Ranks

Completing Requirements

You see and track your requirements for each rank in the back of your Scout Handbook. Each requirement will list the page number in your handbook where you can learn the skill/info you need to complete it. Once you’re ready, talk to someone who can sign it off for you.

Any scout can sign off your requirements, so long as their rank is two higher than the one they’re signing for. For example, a First Class scout can sign off a Tenderfoot requirement, but can’t sign a Second Class requirement. For Life and Eagle, it must be signed by the Scoutmaster.

Being an “Active Scout”

The last three ranks (Star, Life, and Eagle) each require a scout to be “active” in their troop for a certain period of time. In Troop 1607, “active” means:

Participate in (and stay overnight at) at least one troop campout within each two months considered “active”.

The Scoutmaster Conference

A Scoutmaster Conference is a conversation between a scout and the Scoutmaster. It’s a chance for the scout to ask questions, share their experiences, and get guidance from the Scoutmaster. You can complete a conference at any point during your progress towards your next rank, though it’s usually done at the end.

It’s best to contact the Scoutmaster ahead of time when you want a conference. Come to the conference with your full Class A uniform and handbook.

The Board of Review

For every rank except Scout, a Board of Review (BOR) is your last step towards ranking up. It’s a meeting/interview between you and 3-6 Committee members. It’s an opportunity for the Committee to review your progress, and ask questions about what you’ve done, learned, and how you enjoy the program. It isn’t a re-test of completed requirements, and it’s not something you can “fail”.

Requesting a BOR

Before requesting a Board:

Secure the signatures for every rank requirement except the BOR, including your Scoutmaster Conference.
Get all the logs in the back of your handbook (camping, leadership, service hours, hiking, merit badges) are to date, with signatures where applicable.
Make sure your uniform patches are up to date.
Make sure your advancement binder is up to date.

Then, speak to the troop’s Advancement Coordinator to request a Board date.

What to bring to your BOR

On the day of your BOR:

Bring your Scout Handbook
Bring your advancement binder
Arrive dressed in your complete, pressed Class A uniform, including your merit badge sash.