Scoutmaster's Conferences may be held by the Scoutmaster or one of the Assistant Scoutmasters. The purpose of the conference is to test the Scouts qualifications before advancing him to the Board of Review. The Scoutmaster (or assistant) will talk with the Scout about his Scout spirit and what he has done to earn advancement. The Scoutmaster may also ask the Scout about his plans for the future, his desires from Scouting, problems he has noted in the Troop, or other questions related to Scouting. It is the Scout’s responsibility to request and schedule a Scoutmaster Conference.
This is the last step before the Scout advances in rank. Boards of Review can range from a rubber stamp of the Scoutmaster's conference, lasting only ten minutes, to a full examination of the Scout's qualifications. The Board is composed of at least three Troop Committee members (Scoutmasters and Assistants may not sit on a board). Many Boards opt for fully testing the Scout because they are certifying the Scouts readiness to assume the responsibilities of his new rank. Scouts also are normally tested on basic Scout skills that were required at lower ranks; a Life Scout should be able to teach new Scouts everything they need to make it to First Class without consulting the handbook (too often). A "non-pass" by Board of Review (or Scoutmaster's conference) should not be portrayed as a failure or rejection. Instead, the Scout simply has some areas that need work before certifying him at the higher rank.
Required items for all Boards of Review:
- Full Class A uniform
- Scout book
- Board of Review form (see below)
The Scoutmaster and/or Assistant Scoutmasters will be responsible for putting together Boards of Review. The Scoutmaster will be responsible for putting together the Eagle Boards of Review.
It is the responsibility of the Scout to obtain a Board of review form before his Board for a rank advancement. A form can be obtained from the Website, Advancement Chairperson or an adult with the current TroopMaster data. The form should be requested the week prior to your board to give them the opportunity to print your data. Board of review forms contain all of your personal advancement information that is necessary during you board. After a board has been completed, the form should be filled out and signed by all of the board members and returned to the Advancement Chairperson by a representative of the board.
