Advancement

What rank requirements are needed?
In the front of the BSA Scout Handbook, there are requirements listed for Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, and 1st Class Ranks. They must be performed for an Assistant Scout Master (ASM) or Scout Master (SM) and signed off by that person on the chart in the back of the handbook.

Also in the back of the handbook, you will find the requirements for Star, Life, Eagle, and Eagle Palms. An ASM or SM must sign these off as well.

What do we do when all requirements are signed off?
When all requirements are complete for the rank except the last two, the scout must make an appointment with SM or ASM for a Scout Master Conference. He must also notify the Advancement Chair that he is almost ready for a Board of Review. The timing for the Scout Master Conference can be as soon as he finishes the requirements. The scout should bring a copy of the Rank Advancement Form to his Scout Master Conference for the signature by the SM or ASM.

What is a Board of Review?
The Scout will show up in full uniform, clean and neat, to be reviewed by a panel of three adults. He must understand the history of scouting, the history of the USA flag, and know about the troop organization. He should know the oath, motto, slogan, and scout law. He should be on time, respectful of the place where the Board of Review is held, and quiet. There will be other scouts being reviewed during the time he is there and he should not distract others already having a board or waiting for one, as they are already nervous enough.

Where can he get his requirements met?
There are a number of places to get your requirements met. Camp Oljato and other overnight campouts with the troop usually have plans for some requirement signoffs. Skills Patrol meets almost every Monday at 7 PM before the regular 7:30 meeting to work on rank advancements through 1st Class. ASMs are generally available before the regular meeting to sign off requirements. If he still needs that one last item signed off, he can make an appointment with an ASM.

What are Courts of Honor and when are they held?
A Court of Honor is the award ceremony where rank advancements and merit badges are recognized. There are four Courts of Honor per year, usually in September, December, March, and June. The dates depend on when it can be scheduled and where and if there is an Eagle Court of Honor being held concurrently. Some are pot-luck dinners, some are held during the regular meeting at Palo Verde School. Eagle Courts are special award ceremonies for the highest rank of Boy Scouts and can be as elaborate or informal as the parents of the Eagle Scout wish them to be.

Parents Needed
Each Board of Review needs three parents. When there are many boys to advance, there may need to be several groups of three parents each to review all the boys before the Court of Honor. Please be available to take your turn when you are asked. Other parents will say yes to review your son, so please make it reciprocating. There will always be experienced reviewers in the group and you can come up to speed without any pressure.

Visit Merit Badges for information on how to earn merit badges.

Resources:

Merit Badge Midway

meritbadge.com