Every Rank in Scouts BSA has a requirement that a Scout participate in a Scoutmaster Conference and, with the exception of the Scout Rank, a Board of Review.
Scoutmaster Conference
The Scoutmaster Conference is a meeting between the Scout and the Scoutmaster (or their delegate) that allows the Scoutmaster to review:
- a Scout’s growth in his understanding of Scouting’s ideals
- how the Scout applies these ideals in his daily life and in the troop
- the requirements of the Scout’s next rank so that he can be properly encouraged
The Scoutmaster Conference is not a retest of the Scout’s completion of the requirements, however the Scoutmaster may ask questions about the Scout to ensure they have developed the skills needed for future ranks.
Board of Review
The purpose of a Board of Review is to determine the quality of the Scout’s experience and decide whether the requirements for the rank have been fulfilled. If so, the board not only approves the Scout’s advancement but also provides encouragement to continue the quest for the next rank.
Boards of Review are conducted by 3 to 6 committee members that are not the Scout’s parents, relatives, or guardians. The Scoutmaster is permitted to attend as an observer but is not an active participant unless called upon.
Boards of Review should not become a retest or “examination” or a challenge of the Scout’s knowledge. In most cases it should, instead, be a celebration of accomplishment.
Requesting a Scoutmaster Conference or Board of Review
Scouts may request a Scoutmaster Conference or Board of Review at any time when they are confident the requirements for their rank have been achieved. Adult leadership will do their best to accommodate requests in a timely fashion.
It is strongly encouraged that Scouts request a Scoutmaster Conference / Board of Review at least one week in advance since these meetings require multiple adults to participate. This can be done in person at a Troop meeting or by submitting a form on the Troop website.
REMEMBER:
- Scouts should come to the Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review prepared to demonstrate the skills they learned in the rank they are pursuing and any prior rank. This includes bringing any supplies needed to demonstrate the skills.
- A Board of Review should be requested after Scout has completed the Scoutmaster Conference requirement.
