Now that you are a Scout, here’s what you need to know about how the program works, and how it is different from Cub Scouts. You will join a Patrol, of which the Troop has several.  You will do many activities with the entire Troop, with your Patrol, or with temporary Patrols formed for particular events (such as campouts).

The ranks in Scouts are Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle.  New Scouts work on skills required for the ranks of Tenderfoot through First Class in their first year or two in the program. These Scouting skills are found in your Scout Handbook.  New Scouts should bring their Handbook to every meeting.

Star, Life and Eagle ranks require merit badges, demonstration of leadership and service to others.  Unlike Cub Scouts, there is no set schedule for achieving ranks.  However, a Scout wishing to achieve the rank of Eagle must do so before reaching his 18^th birthday.

Scouting skills are learned and practiced at meetings and campouts, but practice at home helps too!  While some requirements may be fulfilled in a group setting, others will require the boy to ask a leader for some time to demonstrate his skill.  If a Scout is ready to demonstrate his skill or has done something that fulfills a requirement, they should tell their Patrol Leader that he is ready to have that requirement signed off in their Scout Handbook.  The Patrol Leader will assist in finding an eligible Troop Leader (adult or youth) who can provide the proper sign-off.  Scouts should check in regularly with the Advancement Chair so Troop records are kept current.

As you complete and demonstrate skills, you will request and receive sign-off

1. in your handbook by the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster or designated youth leader(s); and
2. on a Merit Badge blue card by the registered Merit Badge Counselor leading your particular Merit Badge.

The final two steps for all rank advancement requirements are the Scoutmaster Conference and the Board of Review.  To have a Scoutmaster Conference, the Scout first completes all of the requirements for a rank, which is verified with the Advancement Coordinator.  Then the Scout asks his Patrol Leader to set up a Scoutmaster Conference.  The Scoutmaster Conference is a review of the skills and requirements for that rank.  It is a time to determine how the Scout is doing and whether he has satisfactorily completed all of the rank requirements.

After completing the Scoutmaster Conference, the Scout is ready the final step of each rank advancement:  the Board of Review.  A Board of Review is arranged through the Senior Patrol Leader.  The Board of Review is not an exam.  It is a discussion between the Scout and three members of the Troop Committee.  Its purpose is to explore the Scout’s participation in Troop and Scouting activities, discuss his plans or interests in future Troop events, and to further encourage him to continue on to the next rank.  A Board of Review is a great opportunity for the Scouts to meet other parent leaders and to learn to confidently communicate with adults.

Important notes for Scouts:

• Take responsibility for planning and completing activities by:
  • Knowing the requirements of your next rank or merit badge
  • Talking about things you want to do with your parents and with other Scouts, and sharing them with your Patrols and at Troop meetings
  • Reviewing your progress (and the Boy Scout Handbook) with your parents
• Use your Scout Handbook!
  • Bring your Handbook to Scout activities (Troop meetings and campouts, for example) so requirements can be signed off immediately upon completion
  • Use the same Handbook for all signatures for completed activities, camping nights and rank advancements.
  • Use the tracking tables to record activities completed.
  • Service projects, camping trips, hikes and outside events may be applied to future rank advancements, Merit Badges or other awards.
• Keep your Scout Handbook safe and in good condition – your accomplishments will be verified at your Eagle Scout Board of Review.