Advancement Committee
Advancing in rank helps expand a Scout’s horizons
Advancement is the process Scouts use to progress from rank to rank. It is one of several methods Scouting America has developed to help leaders carry out Scouting’s aims and mission.
Everything done to advance—to earn ranks and other awards and recognition—is designed to educate or to otherwise expand a Scout’s horizons. From the time a member joins, they learn and develop according to defined standards. The same process applies as they move from Cub Scouting to Scouting to Venturing or Sea Scouts.
Experiential learning is key to meeting these standards. When Scouts are offered exciting and meaningful activities, education happens. Learning comes from doing. A Scout may read about first aid, hear it discussed and watch others administer it, for example, but they will not learn it until they practice it themself.
Rushing through the requirements to obtain a badge is not the goal. Advancement should be a natural outcome of a well-rounded unit program, rich in opportunities to work toward the ranks.
The Advancement and Recognition Committee’s role
The Great Southwest's Advancement Committee is responsible for serving our Scout’s advancement and recognition needs and providing guidance for Scouters who administer the program. Along with Zone Advancement Chairs (ZAC), our Council’s Advancement Committee is tasked with ensuring adherence to the requirements established by the National Council and the Great Southwest Area Council.
Our Council’s committee includes each of the Zone Advancment Chairs and other volunteers. Each ZAC is an experienced advancement volunteer and is the same person who was your District Advancement Chair until 2023. Our Council’s Advancement Commitee is advised by and reports to a professional staff advisor who provides coaching and guidance—especially as it relates to national policies and procedures. We work closely and in harmony with the other efforts and functions within the Great Southwest Council to deliver and support the Scouting program.
Scouts and Scouters with advancement and recognition related comments, issues, or concerns should first contact their Zone Advancement Chair for guidance or resolution. As necessary, they will contact the correct individuals on the Council Advancement Committee for further guidance or resolution.
| Zone Advancement Chair | Email Address | Supporting Zones |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Bartholomew | life2eaglehelp@yahoo.com | RG01; RG02; RG03; RG04; RG05 |
| Julie Harris |
harrisfamilydgo@gmail.com |
SJ01 |
| Johnna Downing | johnnadowning@yahoo.com | SJ02 |
| Mike Cutter | michael.cutter@msn.com | SA01; SA02; SA03; SA04 |
| Tim Neal | timrneal@gmail.com | SC01; SC02; SC03 |
Advancement Resources
Eagle Rank Advancement Resources
Merit Badge Councilor Application
Are you having fun with Advancement and want to dive a little deeper?
Contact Lois Caipen GSWC Advancement VP at Locaipen@aol.com