Troop 2096's Advancement Program encourages boys to meet significant challenges that lead to personal growth. As a Scout works his way from Tenderfoot through the ranks toward Eagle, the requirements he must successfully complete will help him develop physically, emotionally, and morally into manhood.
The Eight Methods of Scouting - The ideals (Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan)
- Patrol method
- Outdoors
- Advancement
- Association with adults
- Personal Growth
- Leadership Development
- The uniform
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Advancement is one of the eight methods used by Troop 2096 to help boys fulfill the aims of the Boy Scouts of America. Just as advancement helps unite the other seven methods of scouting, completing requirements and moving upward in rank are natural outcomes of Troop 2096's regular activities. Among the strengths of Troop 2096's program are these: 1. Its fun.
2. It offers adventure.
3. It allows scouts to measure their progress.
4. It provides recognition.
5. It promotes development of physical fitness, character, and citizenship. Four basic steps lead to Boy Scout advancement through the ranks of Tenderfoot through Eagle. A Scout learns, a Scout is tested, a Scout is reviewed, and a Scout is recognized. STEP 1--A Scout Learns Learning is a natural outcome of Scouting activities. A Scout begins learning the Scout Oath and Law as soon as he joins the troop. The requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class offer hands-on experiences that challenge Scouts and reward them for their efforts. The merit badges and required service to troop and community that lead to the ranks of Star, Life, and Eagle open new doors for them toward rewarding careers and lifelong hobbies. Troop 2096 leaders encourage Scouts to move steadily along the advancement trail, ideally becoming First Class Scouts within a year of joining. However, the speed with which he completes requirements, and even the decision to advance at all, lies with the boy. STEP 2--A Scout Is Tested A Scout wanting to complete an advancement requirement must demonstrate to his leader that he has fully mastered a skill at the level expected. When a Scout successfully demonstrates that he has completed a requirement, his leader acknowledges that fact and signs the Scout's Handbook. The Scout is then responsible for meeting with the Advancement Coordinator to make sure official Troop records are updated. STEP 3--A Scout Is Reviewed After a Scout has completed all of the requirements for any rank from Tenderfoot through Life, his progress is reviewed in two stages: 1. Scoutmaster Conference
2. Board of Review The Scoutmaster Conference is a visit between the Scoutmaster and the Scout that is held each time the boy completes requirements for a rank. The conference is a valuable opportunity for a Scoutmaster to discuss with each boy his activity in the troop and his understanding and practice of the ideals of Scouting. Together they can set goals not only in Scouting but also in his family, school, and community. A Scout taking part in a Scoutmaster conference will be able to determine if he is ready to go before the board of review composed of three to six members of the troop committee. The purpose of the board of review is not to retest a Scout, but rather to ensure that he has completed all of the requirements, to determine the quality of the troop experience, and to encourage him to advance toward the next rank. Each review includes a discussion of ways in which the Scout sees himself living up to the Scout Oath and Law in his everyday life. STEP 3--A Scout Is Recognized Troop 2096 recognizes Scout achievement by holding a court of honor every three months--a formal recognition with families and friends, and the public in attendance. | 
