Service Hours

The following guidelines are to assist Scouts in their request for rank advancement credit for service hours.
 

Eligibility of service for service hour rank advancement requirements is determined on an individual basis by the Scoutmaster. The following criteria should be met:

The Scoutmaster should be consulted prior to service being performed

Before the work is done, the Scout should ask the Scoutmaster if the work may be done as service hours. If the Scoutmaster is not available an email message or phone message may be left and discussed with the Scoutmaster after the service is performed. If it is not possible to contact the Scoutmaster prior to doing the service the Scout may request credit after the fact but must explain why the Scoutmaster could not be consulted before the work.

When requesting credit, the Scout should be able to describe the work to be done, who benefits, why they are doing the work, and how long they expect to work. The Scout must maintain a record of the date, type, and duration of the work performed and provide a copy of this to the Datamaster for recording in Troopmaster.

The Scout should be representing Scouting while doing the service, not done primarily as a member of another organization

It is preferred that the Scout wear the appropriate Scout uniform while doing the service. Class A for clean, public service; Class B for harder work; or work clothes for very dirty work or as otherwise appropriate. In any case, the people or organization benefiting from the work should be aware that a Boy Scout is doing the service.

The service should not be a routine task that is done primarily as a member of another organization. Examples of this are singing in a church choir, alter server, usher, or work normally done as a member of a club. Work done may benefit another group to which the Scout belongs (church or club) as long as it is done primarily for being a Scout. An example of this is when the troop helps out at St. Michael's International Festival or volunteers to assist the Church or other organizations in support of their activities or needs.

The service should be to the benefit of the community, not to the Scout or the Scout's family

Home chores, doing something for a relative or a friend does not qualify for service hour credit.

The Scout should not receive any type of payment for the service

As in a good turn, Scouts should not accept material payment for service rendered. When performing service hours a Scout should not accept money or gifts. A Scout may accept food and drink if it is appropriate for meal time, to maintain energy levels, or to quench thirst. The Scout should not make a pig of themselves when offered free food and should maintain a sense that they are there for the purpose of performing service. In any case, the value of the service should greatly exceed any food that is accepted.

The service should not count for any other Scout advancement credit.

Service time should not be applied to multiple Scout requirements such as a merit badge, 50-miler award, OA, or other awards. The Scout should decide how to apply their service hour credits.