Advancement and awards

Scouts work on advancing through the ranks towards earning Eagle. For more information on advancement see what Scouting America has to say about it. See the topics below for information about some of the processes.

  • The Scoutmaster Conference is an informal, one-on-one conversation between the Scout and the Scoutmaster (or an Assistant Scoutmaster). It happens after the Scout has completed all the active requirements for a rank.

    • Primary Purpose: Coaching, goal-setting, and personal growth.

    • What Happens: The Scoutmaster chats with the Scout about their journey through the rank—what they enjoyed, what gave them trouble, and how they felt about their leadership or team participation. It is also a chance to look ahead to future ranks, merit badges, and personal goals both inside and outside of Scouting.

    • Is it a Pass/Fail Test? No. A Scoutmaster Conference is never a re-test of skills. If the requirements in the handbook are signed off, those skills are already verified. It is a supportive mentoring check-in to ensure the Scout feels good about their progress.Description text goes here

  • Description text goes hereThe Board of Review is the official final step for rank advancement. It takes place after the Scoutmaster Conference is finished.

    • Primary Purpose: Quality control for the troop and an evaluation of the Scout’s overall experience.

    • Who Conducts It? A panel of 3 to 6 adult members of the Troop Committee. Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters do not participate, and parents do not sit on their own child’s board. This gives Scouts experience talking comfortably with adult community members in a safe, encouraging environment.

    • What Happens: The panel asks open-ended questions about the Scout’s experience in the troop. They might ask:

    • What was your favorite campout recently, and why?

    • Which requirement for this rank was the hardest for you?

    • How do you live by the Scout Oath and Law in your daily life at school or home?

    • Is there anything about the troop you would like to see improved?

    • What It Accomplishes:

    1. For the Scout: Builds confidence in speaking with adults, taking pride in accomplishments, and reflecting on personal growth.

    2. For the Troop: Provides the committee with feedback on how the troop is running, how active the youth are, and whether the program is meeting its goals.