| All the requirements for rank advancement are found in the Boy Scout Handbook.
Each Scout works at his own pace. However, there are guidelines for
advancement, and certain procedures that have to be followed.
- Your son will be working with other Scouts on skills being taught by the
Troop Guide, an Assistant Scoutmaster or another Boy Scout. When the
requirements for a skill award are fulfilled, they are signed off in the
handbook by the Troop Guide or an Assistant Scoutmaster.
- When all of the requirements are completed for a rank advancement, they are
presented at a Scoutmaster's Conference. This time is used to review the boy's
activity relating to skills, and also his participation within the troop and his
"Scout Spirit". At this time, the Scoutmaster will prepare the Scout for a
Board of Review.
- The Board of Review consists of at least three adult committee members. The
Scout will present himself in uniform, his Scout handbook and explain what he
did to earn this advancement. The committee members will question the Scout
concerning the rank he is hoping to achieve and the boy will have the
opportunity to ask questions of the committee members or voice any concerns he
may have. The Scout will be excused from the meeting, and the committee will
then inquire of the Scoutmaster and/or Assistant Scoutmaster as to their
recommendations on the advancement. At this point the Board of Review will vote
yes or no on the advancement. If the rank is approved, the Scout will be
awarded his badge at the next troop meeting with appropriate recognition. If
the rank is denied, the Scoutmaster will discuss the problems with the Scout and
set another review date.
When a Scout is interested in working on a particular merit badge, he is
required to notify the Scoutmaster. He will then acquire the appropriate merit
badge book and the Scoutmaster will fill out the merit badge card and give the
boy the names of all approved merit badge counselors. It is the responsibility
of the Scout to make an appointment with the counselor. National rules now
state that two or more people must meet with the counselor. This may be two
Scouts, a Scout with parent, or a group of Scouts. With the Counselor, the boys
develop a schedule of meetings or activities to fulfill the requirements of the
merit badge. Upon conclusion, the Counselor signs the merit badge card and
retains his portion. The remaining two parts of the card are returned to the
Scoutmaster for recording. One portion of this card is used by the troop to
purchase the badge, and the third portion of the card is returned to the Boy
Scout when he receives the badge at the next Court of Honor.
The best opportunity to earn merit badges is at summer camp, but it is advisable
to earn badges all year long. In order to attain Boy Scout's highest rank, that
of Eagle, twenty one merit badges must be earned. Eleven of these are required,
and the other ten can be chosen from a list of more than 125 options. The list
of required badges is in the back of the handbook.
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