Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. The Boy
Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each
achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in
the ability to help others.

Advancement Records
Each Scout's Boy Scout Handbook is his primary record of advancement.  Scouts are expected to secure the proper signature from the
Scoutmaster, an Assistant Scoutmaster, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster or Troop Committee Member upon completion of each requirement,
and then to present the approval signatures to the troop advancement chairperson.  The troop maintains advancement records based on
the Scout's handbook.  Toward the end of each meeting, before game, Scouts who have completed advancement requirements that
evening are to leave their books at the counter.  During game, the troop Advancement chair will update the troop records.  Scouts can
collect their books after closing.

Scouts and parents are also given access to Troopmaster Web so that they can view their transcripts and update personal information. If
you need access, are having trouble, or forgot your User ID or Password, or if you have any corrections to your personal information,
please contact the Advancement Chair or the Scoutmaster.

Merit Badges
Blue merit badge cards are required for each merit badge a Scout earns.  Scouts must obtain Scoutmaster approval prior to meeting with
a Merit Badge Counselor.  Scouts are responsible for maintaining the blue cards until the badge has been completed and signed by the
counselor.  Upon completion, the Scout must present the approved card to the Scoutmaster, who will ultimately approve it and forward the
card to the troop advancement chairperson.

Leadership
Serving in a Position of Responsibility is a requirement for advancement to Star, Life, and Eagle ranks.  Troop elections/sppointments are
held twice a year, for terms running from January 1 through June 30, and from July 1 through December 31.  Elected and appointed
leaders are expected to participate in Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops and actively serve in their position in order to advance.
Scouts elected as Senior Patrol Leader and appointed to Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Scribe and Troop Guide serve in the
Leadership Corps instead of their patrol for the length of their term.

Service
For the Second Class Rank, a Scout must participate in a service project or projects approved by his Scoutmaster. The time of service
must be a minimum of one hour. This project prepares a Scout for the more involved service projects he must perform for the Star, Life,
and Eagle Scout Ranks. For Star and Life ranks, a Scout must perform six hours of service to others. This may be done as an individual
project or as a member of a patrol or troop project. Star and Life service projects may be approved for Scouts assisting on Eagle service
projects. The Scoutmaster approves the project before it is started. While a Life Scout, a Scout must plan, develop, and give leadership
to others in a service project to any religious institution, school, or community.

All service performed by Scouts and leaders should be reported so that it may be recorded by the troop and submitted to Good Turn for
America, even service performed outside of the troop. Use the Service Hours Data Form to report your service.

Activity and Scout Spirit
Perhaps two of the most overlooked requirements for advancement, Troop #70 takes these seriously.  In order to advance, a scout is
expected to be active in the troop, through attendance of troop meeting, PLC's, camping events, fundraisers, service projects, and other
troop or patrol activities.  Likewise, scouts are to demonstrate Scout Spirit at all times, living the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives.
FIRST CLASS REQUIREMENT #11

"Tell someone who is eligible to join Boy Scouts, or an inactive Boy Scout, about your troop's
activities. Invite him to a troop outing, activity, service project, or meeting. Tell him how to join, or
encourage the inactive Boy Scout to become active." Scouts can now invite friends electronically. This
fun and easy activity will help a Scout complete the new First Class requirement that states he must
invite a friend to a troop meeting or activity. Go to www.thescoutzone.org. Click on "Tell a Friend."
Enter your name and your friend's name and e-mail address in the boxes. Select images of activities
you think would be fun and interesting for your friend to do. Chose the music and the message you
would like to send. Preview your e-card and send it to your friend. Print the confirmation and bring to
your next troop meeting to have this requirement signed off.