Determining if a Scout is Active

Whenever Scout leaders spend time together the topic of ‘active participation’ seems to come up. Each Scouter an unit have their own opinions. In fact National has changed the definition several times in the past 5 years. The current policy is as follows:

The Guide to Advancement, in topic 4.2.3.1, takes a new approach in determining whether a Scout has been “active” to the extent required for rank advancement. Three sequential tests are set forth. The first two require a Scout to be registered and in as Scout must be in good standing.” For the third test, a Scout is evaluated against his unit’s reasonable expectations that refer to a level of activity. If he does not meet these expectations, however, he may still be considered active for the purposes of advancement.

Here’s how it works: First, a board of review must agree that Scouting’s values have taken hold and been exhibited. The Guide to Advancement 2013 section 4.2.3.1 Active Participation expands on this.. If such agreement can be reached, then one of the following must be established: The unit’s reasonable expectations that refer to a level of activity have not been met due to other positive endeavors in or out of Scouting. For example, a Scouts activity with the Order of the Arrow, his religious institution, school, sports, or clubs that also develop character, citizenship, or personal fitness, may be considered and “counted.”

OR

The unit’s reasonable expectations that refer to a level of activity have not been met due to noteworthy circumstances that have prevented a higher level of participation. These may be medical, educational, family, or other issues that for practical purposes limit the Scout’s ability to participate. If it can be established that the Scout would have been more active if he could have been, then he is deemed “active” for the purposes of advancement.

It is important to note that it is up to a board of review to make the determination.

The Scout’s level of activity should be discussed at the Scoutmaster conference, along with considerations of Scout spirit and reasons why the Scout has not been more active. As a result, it is possible the Scout may decide he is not ready for advancement, or perhaps that the Scoutmaster may support the Scout’s view that he should be considered active in spite of unit expectations. Regardless, the Scoutmaster does not have the authority to hold back a candidate for rank advancement. There is no requirement that a Scoutmaster conference must be “passed.”