Advancement to Tenderfoot, Second Class or First Class
When a Scout has been signed off on all rank requirements other than demonstrating Scout Spirit, Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review, he should request a pre-conference with his Patrol Leader or another older scout, one who is First Class or above.
The purpose of the pre-conference is to confirm that the requirements are signed off in the handbook, that the Scout can speak about his experiences in completing the requirements, that he has learned the skills, and that he knows the Scout Oath and Scout Law. While every Scout should be prepared based on having the rank requirements signed off, the older Scout may re-teach a specific skill or may advise the Scout specifically on items he needs to be more prepared on prior to his Scoutmaster Conference.
Pre-conferences are generally done by the Scout's Patrol Leader, but Troop Guides are also available. If a Scout does not know whom to ask, he can ask the Senior Patrol Leader or another senior scout to help him line it up.
Following the pre-conference, a Scout should make a request to the troop’s Advancement Coordinator to schedule a Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review. The request can be made by sending an email, or in person at a meeting, and will usually be scheduled for the NEXT meeting. This request must come from the Scout, rather than a parent or Patrol Leader.
Scoutmaster Conferences are usually done during a regular Troop Meeting. It is important that the Scout lets the Advancement Coordinator or Scoutmaster know at the beginning of a Troop Meeting that he is present and ready to go. The Scoutmaster and Advancement Coordinator will discuss the list of Scouts who have requested Conferences or Boards of Review to see who might go first, etc.
The Board of Review is usually done the same evening, but if it is late or there are not enough people to sit on the Board, it will be planned for the following meeting. If planned for the next meeting, the Scout should again let the Advancement Coordinator or Scoutmaster know that he is there at the beginning of the meeting.
Advancement to Star and Life
The process is similar to prior advancements, except that the pre-conference is done with the Senior Patrol Leader. The emphasis will be on the scout's experience in a position of responsibility. The scout should come prepared to speak with specificity about the activities led or tasks accomplished.
After reaching Life rank, a scout is eligible to pursue the rank of Eagle. When interested in this, the scout should contact the Eagle Coordinator in the troop. A scout does not need to have a project identified before approaching the Eagle Coordinator.
Advancement to Eagle Scout
