Vision

The Boy Scouts of America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law.

Aims and Methods of Scouting

All levels of the Scouting program share three specific objectives: Character development, Citizenship training, and Personal fitness. We use these methods to acheive the objectives:

1. Ideals

2. Patrols

3. Outdoor Programs

4. Advancement

5. Associations with Adults

6. Personal Growth

7. Leadership Development

8. Uniform

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Rank Completion and Merit Badges

Completing a Rank. Before the rank can be completed the scout must have a Scoutmaster conference which he instigates with the Scoutmaster (SM). The SM will also review the Scouting Spirit requirement that is also required. Scouting Spirit is a requirement that allows the SM to discuss behavior, work in school, duty to God, and attitude that should always be following the Scout Oath and Law. Once that has been completed, the scout will then do his BOR (Board of Review) most of the time these will be done on separate weeks.

Merit badges are different. They do not require a Scoutmaster conference or BOR. It should be a goal to not have too many, no more than 5-6, merit badges started at one time. You need to help your scout stay focused on the ones he is working on until they are completed. Some may be lengthy but the key is to help keep your scout be in the know of what is left to be completed. They do the work, but your guidance is key. Merit badges can be started by the scout asking the Sscoutmaster first, then he will direct the scout to the counselor assigned to that merit badge. Merit badges can also be done at merit badge fairs and within the troop but not during regular meeting time as this is the time set aside for scouts to work on rank skills, plan food for campouts and participate in the weekly fitness activities etc. Merit Badges are not needed for rank until Star. So, no hurry as the Merit Badges will come naturally.

Scoutmaster Conferences and Boards of Review (BOR's)

Upon completion of all rank requirements in a given rank (scout, tenderfoot, second class etc.) each scout will have 3 last requirements: Scoutmaster Conference, Scout Spirit and Board of Review (BOR).

The Scoutmaster conference allows the Scoutmaster the opportunity to speak with the scout to check on growth, advancement, Scout spirit and to also check on how things are going at school, in the patrols, on campouts etc. It is really a good time to just find out and get to know each individual scout better but also to understand if there are any causes for concern for the scout, patrol and troop. Scout Spirit is also discussed during this conference.

The Board of Review is made up of 3-6 committee members, one being the Troop Advancement Chairperson. This is a time when the members can look at the scout’s attitudes and accomplishments and how well he is benefiting from the program. It is also a good time to review individually with the scout any merit badges and appropriateness for their rank. Lastly, the BOR will help strengthen the scout’s skills in speaking with other adults in an interview-type situation. Hope this helps as you guide your scout along with the other leaders on their path to Eagle. The biggest help you can give your scout along this process is encouraging them to be present at events and meetings.

Learn more from the Guide to Advancement