Follow
Scout advancement is a natural result of applying the patrol system. Requirements without the patrol experience are a lifeless checklist.
Tenderfoot
2. Spend at least one night on a patrol or troop campout…
3. On the campout, assist in preparing and cooking one of your patrol’s meals. Tell why it is important for each patrol member to share in meal preparation and cleanup, and explain the importance of eating together.
7. Know your patrol name, give the patrol yell, and describe your patrol flag.
Second Class
3a. Since joining, have participated in five separate troop/patrol activities …
3b. On one of these campouts, select your patrol site and sleep in a tent that you pitched. Explain what factors you should consider when choosing a patrol site and where to pitch a tent.
First Class
3. Since joining, have participated in 10 separate troop/patrol activities…
4a. Help plan a patrol menu ….
4e. On one campout, serve as your patrol’s cook …
From the Guide to Advancement 2013
4.2.1.0 Four Steps in Advancement
A Scout advances from Tenderfoot to Eagle by doing things with his patrol and troop, with his leaders, and on his own. A well-rounded and active unit program that generates advancement as a natural outcome should take boys to First Class in their first 12 to 18 months of membership.
4.2.1.1 The Scout Learns He learns by doing, and as he learns, he grows in his ability to do his part as a member of the patrol and troop.
Opportunities for learning arise naturally by simply doing the things Scouts do when we apply the patrol system. Scouts progress through active, first-hand experience, not passive instruction. Think of the learning opportunities afforded by participating in a camping trip with their patrol. Scouts learn how to prepare themselves individually. They plan, strategize, and cooperate to prepare the group. They learn by doing when they are setting up camp, cooking, exploring and living in the natural world.
They do all this not because they have to check things off a list, but because they are active participants in the life of their patrol.
If we aim at lively, happy, patrols that have lot’s of fun camping and doing things together our Scouts advance. If we aim at advancement we end up with a lifeless, disjointed, lists of chores.
