Advancement

Tips and Resources
There are many places throughout the internet that provide supplemental information for advancement and promotion of Scout skills. Some of these links and files can help a Scout dig a little deeper into some things than are officially provided by BSA. Feel free to forward sugestions/files/links that can help others!

MeritBadge.Org Of course the Mother of all Scouting advancement and merit badge sources, we're not going to be redundant with what they offer. Go there and look around, you'll find most everything you need.

Rank

New Boy Scout rank requirements effective January 1, 2008:
The National Youth Protection Committee recommended additions to Boy Scout rank requirements that were approved and will become effective January 1, 2008. These changes will help us advance the importance of Youth Protection training beyond the initial Boy Scout joining requirements, and keep youth informed and actively engaged in understanding the key elements of personal safety and protection. The changes will be represented in the 2008 Boy Scout Requirements book and the revised ninth printing of the 11th edition of the Boy Scout Handbook.
Tenderfoot Rank Revised requirement 9:
Explain the importance of the buddy system as it relates to your personal safety on outings and in your neighborhood. Describe what a bully is and how you should respond to one.
Second Class Rank New requirement 8b:
Explain the three R’s of personal safety and protection.
First Class Rank New requirement 12:
Describe the three things you should avoid doing related to use of the Internet. Describe a cyber-bully and how you should respond to one.

Knots:
How to Tie Basic Knots videos from Boys' Life.
Animated Knots by Grog. A website that shows animations of how to tie just about all needed knots.

Sharpening:
How to Sharpen a Knife or Ax videos from Boys' Life.

Merit Badges

Merit Badge Primer Video: This is a video on the National BSA site which explains some of the basics of the process involved with earning merit badges. It is a great introductory piece for a family new to Scouting and maybe not quite sure what it is all about. Although we have defined our processes a little more than they explain in the video, it is a good place to start. After viewing this video, please see the file 'Advancement Guidelines' available above under 'Unit Guidelines' (found on the 'Unit Information' page) for a more complete explanation of the process a Scout needs to follow.

Wilderness Survival Merit Badge:
Taking Shelter: building a shelter from materials available.
Building a Personal Survival Kit: What items should you bring along?

There are three Merit Badges that the Scoutmaster is counselor for: Camping, Cooking, and Hiking. While you are able to take Camping at Summer Camp, you can also take it during the rest of the year by meeting with the Scoutmaster. The following are some things that will help you in your preparations regardless where you take it.
Camping Merit Badge:
Tents
Backpacks