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This just popped...

 

http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf

 

Here's the blog post from Bryan on Scouting, verbatim

http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2015/04/23/2015-guide-to-advancement-out-now-here-are-13-of-the-biggest-changes/

 

The 2015 Guide to Advancement, your official source for administering advancement in all Boy Scouts of America programs, is now available.

View or download it by clicking here.

The Guide to Advancement is a critical reference tool for anyone involved in advancement in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, Venturing and Sea Scouts.

It’s not meant to be read cover to cover. Instead, it’s organized and indexed so you can find answers to your advancement questions quickly. I appreciate that the sometimes-complicated topics covered in the Guide are conveyed in plain English.

The Guide to Advancement is updated every two years to reflect changes to programs, requirements and policies. Changes come from a team of national-level professionals and volunteers. Many of the new sections are the result of frequently asked questions that the Advancement team is answering through new policies.

You can find a complete list of significant changes to the Guide in section 1.0.3.0, beginning on Page 7. But I wanted to pick out 13 of the changes I consider the biggest:

 

1. Merit badge worksheets not allowed for certain requirements

Section: 4.2.0.1

What’s new: This language clarifies the official policy on something I’ve blogged about before: merit badge worksheets. Filling out a worksheet will not be allowed for requirements that use words like “show,†“demonstrate†or “discuss.â€

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement“In Boy Scouting, advancement requirements must be passed as written. If, for example, a requirement uses words like ‘show,’ â€˜demonstrate,’ or ‘discuss,’ then that is what Scouts must do. Filling out a worksheet, for example, would not sufficeâ€

2. Scoutmaster conferences should be face-to-face, not online

Section: 4.2.3.5

What’s new: New language says Scoutmaster conferences should be held face-to-face and not online. That means Skype, which is great for some purposes but not as personal as a face-to-face conversation, is out.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement: â€œScoutmaster conferences are meant to be face-to-face, personal experiences. They relate not only to the Scouting method of advancement, but also to that of ‘association with adults’ (see topic 2.0.0.4, ‘The Methods of Scouting’). Scoutmaster conferences should be held with a level of privacy acceptable under the BSA’s rules regarding Youth Protection. Parents and other Scouts within hearing range of the conversation may influence the Scout’s participation. For this reason, the conferences should not be held in an online setting.â€

3. New Cub Scout program now included in the Guide

Sections: Changes throughout the Cub Scout sections, including 4.1.0.0–4.1.1.5

What’s new: Lots. Language now reflects the new Cub Scout program that launches on June 1, 2015.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement: “Den leaders, Cubmasters, and their assistants conduct meetings implementing the three steps in Cub Scout advancement: preparation, qualification, and recognition. Four separate den leader guides — one each for the Tiger, Wolf, and Bear programs, and one combined for Webelos and Arrow of Light — explain the mechanics for doing so while helping to maximize advancement.â€

4. New Venturing awards outlined

Sections: 4.3.0.0 to 4.3.4.0

What’s new: Almost everything. Last year (2014) saw the introduction of a new Venturing Awards program: Venturing, Discovery, Pathfinder and Summit.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement: “Four awards make up the Venturing advancement track: Venturing, Discovery, Pathfinder, and Summit, but others also are described below. Venturers have until their 21st birthday to complete their awards.â€

5. Sea Scouts aren’t Venturers

Section: 4.4.0.0

What’s new: Sea Scouting, previously considered a “special-interest program carried on as part of Venturing,†is now separated.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement“Sea Scouts are not Venturers.†Also: “The Sea Scout Bronze Award is discontinued, and Sea Scouts no longer work on Venturing awards.â€

6. Unit merit badge counselor lists shouldn’t be available to Scouts online

Section: 7.0.2.3

What’s new: Units can (and maybe even should) establish a list of registered merit badge counselors. But Scouts should get those names and contact info from a Scoutmaster, not from a list made available online.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement: “Due to concerns about merit badge counselor privacy, and since Scouts should receive the names and contact information from the Scoutmaster, unit counselor lists should not be made available to Scouts online.â€

7. Merit badge instruction should be small in scale

Section: 7.0.3.0

What’s new: Rather than large merit badge classes reminiscent of a boy’s time in high school, the BSA encourages smaller-scale instruction.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement“The sort of hands-on interactive experience described here, with personal coaching and guidance, is hardly ever achieved in any setting except when one counselor works directly with one Scout and his buddy, or with a very small group. Thus, this small-scale approach is the recommended best practice for merit badge instruction and requirement fulfillment. Units, districts, and councils should focus on providing the most direct merit badge experiences possible. Large group and Web-based instruction, while perhaps efficient, do not measure up in terms of the desired outcomes with regard to learning and positive association with adults.â€

8. Merit badge prerequisites get explained

Section: 7.0.4.11

What’s new: This whole section is new. It explains merit badges that appear to have prerequisites.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement: “Some merit badges appear to have ‘prerequisites.’ The Emergency Preparedness merit badge, for example, requires the earning of the First Aid merit badge. But since the requirement does not state that First Aid must be earned before beginning work on the other Emergency Preparedness requirements, it is not, by definition, a prerequisite. It is just another requirement. Even though ‘Earn the First Aid Merit badge’ is the first requirement, it need not be the first requirement fulfilled. It is just that the Emergency Preparedness merit badge is not finished until after the First Aid merit badge is completed.â€

9. Youth observers aren’t allowed at boards of review

Section: 8.0.1.0

What’s new: No youth should sit in to â€œobserve†a board of review.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement: “The unit leader may remain in the room, but only to observe, not to participate unless called upon. The number of ‘observers’ at a board of review should otherwise be minimized. The members of the board of review, however, have the authority to exclude the unit leader or any other observers if they believe their presence will inhibit open and forthright discussion. Youth observers are not permitted in boards of review for Boy Scouting advancement.â€

10. Guidance offered for boards of review conducted through videoconferencing

Section: 8.0.1.6

What’s new: This whole section is new. It covers boards of review conducted through videoconferencing. Face-to-face boards of review are preferred, but sometimes that’s impossible. So this section helps explain how to run a successful board of review through this format.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement: “From time to time, however, as Scouts go off to college or the military, or live in very remote locations, for example, it may be virtually impossible to hold in-person boards of review. In those rare situations where it is unreasonable to expect a Scout to travel long distances, or to wait several months, it is permissible to use videoconferencing.â€

11. The official Eagle Scout Rank Application is the only one to use

Section: 9.0.1.3

What’s new: A clarification explains that the official Eagle Scout Rank Application (512-728) is the only one Scouts should use.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement: “Scouts must submit the official Eagle Scout Rank Application, No. 512-728, found at www.scouting.org/advancement. No other form or application is permitted. Special worksheets or spreadsheets have been created in some councils that when filled out electronically produce a completed application. Because the official application changes from time to time, and because submitting out-of-date applications can cause confusion and delays, Scouts must not be required to use these tools. If they do use them, they still must complete and submit the official Eagle Scout Rank Application.â€

12. Crowdfunding for Eagle Scout projects explained

Section: 9.0.2.10

What’s new: Fundraising for Eagle Scout projects isn’t required. Plenty of awesome projects are completed without fundraising. But if a Scout needs to raise money, he may use crowdfunding to do so, provided he follows the policies outlined in this section. This is something I’ve blogged about.

 

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement: “Typical unit fundraisers with which unit leadership is familiar, such as car washes, are the best options. Another alternative, contingent on local council approval, is the use of ‘crowdfunding’ via the Internet. If this method is used, however, then all concerned, from the Scout and his parent or guardian to the unit leader and those approving fundraising at the local council, should be aware that fees may be involved and that fundraising for something like an Eagle project may or may not comply with the website’s terms of service. There can be other issues as well, such as what to do if more — or less — than what is needed is raised. It is important that someone in a position of responsibility reads and understands the website’s ‘fine print.'â€

13. Request for Registration Beyond the Age of Eligibility form created

Section: 10.1.0.2

What’s new: This new form applies register a person who will remain as a youth member beyond the age of eligibility.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement“The Request for Registration Beyond the Age of Eligibility, No. 512-935, found in the appendix and at www.scouting.org/advancement, should be used in this process.â€

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I sit with a Scout one-on-one within eye and earshot of others.  That's still within the boundaries of YPT.

We run our BOR's like the council runs their EBOR's.  if the SM sits and observes, the PL can do so if the scout wishes on any of his POR's..  If the scout is having difficulties that the Board is add

Remember when we were all bothered about the meaning of the term "active"?   Be careful of what you ask National for.  You might just get it, and you might not like the answer you get...

This just popped...

 

http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf

 

Here's the blog post from Bryan on Scouting, verbatim

http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2015/04/23/2015-guide-to-advancement-out-now-here-are-13-of-the-biggest-changes/

 

The 2015 Guide to Advancement, your official source for administering advancement in all Boy Scouts of America programs, is now available.

View or download it by clicking here.

The Guide to Advancement is a critical reference tool for anyone involved in advancement in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, Venturing and Sea Scouts.

It’s not meant to be read cover to cover. Instead, it’s organized and indexed so you can find answers to your advancement questions quickly. I appreciate that the sometimes-complicated topics covered in the Guide are conveyed in plain English.

The Guide to Advancement is updated every two years to reflect changes to programs, requirements and policies. Changes come from a team of national-level professionals and volunteers. Many of the new sections are the result of frequently asked questions that the Advancement team is answering through new policies.

You can find a complete list of significant changes to the Guide in section 1.0.3.0, beginning on Page 7. But I wanted to pick out 13 of the changes I consider the biggest:

 

1. Merit badge worksheets not allowed for certain requirements

Section: 4.2.0.1

What’s new: This language clarifies the official policy on something I’ve blogged about before: merit badge worksheets. Filling out a worksheet will not be allowed for requirements that use words like “show,†“demonstrate†or “discuss.â€

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement“In Boy Scouting, advancement requirements must be passed as written. If, for example, a requirement uses words like ‘show,’ â€˜demonstrate,’ or ‘discuss,’ then that is what Scouts must do. Filling out a worksheet, for example, would not sufficeâ€

2. Scoutmaster conferences should be face-to-face, not online

Section: 4.2.3.5

What’s new: New language says Scoutmaster conferences should be held face-to-face and not online. That means Skype, which is great for some purposes but not as personal as a face-to-face conversation, is out.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement: â€œScoutmaster conferences are meant to be face-to-face, personal experiences. They relate not only to the Scouting method of advancement, but also to that of ‘association with adults’ (see topic 2.0.0.4, ‘The Methods of Scouting’). Scoutmaster conferences should be held with a level of privacy acceptable under the BSA’s rules regarding Youth Protection. Parents and other Scouts within hearing range of the conversation may influence the Scout’s participation. For this reason, the conferences should not be held in an online setting.â€

3. New Cub Scout program now included in the Guide

Sections: Changes throughout the Cub Scout sections, including 4.1.0.0–4.1.1.5

What’s new: Lots. Language now reflects the new Cub Scout program that launches on June 1, 2015.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement: “Den leaders, Cubmasters, and their assistants conduct meetings implementing the three steps in Cub Scout advancement: preparation, qualification, and recognition. Four separate den leader guides — one each for the Tiger, Wolf, and Bear programs, and one combined for Webelos and Arrow of Light — explain the mechanics for doing so while helping to maximize advancement.â€

4. New Venturing awards outlined

Sections: 4.3.0.0 to 4.3.4.0

What’s new: Almost everything. Last year (2014) saw the introduction of a new Venturing Awards program: Venturing, Discovery, Pathfinder and Summit.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement: “Four awards make up the Venturing advancement track: Venturing, Discovery, Pathfinder, and Summit, but others also are described below. Venturers have until their 21st birthday to complete their awards.â€

5. Sea Scouts aren’t Venturers

Section: 4.4.0.0

What’s new: Sea Scouting, previously considered a “special-interest program carried on as part of Venturing,†is now separated.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement“Sea Scouts are not Venturers.†Also: “The Sea Scout Bronze Award is discontinued, and Sea Scouts no longer work on Venturing awards.â€

6. Unit merit badge counselor lists shouldn’t be available to Scouts online

Section: 7.0.2.3

What’s new: Units can (and maybe even should) establish a list of registered merit badge counselors. But Scouts should get those names and contact info from a Scoutmaster, not from a list made available online.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement: “Due to concerns about merit badge counselor privacy, and since Scouts should receive the names and contact information from the Scoutmaster, unit counselor lists should not be made available to Scouts online.â€

7. Merit badge instruction should be small in scale

Section: 7.0.3.0

What’s new: Rather than large merit badge classes reminiscent of a boy’s time in high school, the BSA encourages smaller-scale instruction.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement“The sort of hands-on interactive experience described here, with personal coaching and guidance, is hardly ever achieved in any setting except when one counselor works directly with one Scout and his buddy, or with a very small group. Thus, this small-scale approach is the recommended best practice for merit badge instruction and requirement fulfillment. Units, districts, and councils should focus on providing the most direct merit badge experiences possible. Large group and Web-based instruction, while perhaps efficient, do not measure up in terms of the desired outcomes with regard to learning and positive association with adults.â€

8. Merit badge prerequisites get explained

Section: 7.0.4.11

What’s new: This whole section is new. It explains merit badges that appear to have prerequisites.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement: “Some merit badges appear to have ‘prerequisites.’ The Emergency Preparedness merit badge, for example, requires the earning of the First Aid merit badge. But since the requirement does not state that First Aid must be earned before beginning work on the other Emergency Preparedness requirements, it is not, by definition, a prerequisite. It is just another requirement. Even though ‘Earn the First Aid Merit badge’ is the first requirement, it need not be the first requirement fulfilled. It is just that the Emergency Preparedness merit badge is not finished until after the First Aid merit badge is completed.â€

9. Youth observers aren’t allowed at boards of review

Section: 8.0.1.0

What’s new: No youth should sit in to â€œobserve†a board of review.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement: “The unit leader may remain in the room, but only to observe, not to participate unless called upon. The number of ‘observers’ at a board of review should otherwise be minimized. The members of the board of review, however, have the authority to exclude the unit leader or any other observers if they believe their presence will inhibit open and forthright discussion. Youth observers are not permitted in boards of review for Boy Scouting advancement.â€

10. Guidance offered for boards of review conducted through videoconferencing

Section: 8.0.1.6

What’s new: This whole section is new. It covers boards of review conducted through videoconferencing. Face-to-face boards of review are preferred, but sometimes that’s impossible. So this section helps explain how to run a successful board of review through this format.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement: “From time to time, however, as Scouts go off to college or the military, or live in very remote locations, for example, it may be virtually impossible to hold in-person boards of review. In those rare situations where it is unreasonable to expect a Scout to travel long distances, or to wait several months, it is permissible to use videoconferencing.â€

11. The official Eagle Scout Rank Application is the only one to use

Section: 9.0.1.3

What’s new: A clarification explains that the official Eagle Scout Rank Application (512-728) is the only one Scouts should use.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement: “Scouts must submit the official Eagle Scout Rank Application, No. 512-728, found at www.scouting.org/advancement. No other form or application is permitted. Special worksheets or spreadsheets have been created in some councils that when filled out electronically produce a completed application. Because the official application changes from time to time, and because submitting out-of-date applications can cause confusion and delays, Scouts must not be required to use these tools. If they do use them, they still must complete and submit the official Eagle Scout Rank Application.â€

12. Crowdfunding for Eagle Scout projects explained

Section: 9.0.2.10

What’s new: Fundraising for Eagle Scout projects isn’t required. Plenty of awesome projects are completed without fundraising. But if a Scout needs to raise money, he may use crowdfunding to do so, provided he follows the policies outlined in this section. This is something I’ve blogged about.

 

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement: “Typical unit fundraisers with which unit leadership is familiar, such as car washes, are the best options. Another alternative, contingent on local council approval, is the use of ‘crowdfunding’ via the Internet. If this method is used, however, then all concerned, from the Scout and his parent or guardian to the unit leader and those approving fundraising at the local council, should be aware that fees may be involved and that fundraising for something like an Eagle project may or may not comply with the website’s terms of service. There can be other issues as well, such as what to do if more — or less — than what is needed is raised. It is important that someone in a position of responsibility reads and understands the website’s ‘fine print.'â€

13. Request for Registration Beyond the Age of Eligibility form created

Section: 10.1.0.2

What’s new: This new form applies register a person who will remain as a youth member beyond the age of eligibility.

Excerpt from 2015 Guide to Advancement“The Request for Registration Beyond the Age of Eligibility, No. 512-935, found in the appendix and at www.scouting.org/advancement, should be used in this process.â€

 

I like most of these. The exception is the "no online Scoutmaster conferences."  I think it's strange--they ban online Scoutmaster conferences and put out guidance on online BORs.  I also understand the MBC list guideline, but it's really impractical.  As an ASM, I like being able to find the MBC list online.  I just can't imagine that the council will be able to figure out a way to deliver that MBC list online just to adult leaders. 

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Oh boy.

 

I will have comments on a few of these as time goes on, but I think number 9 "rings the bell" in our troop.  We have an "older Scout" present in EVERY Board of Review:  Star or above for T-2-1 BOR's and Life or above for Life.  And usually it is someone who is about 15 or above.  Now, this says, no youth "OBSERVERS."  The older Scout in our BOR's is, at least in theory, a participant in the BOR.  They can ask questions, although they seldom actually do.  If a question turns into a discussion among the board members and the candidate, the older Scout is treated as a board member, though again their participation is generally minimal.  However, I have a feeling that this new rule means no youth present other than the candidate, regardless of whether the "older Scout" is regarded as an "observer", "participant" or whatever else.  If my feeling is correct, it would be kind of a shame.  In some cases having another Scout there makes the candidate a little less nervous - and we have an occasional Scout who gets VERY nervous for BOR's, even though there is no reason to.  I think it also gives a 16 or 17 Scout a little glimpse of what things are like from the adult side of the table, which I personally think is a good thing.  But just to be clear, I did not come up with any of this.  It was the practice in our troop before I became a committee member.

 

Added note:  It's also interesting how far the pendulum has swung on this subject:  When I aged out as a youth in the mid-70's, I believe ALL BOR's for T-2-1 (then called Progress Reviews I believe) were conducted by "older Scouts."  (One of the 1972-73 changes.)  Now there can't even be an older Scout in the room?  It will be interesting to find out why, if there is an explanation given.

Edited by NJCubScouter
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Too bad there is no new language about how BSA will be acting to enforce the rules.

 

And even before you get to that, how are these changes going to be EFFECTIVELY communicated to "the field"?  Is the average walking-around Scoutmaster or troop advancement chair even going to know that the BSA decided to come out with a new 2015 version of the G2A?   Does he/she even know that a new version came out in 2013?  Not counting people who actively participant in this or another online Scouting forum, how many Scouters in this country read Bryan's blog?  How many even know it exists?  I'm guessing it's a small percentage.  We in this forum know these things but I do not think we are representative of the average Scouter.

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I've never done a remote or video SM conference, but I can see the circumstances where that might be the least bad option. Especially since video BORs are now permitted. That seems contradictory to me.

 

Difference is Scoutmaster can have a SMC anytime with a scout over the rank tenure.  For Star, that's six months.  So long as a scoutmaster see the scout once during six months, he has a chance for the SMC.  If the scout is traveling or moving or other, it can be handled because of the long time frame.   BORs have to be at the end and are time critical.  So, the flexibility there is reasonable.  

 

Also, it's a "SHOULD".  

 

GTA 4.2.3.5 Unit Leader (Scoutmaster) Conference:  "For this reason, the conferences should not be held in an online setting."  

 

Also, GTA explicit says on page two before the table of contents ....

 

"Mandated Procedures and Recommended Practices

 
This publication clearly identifies mandated procedures with words such as “must†and “shall.†Where such language is used, no council, committee, district, unit, or individual has the authority to deviate from the procedures
covered, without the written permission of the National Advancement Committee. Recommended best practices are offered using words like “should,†while other options and guidelines are indicated with terms such as “may†or “can.†Refer questions on these to your local district or council advancement chairs or staff advisors. They, in turn, may request interpretations and assistance from the National Advancement Committee."

 

.

.

 

So the ideal is face-to-face ... but there is flexibility.

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Now, this says, no youth "OBSERVERS."  The older Scout in our BOR's is, at least in theory, a participant in the BOR.  

 

That was already taken care of in GTA 8.0.0.3 "Composition of the Board of Review".    

 

"A board of review must consist of no fewer than three members and no more than six, all of whom must be at least 21 years of age."

 

It's pretty clear now.  No youth at BORs.  period.  

 

You're not the only troop.  Many troops still have the practice and they know the rules.  It's their troop and do as they believe is right ... because they believe BSA is wrong.

 

I believe BSA is right and has good reasons for this rule.  IMHO, it's common sense.  No scoutmasters on the BOR because the BOR is trying to learn how the troop is doing.  Are the direct contact leaders  effective, fair, and supportive?  Is the troop a safe environment?  Does the scout feel part of the troop?  As he should be interacting with the youth even more, it's even more of an issue.  Are the scouts treating each other with Respect.  Courtesy.  Fairness.  No bullying.  etc etc.  

 

It's about letting the scout be candidate about those he works with.  

 

It may be a different vision of the BOR.  Some use BORs to make sure the scout is ready for the rank.  THAT'S WRONG.  If the requirements are done, they are done.  

 

BORs are about #1 making sure the check boxes are checked.  #2 encouraging participation and advancement.  #3 learning how the troop is doing:  good and bad and getting suggestions for change.

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6. Unit merit badge counselor lists shouldn’t be available to Scouts online

Section: 7.0.2.3

What’s new: Units can (and maybe even should) establish a list of registered merit badge counselors. But Scouts should get those names and contact info from a Scoutmaster, not from a list made available online.

 

Hah what a joke! Other than summer camp, nearly 99% of our scouts coming for their blue card already know and have decided their MBC; the SM cannot change that, just verify that MBC is still registered. A scout can use any registered MBC from anywhere.

 

Back in the old days, my SM dutifully brought the semi-annual council MBC directory to each meeting. It was similar to a small phone book. Scouts who already had a MBC in mind just looked up the phone number. Other scouts would usually get the names and numbers for two or more MBC for a desired merit badge.

 

My point, try to have a hard copy MBC list* freely available at SM signoff.

 

*In many councils, such lists don't exist online or otherwise :mad: and THAT IS WHY TROOPS HAVE THEIR OWN MBC's. :laugh:

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Oh boy.

 

I will have comments on a few of these as time goes on, but I think number 9 "rings the bell" in our troop.  We have an "older Scout" present in EVERY Board of Review:  Star or above for T-2-1 BOR's and Life or above for Life.  And usually it is someone who is about 15 or above.  Now, this says, no youth "OBSERVERS."  The older Scout in our BOR's is, at least in theory, a participant in the BOR.  They can ask questions, although they seldom actually do.  If a question turns into a discussion among the board members and the candidate, the older Scout is treated as a board member, though again their participation is generally minimal.  However, I have a feeling that this new rule means no youth present other than the candidate, regardless of whether the "older Scout" is regarded as an "observer", "participant" or whatever else.  If my feeling is correct, it would be kind of a shame.  In some cases having another Scout there makes the candidate a little less nervous - and we have an occasional Scout who gets VERY nervous for BOR's, even though there is no reason to.  I think it also gives a 16 or 17 Scout a little glimpse of what things are like from the adult side of the table, which I personally think is a good thing.  But just to be clear, I did not come up with any of this.  It was the practice in our troop before I became a committee member.

 

Added note:  It's also interesting how far the pendulum has swung on this subject:  When I aged out as a youth in the mid-70's, I believe ALL BOR's for T-2-1 (then called Progress Reviews I believe) were conducted by "older Scouts."  (One of the 1972-73 changes.)  Now there can't even be an older Scout in the room?  It will be interesting to find out why, if there is an explanation given.

Well NJ, your boys could sit on BoRs of their venturing crews. :p
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We run our BOR's like the council runs their EBOR's.  if the SM sits and observes, the PL can do so if the scout wishes on any of his POR's..  If the scout is having difficulties that the Board is addressing, how can the PL help the scout if he doesn't know the concerns?  Adults do not "out rank" my PL's, they are there to assist and the #1 support person for a patrol member scout is his PL.  It is imperative that he know what's going on.  Otherwise, if the GTA forbids the presence of the PL, then I would expect the BOR to produce a detailed report of their findings to the PL.  If the troop is going to be boy-led, patrol-method, maybe the GTA be a bit more reflective of that dynamic.  If the BOR's are all adult-led, adult-controlled, then quit complaining when the boys are not doing their "leadership" in the troop, have the adults do it as specified by the current BSA policy.

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And even before you get to that, how are these changes going to be EFFECTIVELY communicated to "the field"?  Is the average walking-around Scoutmaster or troop advancement chair even going to know that the BSA decided to come out with a new 2015 version of the G2A?   Does he/she even know that a new version came out in 2013?  Not counting people who actively participant in this or another online Scouting forum, how many Scouters in this country read Bryan's blog?  How many even know it exists?  I'm guessing it's a small percentage.  We in this forum know these things but I do not think we are representative of the average Scouter.

 

NJ, I had the same thought and then figured it was my responsibility as Roundtable Commissioner to make this part of our next meeting.  Each council/district advancement chair should make sure this gets down to everyone, and if the unit commissioners are doing their job(s) this should get communicated to each unit.  (That's the textbook answer, right?  ;) )

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NJ, I had the same thought and then figured it was my responsibility as Roundtable Commissioner to make this part of our next meeting.  Each council/district advancement chair should make sure this gets down to everyone, and if the unit commissioners are doing their job(s) this should get communicated to each unit.  (That's the textbook answer, right?  ;) )

Problem is these changes go through the district's interpretation which, where I live, is usually wrong.

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