Rank Advancement

The First step towards Rank Advancement begins with your Boy Scout Handbook.  This book is very important as a reference guide, and also as proof of the completion of your requirements.  Your leaders, including other Star Scouts, can sign off each requirment as you present proof to them. 

The Scout rank:   Refer to page 17 and 34 in the 2010 BSA Handbook

Complete the requirements outlined on these pages.  One requirement asks you to discuss with your parents the pamphlet in the front of your Scout Handbook, upon completion of this and the others in the book ask the Scoutmaster for a "Scoutmaster Conference".  The conference is simply a conversation for you and he to make a connection, for him to ask you questions to be sure that you understand the requirements and for him to pass along any advice for your future journey in Scouting.  This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions that you may have.  When he and you are satisfied he will announce to the troop that we have a new Scout. Congratulations!

Tenderfoot through Life Ranks:  Refer to pages 432  thru 439 of the 2010 BSA Handbook 

1) Complete requirements

• Requirements do NOT need to be completed in order. 
• Review all the requirements for Tenderfoot, 2^nd Class, and 1^st class so you can take advantage of opportunities that may arise.  For example, you may want to volunteer to participate in the flag ceremony at a meeting, or do the food shopping for your patrol on the next trip.
• Read the requirements carefully, some require that you be a certain rank before completing a task.
• Many requirements are completed at meetings, campouts, MBU (Merit Badge University), summer camp or other scout activity.  They are not typically done in a family setting.  For example, you and your dad may whip and fuse a rope, but to get the requirement signed off, we would like to see the scout do this during a meeting or other scout activity.  Another may be that, you have slept in a tent that you have pitched on a family camp out, we would prefer that this be completed on a scout trip.  
• Let your Patrol Leader and/or Senior Patrol Leader know what you need to complete, sometimes they will arrange meetings around requirements!
• Whenever you have completed a requirement, it is your responsibility to have it signed off.  That means even if a group of you learns some first aid, or knots, or participates in a swimming test, you need to personally see that your book is initialed.
• Your book can be signed by any Scout that has achieved the rank of Star or greater, and/or the Scout Master or Assistant Scout Masters. 

2) Scoutmaster conference.

When all requirements are complete, ask the Scoutmaster for a conference!  You can ask at a meeting, call him, e-mail him and he will schedule a time.  It could be during a meeting or outside the meeting. Conferences take place on trips, too so don’t hesitate to ask and "Be Prepared".  During the conference he will sign off any remaining items that are complete but not initialed, and he will talk with you about what you have completed including the “Scout Spirit” requirement.  A conference may take ½ hour or longer.

3) Board of Review or BoR.

After your scoutmaster conference, the next step is for you contact the advancement coordinator to request a Board of Review or BoR.  The Scoutmaster will also contact the coordinator to confirm that you are ready.  You can phone or e-mail him/her anytime.  Board of Reviews are typically scheduled during meetings and can last anywhere between 20 to 45 minutes.  A Board consists of 3 or more adults who are members of the Scout Committee.  You need to wear your Class A uniform (with your correct rank, bolo or neckerchief).  Come prepared with your book, pen and any documentation that you have.  They may ask you questions about any of the requirements you have completed – including lower ranks, sometimes – and talk with you about your plans for advancement.  When you have passed a board of review the 3 members will initial and date your book and give it to the Advancement Coordinator to update your progress and will be returned to you at the next scheduled meeting.  Your new Rank badge will be presented at the next Court of Honor, but your actual date of advancement will be the date of your BoR.     

4) Documentation.

The troop uses a software program, called TROOPMASTER.  It allows us to keep records of what scouts have accomplished.  Each time the advancement coordinator sees your book, They update all of the requirements that have been signed off.  There is a report called the “Individual History Report” which lists the advancements, including merit badges and leadership positions, completed by each individual.  A set of these reports is available soon before a court of honor and usually emailed to each scout.  They may also be e-mailed individually from time to time.  Also, you can e-mail the advancement coordinator anytime and request a copy for yourself.  The report should reflect just what you have written in your own handbook.  If there are any mistakes, get your documentation together and have it corrected.

Eagle Rank:        Achieving the rank of Eagle is a more formal procedure, involving the council early in the process.  It is described in a separate section.