wait between second and first classes?

[MI6Ash]

meh, thank you very much guys. (and thanks to whoever noticed my signature, I edited it).

we spoke to the advancement chairperson, and he (finally) agreed to give me a board of review next week. I'll tell you all how it goes... now I just need to actually call the "communications" merit badge counsiler.

[t305spl]

BTW, Did you ever speak with your council about it?

[Lynda J]

Last night at our meeting. One of our boys came up to me and ask if he could do his Scout Master Conference for his Second and First Class last night. When the SM got there I ask him. He took Josh aside and sat down with him and went over both ranks. He signed off on both.
The scout had completed all the work and should be shown the respect that he deserves. We have two more boys that will do the same thing next week. Then as soon as we can we will have a board of review.
So many times as a boy works on one rank and completes things he can be also completing things on the next rank.

[dad69]

Reward positive behaviour immediately.

We had an instance in our troop when two new cubs (friends)joined the troop at the same time. They had a little competion to see who would get tenderfoot first. The adults were not aware of this. One scout completed tenderfoot one week before the other one. The both got awarded the patch at the same time which upset the scout who had earned it first. He got over it and now they are doing the same thing for 2nd class.

If at all possible, I feel that the scout should be awarded his rank as soon as possible and receive the congrats from his peers. It means a lot.

[freebyrd1964a]

I agree wholeheardedly, whenever possible rewards should be given immediatly upon completion of the BOR. Even when if for some reason the badge itself isn't available (We should always have enough on hand but sometimes things happen) The scouts achomplishment should be announced to the troop and the badge should be given to the scout at the first available moment.

[Scouting179]

Tell your leaders TO READ THE CURRENT REQUIREMENTS. Currently, there is no minimum time for any ranks other than Star, Life, and Eagle. In fact, if you have your SM refer to the requirements, he'll find that it is specifically prefaced with"The requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks may be worked on simultaneously; however, these ranks must be earned in sequence."

However, this was not always so. In the old days, there were minimum times for EVERY rank. I suspect your leaders are relying on memory, not the current rules, which they need to brush up on.

[wagionvigil]

I am glad everyone is seeing the light on this one. I would be interested to find out if the SM really did not know or is this just another troop rule to hinder advancement. I heard one SM tell someone that "I know what the rule is but this is My rule!"

[freebyrd1964a]

The SM that you are refering to wagionvigil needs to be replaced pure and simple. How can we expect scouts to follow the rules if we do not?

[Guneukitschik]

Well replacing the SM seems harsh...perhaps he just needs to take some CURRENT training and actually READ the requirements....

[freebyrd1964a]

"I know what the rule is but this is My rule!"

No this statement shows a disregard for regs. As all know I have my own set of problems with some of the rules, but one I'm not the SM and two I'm working to change the rules not break them.

[wagionvigil]

Change come slowly in the BSA. Usually the change is for the Majority of the scouts not minority of the scouts. There are things I would like to see changed but I have been around long enough to know that it takes alot of time and enegry to change anything. Safety rules will probably never change, Merit Badge and rank requirements do change but it cost big bucks to change.One of the Biggest changes was a couiple of years ago with the swimming requirements. they changed twice in 2 or three years do to the uproar from the Vol. Leaders. The fasteset way to get change is that way a big national uproar from thousands of leaders.

[optimist]

I agree completely with immediate recognition. However, I use the reverse of the method mentioned above. At the time the Scout completes a rank or merit badge, he is given the award certificate (the 3x5 card). The badge associated with that rank or merit badge is presented at the next COH. I don't know how it is in other councils but in my council we are not allowed to purchase badges until we have filled out and filed an advancement report. Besides, the certificate needs to reflect the date of completion and filling it out the same day generally assures that this occurs.

[Woodbadgegirl]

Here we go again adding more things to advancement that don't belong there. I read my son's book and it doesn't state there is a 3 month waiting period or any wait at all. If the boy has met the requirements, and he is ready for the BOR then he should be allowed to advance in rank. My son got his second class one week and then 2 weeks later went for his first class. He failed the 1st BOR but went back in a week and passed.

[scoutmasterbob]

Rquirement 3 for First Class States:

Since joining, have participated in ten separate troop/patrol activities (other than troop/patrol meetings), three of which included camping overnight.

This is the only requirement that even remotely requires a "waiting" period. It just depends on how fast you can get the ten extra activities done.

It also states:

The requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks may be worked on simultaneously; however, these ranks must be earned in sequence.

In the old days when there was a waiting period between the TF, SC and FC ranks, you could only work on req. for one rank at a time.

Follow this link for all the rank requirements.
http://www.meritbadge.com/adv/boyscout.htm

[OldGreyBear]

Actually, a couple of scouting buddies and I were looking at the advancement line up. As there is no time requirement to serve between ranks from Scout to First Class, the absolute fastest a scout could go from Scout to First Class is 30 days. This is because of requirement 10 for Tenderfoot. You have to excercise and then 30 days later show improvement.

Now, you would have to in those 30 days go on all the required troop outings and campouts and cook and shop and just work like a madman, but it could be done, well it could if you have a troop working with the scout, but in theory it could be done. Then 4 months to Star, 6 month to Life and another 6 to Eagle. So, the absolute fastest a scout could earn Eagle is 17 months. If you become a scout on your tenth birthday, you could be Eagle at 11 years and 7 months, wonder if it will ever happen?

[Banks747]

Your Advancement Chairman is simply wrong on this one. If you have completed all of the requirements for 1st class, including scout spirit and scoutmaster conference, and have had your board of review, then you are eligible for your 1st class rank award. Is your book initialed and dated for all requirements?

Years ago, there were time requirements on the earlier ranks, as there still are on Star, Life, Eagle. Perhaps your advancement person recalls this, and perhaps WISHES there still is. But, the requirements are what they are. They are defined by BSA National. No one can add anything to the requirements or take anything away from them (except special handicap cases). Scout Masters may hold you up on Scout Spirit, at their discretion though, if they feel the need. It's all in the Boy Scout Handbook. You really shouldn't need any other resources, but there is information regarding advancement in the Scoutmaster Handbook that will back you up. There are other publications, one is specifically written regarding advancements. It doesn't restate the requirements, just says you can't add to them or take away from them. The BSA handbook is very clear.

I suggest you go to other adult leaders. Start with your Scoutmaster. If that doesn't straighten things out, try talking with you Committee Chairman - maybe ask your SM to accompany you. Be polite.

Congratulations on having earned 1st CLASS!!! It's a big step, and it sounds like you have some momentum going. Keep it up!!!! Let us know how it works out.

ASM in Georgia

[West]

So, the absolute fastest a scout could earn Eagle is 17 months. If you become a scout on your tenth birthday, you could be Eagle at 11 years and 7 months, wonder if it will ever happen?

Don't you need to be 10 1/2 with your arrow of light to move up to boy scouts? That would make it 12 years and 1 month. Of course that could be old requirements. I don't do much with the advancement end these days.

[OldGreyBear]

I had heard 10 yrs old with AOL , but I could be wrong

[optimist]

It's 10 1/2 with AOL, 11 without. My troop has a "mascot" who started visiting with us a few weeks ago. He was never a Cub Scout and he turns 11 in January. He's chomping at the bit to be an "official" Boy Scout

[commish3]

Recently, the BSA National Office sent a reminder to all councils that the absolute minimum age for joining Boy Scouts is 10 years old.

A 9 year home schooled with a 5th grade equivalency can complete the AOL by age ten making him eligible to joina troop. It is also possible for an advanced student to meet the grade eligibility even sooner. Some schools have had gifted students in Fifth grade or higher prior to age 9. for that reason the BSA clarified that the absolute minimum for joining a troop is age 10.

OGB is correct that it takes a minimum of 17 months to complete the Eagle requirements. It would be incredibly difficult to do in such a short period, but who can say that it won't someday be done.