Here is what every Scout needs to know when working toward Rank Requirements.

Scouts earn Ranks by completing the requirements for each Rank as found in the Scout Handbook, completing a Scoutmaster Conference and a Board of Review.

Rank advancements are presented at Court of Honor, held every 3 months.

NEXT COURT OF HONOR:  Sept 23, 2024@ 7:30 PM

Scout Master Conference

A Scout must participate in a Scoutmaster conference when they join the troop and at every step along the rank advancement trail.   The conference is simply a visit between the Scoutmaster and a Scout.   During the conference, the two will discuss the various rank advancement requirements, the Scout’s ambitions and life purpose, set goals for future achievement (both in Scouting and beyond), review the Scout’s participation in the troop and explore their understanding and practice of the ideals of Scouting. The conference also gives the Scoutmaster an opportunity to solicit feedback on the troop program and any challenges the Scout is facing.   Prior to scheduling the conference, the Scout should have all requirements for the rank in question signed off in their Scout Book.  The Scout should also be prepared to answer questions (in detail) about the listed requirements.

Conferences typically last between 45 to 60 minutes, although those for First Class and Eagle ranks might last longer. 

Conferences are usually conducted at troop meetings, during outdoor activities or in the Scout’s home (provided a parent is also present).  Given the relaxed nature of many outings, a campsite can be a good setting. Each conference should be a private discussion between the Scoutmaster and a Scout, but it must be held in full view of other people in accordance with the BSA’s Youth Protection policy. 

Conferences are scheduled by the Troop Advancement Chair person, but must be requested by the Scout.  The Troop Advancement Chair person will select a date that works for both the Scout and the Scout Master to complete the conference.

The Scout must also have the Troop 99 Scout Master Conference and Board of Review Form filled out prior to attending the conference. 

Once the Scoutmaster Conference is complete and the Scout has been deemed as passed by the Scoutmaster, the Scoutmaster will sign and date the Troop 99 Scout Master Conference and Board of Review Form.  The Scout will then take this form to the Troop 99 Advancement Chair person, and request a Board of Review to be scheduled.

Board of Review

The board of review is a chance for adults to talk with the Scout about what he’s done, what he’s learned, how has it helped him in his advancement and how he’s enjoying the program.  It’s an essential part of the Boy Scouting experience, and it’s required for every rank from Tenderfoot to Eagle Scout.   The Board of Review is often the final requirement necessary for the completion of the rank advancement, and must take place after the Scoutmaster Conference is complete. 

Scouts should not be asked to do things like recite the Scout Law or tie a bowline. That’s not the point of the Board of Review.  There is policy in Section 4 of the Scouting Guide to Advancement that states the Scout is not to be retested.   They already passed the requirements. It’s already been signed off.  Now it’s a matter of finding out about the Scout, his experiences, the fun he’s had and just learning about the Scout and his goals and ambitions.

Who sits on the Board of Review depends on the rank requirement.  For Tenderfoot through Life ranks , the board of review occurs at the unit level.  The unit selects three to six committee members who sit on the board of review, and they must be 21 or older. Typically these are committee members.

For the Eagle Scout rank, the Board of Review is determined by the council.  It could be held at the unit level with a district or council representative sitting in. Or it could be held at the district or council level. For the Eagle Scout Board of Review, there must be between three and six adults 21 or older. For this one, board of review members don’t have to be registered members of the Boy Scouts, but they should have an understanding of the candidate and the Eagle Scout Award.

Board of Reviews typically last between 30 to 45 minutes, although those for Eagle rank might last longer.

Board of Reviews are scheduled by the Troop Advancement Chair person, but must be requested by the Scout.  The Troop Advancement Chair person will select a date that works for both the Scout and the Board of Review members to complete the review. 

The Scout must also have the Troop 99 Scout Master Conference and Board of Review Form filled out prior to attending the Board of Review.