The Boy Scouts of America has been in existence for over 100 years. Throughout the course of that century Scouting has strived to implant values of leadership, respect, and teamwork into its youth members by teaching them skills such as: the love to the outdoors, knot-tying, first aid, orienteering, camping, hiking, aquatic activities, citizenship, community service, and much, much more. The ranks, merit badges, and awards that the Boy Scouts offer help to institute those skills and values through achievement and advancement. At Troop 234, we like to present some of what the world of Scouting and our Troop offers to its members. Here are some of those things:
RANKS
Scout – – The most basic of all of the ranks. It only requires you to learn how to tie one knot and has you memorize the Scout Oath, Law, Slogan, Motto, and Outdoor Code.
Tenderfoot – – The first of the "Trail to First" ranks. This rank focusses on skills such as Camping, Outdoor Ethics, Cooking, Tools, First Aid, Nature, Hiking, Fitness, Citizenship, and Teaching Skills.
Second Class – – The second rank to be a part of the "Trail to First". This rank focusses on skills such as Camping, Outdoor Ethics, Cooking & Tools, Navigation, Nature, Aquatics, First Aid, Emergency Preparedness, Fitness, Citizenship, and Personal Safety Awareness.
First Class – – The last "Trail to First" rank. This rank focusses on skills such as Camping, Outdoor Ethics, Cooking, Tools, Navigation, Nature, Aquatics, First Aid, Emergency Preparedness, Fitness, Citizenship, and Teaching Skills.
Star Scout – – The first rank to focus on leadership. This rank requires you to earn merit badges, compete hours of community service, and serve in a troop leadership position for 4 months.
Life Scout – – The second rank focussing on leadership. This rank requires you to earn merit badges, compete hours of community service, and serve in a troop leadership position for 6 months.
Eagle Scout – – The last of all of the ranks. It requires you to compile a list of people who would write letters of recommendation on your behalf, to gain a total of 21 required merit badges, to serve for another 6 months in a troop leadership position and to plan and provide leadership for a service project benefiting the community (to complete an Eagle Project).
MERIT BADGES
Merit Badges are like awards for gaining knowledge in certain skills. They are obtained by working with a Merit Badge Counselor (a guide or mentor who helps you to earn the merit badge) and completing the current guidelines set aside by the Boy Scouts of America. There are a list of currently available merit badges. For resources on how to learn about these skills see about obtaining a Merit Badge pamphlet for the merit badge you are specifically interested in. You can buy merit badge pamphlets at the Scout Store in Camarillo, or contact the Troop Librarian to find out about borrowing one from the Troop Library. To find out more information about Merit Badges, talk to the Troop Advancement Coordinator or Scoutmaster. Also, click on the link and files below.
AWARDS
There are many awards that the Boy Scouts of America offers. Here are some of the more popular awards (note: the following awards do not include any of the religious emblems program or the square knot awards program):
Although there are many other awards, along with the two programs mentioned above, these are some of the more basic ones. If you would like a full list of awards, then try going to
meritbadge.org. You could also talk to your Advancement Coordinator or Scoutmaster for more information, or contact your local council.
TRAINING & OTHER ACHIEVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
There are many training opportunities within Scouting. Here are a few:
• Woodbadge
• University of Scouting
• National Youth Leadership Training
• Trainer's EDGE
• Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills for Troops
• Conclave College
• Lodge Leadership Development Training
• Adult Leader Training
• Youth Protection Training
• Merit Badge Counselor Training
• STEM Awareness Training
• Leave No Trace Trainer's Training
• Den Chief Training
• Outdoor Ethics 101
• Merit Badge Workshop
• Online Website Training
With so many different types of training programs, it may become a good idea to stay on top of all the achievement opportunities available. This can be done by frequently checking the Ventura County Council's "Training Section" on their website. There is a link for this below. Also check the Troop "Journey to Excellence" file attached to the end of this page.