ADVANCEMENT

The program designed for Scouts who have joined Troop 179 in the six months prior to summer camp is Camp Tenderfoot. The basic skills of Scouting are incorporated into a program of fun and adventure as it orients the new Scout in the ways of Scouting and helps them along the path to First Class.

We concentrate on working on requirements, having fun, learning about Scouting, and getting to know our Patrols and Troop members.

The Scouts will be learning the skills that may be applied toward meeting requirements for the Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks.

For Scouts who need to work on these early ranks and have been with the troop longer than six months, there is a session called "First Class Skills" where the Scout will have the opportunity to work one-on-one to meet the specific requirements needed to earn their rank.

Scouts and parents need to keep in mind that earning the rank of Star, Life, and Eagle is much, much more than earning Merit Badges.

There are requirements that deal with Participation, Scout Spirit, and Positions of Responsibility. These requirements are what Scouts will be able to spend the most time accomplishing.

These requirements represent the essence of each rank and help determine whether a Scout has truly earned the responsibility and leadership that comes with these achievements.

There is no other activity like Summer Camp that allows Scouts to work on these requirements while developing leadership skills and a deeper understanding of what these ranks represent.

The Scoutmasters at camp will be available to provide rank conferences throughout the week. Boards of Review will also be available for advancement.

The key to successful advancement at Summer Camp is planning. Before attending camp, a Scoutmaster will meet with each Scout to help create an advancement plan.

Cole supports many of the Venture Recognitions. Whether you are working toward Ranger or one of the other Venturing Awards, they will help you complete requirements and provide guidance along the way.

The troop will also present a Venture Challenge during the 9:00 session.

All Venturers must sign up for the Venture Challenge unless they have received permission from the Venture Advisor.

Cole Canoe Base offers many different Merit Badges to choose from. In addition, Troop 179 will also have Merit Badges available at our campsite.

After a Scout has signed up for Merit Badges, they should secure a current copy of the BSA Merit Badge Pamphlet.

One of the best tools for earning a Merit Badge are the worksheets available through Merit Badge Worksheets .

Most Merit Badge Counselors recommend using worksheets to stay organized and track completed requirements.

Beginning in June, our Troop leaders will meet with Scouts for their first Merit Badge session.

Whether a Scout returns home with a completed Merit Badge or a partial is most often dependent on whether they have completed the pre-camp work assigned by the counselor.

Merit Badges are earned with the advice and guidance of the Scoutmaster. The list of Merit Badges on the Instructional Schedule has been recommended by the Troop 179 Scoutmaster.

Keep in mind that most Scouts only have time prior to camp to complete three to four Merit Badges.

While there are six available time slots, filling every slot with Merit Badges is not necessarily the best plan for success.

Choose Merit Badges carefully, then begin working on them before camp so you can master the skills and knowledge required.

Throughout the day there are free-time activities available. Scouts do not need to register for these activities ahead of time.

All Paul Bunyan Patrol members will have a leadership slot. See Scoutmaster Chuck Williams for details.

Scouts BSA, including new Scouts, will use the 11:00 time slot for service time and activities.

Venturers will use the 9:00 time slot for their service projects.