The following methods may be used for coaching the boy:

Books—The Handbook for Boys will provide him with an incentive, and will give him many technical hints.

Discussion—Questions and answers between the boy and his "buddy" will enlighten him as to what is required.

Demonstrations—put on by individuals within the Patrol or by the Patrol as a whole will show him how to do much of what is required.

* Observation—with explanations, is the way in which he will learn trees, stars, tracks and the like.

* These methods should receive the greatest emphasis in your activities.

* Games—The first steps in signaling, compass and other requirements may be mastered through instructive games, although it should be realized that games are more valuable for introducing and practicing Scoutcraft than for actual teaching purposes.

* Contests—These work in about the same way as games. Contests provide an incentive for training toward perfection in Scoutcraft subjects.

* Dramatizations—in which the boy takes part will likewise stir his interest and encourage his training.

* Experimentation—is the best way for a Scout to actually learn the Scoutcraft subjects. "Learning by Doing" is the Scout way, and experimentation, especially with guidance, provides this.

* Life Situations—Placing the boy in a position or situation where he will have to solve the problem— whether it be preparing a meal for himself or treating a staged first aid case—will be the supreme training —developing initiative and perseverance as well as technical skills.

The Incentive Of Tradition

In all of this coaching the boy should be made to realize, that "We of the Beaver Patrol expect great things of you!" and that "No Beaver ever went unprepared for his examination in the requirements!" Such a tradition once established will give the boy added incentive and will prevent slip-shod preparation. For suggestions in regard to preparation for the various Requirements, see Chats 35 and 36.

When the Patrol Leader is certain—through a check-up of his own—that the boy is fully prepared, he announces to the Scoutmaster or the Assistant

* These methods should receive the greatest emphasis in your activities.

"A Maine guide can go Into the woods on foot with only an axe and come out driving a horse and buggy." Master the axe early.

Scoutmaster in charge of advancement that the boy is ready to be examined.

Examination

The actual examination for the Second Class and First Class Requirements is given by a Troop Leader of the rank of Junior Assistant Scoutmaster or above, as designated by the Scoutmaster.

The purpose of the examination is to furnish the Scout with the opportunity to prove that he has prepared himself in certain useful knowledge and skills. The examination must involve the actual doing of the things called for in the requirements. It should, if possible, be given "on the scene" under conditions similar to those under which the Scout may be called upon to use his skills, which simply means that the examination in many of the requirements should take place on a hike of the Troop, the Patrol, or on a "buddy hike" undertaken by the counselor and the boy.

The examination is not a mere test of the technical requirements; it is a test of the boy's interest and general knowledge of the subject as well. A counselor has no authority to omit or add to the requirements listed in the Handbook, but it is within his power to interpret whether the Scout's interest is sufficient to merit his approval. (For detailed help relative to examinations in the various Second Class and First Class Requirements, see the many suggestions given in Chats 35 and 36.)

It is not required that the examination in all of the requirements for either Second Class or First Class be done on one single occasion. On the contrary, it is recommended that it become a cumulative affair and that the boy after having been examined in any subject be provided with a written statement signed by the counselor to show that he was properly examined.

When the boy has finished all of the requirements for a rank, he makes known to his Scoutmaster that he is ready for review at the next session of the Board of Review.

Are these dog tracks? Were they made yesterday or today? Scouts read the answers and move into greater mental activity.

Review

The Troop Board of Review is best conducted in conjunction with one of the regular Troop meetings. A brief description of a typical session may help to visualize its operation.

The Troop may meet at 7:30 and go ahead with its regular Troop meeting program. The Troop Board of Review will then meet at 7:30 or 8:00 o'clock in a separate, adjoining room for the review of candidates, who will be called in from the Troop meeting to appear before it. Candidates for each subject may be reviewed in groups—or preferably, singly—each individual candidate being asked enough questions to justify the certification for the award sought.

Purpose Of Review

It should be borne in mind at all times that the review is not a re-examination and does not require the repetition of actual demonstration of the skills and knowledge called for in the examination. The review is calculated to reveal whether in the examination as given the proper standards were maintained. It is a check-up to ascertain that what should have been done has been done.

The length of time required for this review will depend upon the number to be reviewed. In very few instances should it consume more than half an hour.

It is important that the reception of the Scout to be interviewed be as friendly as possible so as to dispel any nervousness or uneasiness on his part. The review should be thorough, covering all the requirements in question; it should emphasize Scout Advancement as preparation for service and should be a standard experience for all who are exposed to it.

If the review has been satisfactory, the boy is ready for his award. Otherwise he must be re-examined before he may again appear before the Troop Board of Review.

The Scoutmaster should see to it that the advancement cards of the Scouts who satisfied their requirements are transmitted promptly to the Local Council Office so that the Scouts may be credited with the advancement and so that their badges may be secured for presentation at the Troop Court of Honor.

Qualities Of A Good Reviewing Method

The following summary outlines ten qualities that are found in a good reviewing method:

The High Jump sometimes holds a Scout back in his Athletics Merit Badge. It is good wholesome exercise.

(1) A good reviewing method should measure the Scout's ability to make practical application of what he has learned in playing the Scouting game.

(2) The review should, in so far as possible, be a standard experience for all who are exposed to it.

(3) The review should be thorough.

(4) The review should provide for individual treatment.

(5) The review should be a happy experience for both the boy and the man.

(6) The review should strengthen the boy's confidence in the adult leadership of Scouting.

(7) The review should foster self-reliance.

(8) The review should emphasize Scout advancement as preparation for service.

(9) Travel, expense, unnecessary delay, or other inconvenience either for the boys or their reviewers should be eliminated as far as is practicable.

(10) The review should complete the process of meeting the requirements.

Award

The award is presented to the boy at a Troop Court of Honor before the whole Troop, and where possible with a representative of the Local Council—District or Neighborhood Commissioner—present.

Again going back to a typical session, this is what may further happen:

At about 8:30 o'clock the Troop concludes its activities—either of a regular meeting or of a special Parent's Night, for example—and "sets the stage" for the awarding ceremonies in the Troop Court of Honor session. A long table may be provided for the Court members. The Flag of the United States of America and the Troop's flag may be appropriately displayed. Chairs are arranged in orderly rows for guests, who include parents and friends of the boys who are to receive their awards, and other interested persons. The Troop is lined up.

When all is in readiness, word is sent to the Troop Committee, which enters in a body as the Troop stands at attention. The members take their places and the proceedings start.

The program may be along the following lines:

1. An opening ceremony—such as the Candle Lighting Ceremony.

The three points are the points of the Scout Oath. Two stars are "Truth" and "Knowledge" guiding the Scout. The Eagle symbolizes "Freedom."

2. The boys who are to have awards presented to them, and their parents, step forward.

3. The formal presentation of the awards;—Second Class first, then First Class—by the Chairman of the Troop Court of Honor. In all instances congratulations with the left handclasp from Chairman and Scoutmaster.

4. After having received his own badge, each boy is privileged to turn to his parents and present to them miniature badges of his own rank.

5. Perhaps a short talk made by a guest of honor.

6. The Troop's regular closing ceremony, which may include the retiring of the Colors, the Scoutmaster's Benediction and Taps.

It is important that the occasion be simple, yet dignified, both as a fitting recognition of the efforts of those receiving the honors and as a stimulus for other members of the Troop to follow their example.