Advancement Tracking, Reporting and Recognition
The Paper (Computer) Trail
As in all organizations Scouting has it’s paperwork too. Each unit is responsible for keeping its own records, making reports of advancement to the Bay Lakes Council, and recognizing the scouts in their units.
- Tracking: There are several methods of keeping track of what is happening in your unit by (1) using Internet Advancement from the Boy Scouts of America for entering information, (2) using your computer and purchasing and using one of several Scout record keeping software programs, or (3) using the Pack or Troop Record Book available at a Scout Shop, (4) using the Individual Cub Scout Record form or Individual Boy Scout Record Form Record form,
- Reporting: Units have three ways to prepare an Advancement Report, (1) reporting advancement on-line using Internet Advancement and printing out an Advancement Report form, (2) printing out an Advancement Report form from a purchased software program, (3) completing the hardcopy Advancement Report form (34403B) .
- Purchasing Badges: Before a unit can purchase badges and awards an Advancement Report form must be filed with the Scout Shop. The InterNet Advancement report may be submitted electronically, but submit one hard copy for the Council files. After completing the three part Advancement Report form (34403B) or printing out a report from a record keeping program, submit two copies to the Scout Shop and retain one copy for your unit.
- Immediate Recognition: Whatever system is used for record keeping, the awarding of badges and awards to the Scouts should always be presented as soon after the Scout earns the badge or award as possible, the next meeting is preferred, and never be delayed.
Using Internet Advancement (ScoutNet)
Units can use the National Internet Advancement to record their youth member advancements online. You will find this new method to be easy, convenient, and accurate because you enter the information, and it will save you the effort of hand writing advancements onto a three-part carbon form. Use Internet Advancement for adding ranks, merit badges and awards and to update information on existing advancements, except the Eagle Scout rank.
Here’s how it works:
Each unit selects one person to be the unit processor who will enter information and be authorized to
report advancement for the unit.
Things you will need to initiate and use the program:
- Unit ID # – If you do not have this, use the link on the right “Forgot Your Unit ID Number” and you can send an email to get your number. You will also have to create a personal password.
- Current Advancement Records – To enter once you get into the system.
- Printer Access – So that you can print your Advancement Update Summary.
- System Requirements – Explorer 5.5 or higher, 56K or faster Internet connection and Adobe Reader
view Internet Advancement PowerPoint presentation
For more information, visit the Council Website