is that problem kids will usually meet your minimum expectations, and then stop. You have to continue to raise the bar with them.

 

IMHO, the BOR has limited authority over this. They only step in if a glaring scout spirit issue comes out. This could happen. I've heard aobut it happening in Eagle BORs. One thing I do to prepare the BOR is that I'll give them a heads up on things like this. That way they are aware of the issues, and can reinforce the message that I've been communicating.(This message has been edited by EagleInKY)

[Hunt]

A few points to add to what EagleinKY has written:

 

1. Scout Spirit is one of the rank requirements that should be signed off before the Board of Review. As a result, the BOR's role is limited.

2. As far as who can sign off, the Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures says on p. 22: "The Boy Scout is tested. A Scout may be tested on rank requirements by his patrol leader, Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmaster, a troop committee member,or a member of his troop. The Scoutmaster maintains a list of those qualified to give tests and to pass candidates." It also says: "The Scoutmaster must be in charge of advancement in the troop." Unless somebody is aware of something else in another BSA document, this says to me that the SM decides who will sign off on Scout Spirit--I think in most troops this is done by the SM herself in the SM conference. There is nothing in the rules, however, to prevent this requirement from being signed off by some other delegate. While it could apparently be signed off at any time, it seems to me that to advance one should show Scout Spirit up to the time of advancement, which argues for signing this off at the conference.

[ScoutNut]

"What is SM conference role in scout spirit - how could a SM pass a scout in SM conference unless scout demonstrates satisfactory scout spirit?"

 

Unless you are combining the Scout Spirit sign-off with your SM Conference (not necessary), & something comes up about the boys behavior (like EagleInKY stated), you can not "Fail" a SM Conference. Holding one is all that is required. The purpose of the SM Conference is to talk to the boy, get to know him, find out how he feels about scouting, find out if scouting is doing it's job with him, find out where he would like to go in scouting, & did I mention, GET TO KNOW the boy!

 

 

"Eagle letters of recommendation (also for STAR, LIFE if used) -- if all are positive and support advancement, how do they fit into scout spirit signoff?"

 

They don't really, they are a separate issue altogether. However, WHY would you require EAGLE letters of recommendation for STAR or LIFE? They are for the rank of EAGLE only. If I was in a Troop that asked my son for letters of recommendation for the rank of STAR or LIFE, it would certainly fit into my vision of the Troop's Scout Spirit & we would be gone before you could say "Per the BSA, you are not allowed to add to any requirements"!!

 

 

Go to training, purchase the Leader books, including the Advancement Policies & Procedures, & read them. Most of these practices are not "local" they are simply practices which are against BSA policy.

[klflintoff]

Thanks to all who replied. Good information.

 

All practices mentioned in the original post (BOR signoff for SS, letters for STAR/LIFE, etc.) are in place and known to senior district officials. Commissioners are chummy and avoid contradicting each other or stepping on toes. Go to training, read the policies and books, sure. But that is national policy and in a BSA District "all politics are local".