Advancement

Advancement's Role in Scouting

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The Vision of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law. 

Advancement is one of the 8 methods of scouting. Through the advancement method, scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them. The Scout plans their advancement and progresses at their own pace as they meet each challenge. The Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.

Scouts

You do not need a Board of Review (BoR) for Scout Rank!  For all other ranks:

Prerequisites

Checklist before your BoR will be approved and scheduled:

1. Complete all requirements for the desired rank. (Look at your physical scoutbook for the list of requirements and ensure they are signed off.)

2. After all requirements for the rank are complete, then complete a scoutmaster conference with any ASM for ranks up to Second Class. If trying to obtain rank First Class or above, complete a scoutmaster conference with the Scoutmaster.

Your BoR request will not be approved if you have any incomplete requirement(s) for the rank, and/or if you are submitting this request before completing your scoutmaster conference. 

Scheduling

• The BoR committee will let you know when your BoR is scheduled, through email. 

• There are limited BoRs, and BoRs are only scheduled during Troop meetings, in-person.

• BoR approval and scheduling will take at least 2 to 4 business weeks. 

• Note: It is not appropriate for any scout/their parents to solicit parents for a BoR as this is considered a conflict of interest.

What qualifies as an URGENT BOR? 

The only urgent BoRs are for scouts who are aging out of the program (turning 18) and will not be able to achieve Eagle unless they get BORs by a certain date. The following are NOT reasons for accelerating the BOR schedule: 

• Court of Honor coming up soon/tomorrow

• College applications are due 

• Trying to finish ranks before high school, for example to take more AP classes

Please keep in mind that our troop is entirely volunteer led and run, and that it is a massive process to support BORs. If you have any questions or concerns about the process, please contact the Scoutmaster. Thank you for your patience. 

Parents Needed for BORs! 

All parents must serve on BORs, as otherwise we cannot support scout advancement. Remember, for each rank your scout achieves, 3 other parents served on their BOR. 

All non-ASM parents can sign up on a first come, first pick, then will be assigned by the Advancement Committee. If a date does not work, parents are responsible for finding their own replacement.  

Notes: 

• Only parents can be on Board of Reviews; ASMs/SM cannot do so. 

• Parents/Guardians cannot be on the BOR for their own scout. Scouts should never solicit BOR members, as it is a conflict of interest. 

• BOR Leads must be approved by the Advancement Committee. 

• A female ASM can be provided for YPT, so there is no concern if there is an all-male BOR.