RANK ADVANCEMENT

https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/

Rank Advancement is an important part of scouting. The first four ranks that a scout earns teaches him the fundamental skills of scouting. The skills learned during the Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks are needed during a scout's time in scouting to help them grow into a self-sufficient, confident, and able person. A scout knows that they can master any skill by practicing.

After a scout earns his First Class rank, he sets his goal on reaching the rank of Eagle. As a Star and Life scout, he takes on a leadership role with the troop. When a scout accepts a leadership role for rank advancement, he is agreeing to a list of responsibilities for carrying out that role.

Finally, the rank of Eagle scout, the highest rank that can be earned by a boy scout requires considerable perseverance. Requirements include earning a minimum total of 21 merit badges, including all Eagle-required badges that were not previously earned, and a demonstration of scout spirit, service and leadership. All requirements to earn Eagle, except the Board of Review, must be finished before a scout's 18th birthday.

When all requirements for a rank are completed, the scout is ready for a Scoutmaster Conference. A Scoutmaster Conference is a quick meeting where the Scoutmaster can get to know the scout a little better and gain an understanding of how his time in scouting has been up to that point. A scout must wear his complete and correct Class A uniform when having a Scoutmaster Conference and be prepared with his scout handbook and ready to engage in a short conversation.

The final step before being promoted to a higher rank is a Board of Review. A Board of Review is a formal meeting with a group of three or four adults (Scout leaders and/or parents) not including the Scoutmaster. A scout's Board of Review is an opportunity to discuss his advancement progress, plans and goals, issues he may have with the troop program or its members, and any suggestions he may have for improvements. Upon the conclusion of the Board of Review, the board will declare the consensus opinion of whether or not they believe the scout is worthy of advancement. If so, the scout is congratulated and has officially advanced in rank.