Rationale

Each of the senior Scout ranks (First Class and above) require that the Scout "...demonstrate Scout Spirit by living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in everyday life." (taken from the Boy Scout Handbook, Eleventh edition, 1998).

What does that mean? The requirement is open to many different interpretations. Precisely because it's hard to measure, Troop 194 has established this set of minimum criteria,these "Standards of Scout Spirit", to measure each Scout's progress on this requirement.

Each of the categories in this document is considered an important aspect in the development of Scouts and junior leaders. Satisfactory progress in each of these categories isadequate evidence of the Scout Spirit noted in the Handbook.

It is expected that these standards will be strictly adhered to, unless other circumstances are sufficient to convince the Scoutmaster and at least one Assistant Scoutmaster that the Scout has met the intent of the requirement. A Scout's promotion may be denied if the Scoutmaster and at least one Assistant Scoutmaster judge that the Scout is not meeting the Spirit of the Scout Law or fails to act as an appropriate role model for his position in the Troop. Any disagreements about denials of promotion may be appealed to theTroop Committee, whose decision in the matter is final.

The Criteria

Attendance

Star Scout Attend 2/3 of all meetings during the previous 4 (four) months.
Life and Eagle Scouts Attend 2/3 of all meetings during the previous 6 (six) months.

Activities

Star Scout Attend 2/3 of all activities during the previous 4 (four) months.
Life and Eagle Scouts Attend 2/3 of all activities during the previous 6 (six) months.

Training

Star Scout

Train and sign off 2 (two) items for Tenderfoot, Second Class, or First Class for 2 (two) Scouts, OR
Lead 2 (two) training sessions for either a patrol or the Troop. OR
Serve as Den Chief or Troop Guide during this period.

Life Scout

Train and sign off 4 (four) items for Tenderfoot, Second Class, or First Class for 4 (four) Scouts, OR
Lead 4 (four) training sessions for either a patrol or the Troop. OR
Serve as Den Chief or Troop Guide during this period. OR

Eagle

Train and sign off 6 (six) items for Tenderfoot, Second Class, or First Class for 6 (six) Scouts, OR
Lead 6 (six) training sessions for either a patrol or the Troop.
Serve as Den Chief or Troop Guide during this period.

Role Models

Senior Scouts are expected to act as the role models for all other Scouts. Senior Scouts should remember that Scouting is a commitment to a way of life and should meet these standards in or out of uniform. They should meet and show the highest standards for:

Uniform

Wearing the appropriate and correct uniform for all officially sanctioned Scout activities.
Wearing the current rank, patrol, and other award emblems.
Having and wearing a complete and neat uniform: BSA hat, shirt, kerchief woggle, and belt. Non-uniform hats should not be worn with the Class A uniform. Class A shirtsmust be clean neat, and tucked in.
Wearing the merit badge sash (and Order of the Arrow sash, if earned) for all formal occasions such as award ceremonies, flag ceremonies, and all Courts of Honor.

Participation

The senior Scouts should be the first to start activities, help get everyone's attention, and generally contribute to meetings rather than distracting from them. At camps, this means enthusiastically participating in all the available Scouting activities.

Language

At all times, senior Scouts' language should reflect the highest standards of the twelve points of the Scout Law. Senior Scouts should remember that their language should meet these standards in or out of uniform. Continued use of bad language can mean dismissal from the Boy Scouts.

The Scout Law

The twelve points of the Scout Law are the guidelines for all Scouts. They serve as the ultimate measure of the Scout's demonstration of Scout Spirit.