Alternative advancement requirements bring the challenge within the capability of the Scout, but the Scout must still have the desire and willpower to meet the challenge. No Scout is asked to attempt an advancement challenge beyond his or her capability, if that capability can be objectively determined. A Scout is never set up for failure, but a Scout should expect to be challenged and leaders should prepare Scouts to be challenged and encourage them to overcome.

What will your child be able to do later that she or he cannot today? Advancement challenges are expected to be met over a period of years. Not everything is within the capability of a new 11 year old Scout nor should it be. When we apply for and grant approval for alternative requirements we need to do so from a perspective that will allow the Scout to “grow into” as many challenges as practical.