It is the Scout’s responsibility to schedule a Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review when she has completed the requirements for rank advancement.

Scout Rank

A Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review are NOT required for this rank.  The Scout should turn in a copy of these pages from their Scouts BSA Handbook to the scribes so that he can be recognized.

Scoutmaster Conference

The steps for a Scoutmaster Conference are as follows:

1. The Scout must have their Scouts BSA Handbook, show up on time and be prepared for the Scoutmaster conference.  The Scout should bring their camping log and service hour log with them.  These logs can be printed from ScoutBook.  They should also bring copies of their leadership forms if leadership experience is required for their rank.
2. The Scoutmaster of the troop conducts all Star, Life and Eagle conferences.  For other ranks, the Scoutmaster or ASM for the Scout’s Patrol will conduct the conference.  The Scout should contact the Scoutmaster or Patrol ASM by email or in-person to schedule the meeting.
3. For the rank of Life and Eagle, the scout is required to wear a Class A uniform. 

Board of Review

Once a Scout has completed their Scoutmaster Conference, the last step for advancement is completing a Board of Review.  The steps for a Board of Review are as follows:

1. Sign up for a Board of Review
2. Bring their Scout BSA Handbook showing completion of all rank requirements.
3. Bring the following forms printed from Scoutbook:
   • Boy Scout Individual History Report
   • Service log
   • Camping log
4. Come dressed in full Class A uniform (sash, socks, belt, pants/shorts, etc).

Recognition for completion of rank will be made at the earliest troop meeting possible. Scouts are recognized again at a formal ceremony called Court of Honor.  Families are encouraged to attend all Courts of Honor.

Adults needed for a Board of Review

When a Scout has completed all of the requirements for a rank, they must appear before a Board of Review (BOR).

All adults in the troop except for ASMs can participate in a Board of Review. A minimum of three (3) adults is needed for each BOR.  Please remember adult participation is necessary for Scouts to advance.

• Boards of Review: An Overview for All Ranks
• What is a Board of Review?

There are around 135 Merit Badges that a scout can earn while learning new skills, concepts and behaviors.  Things learned may shape future interests and affect career choices, fields of study, or areas of service.

To earn each Merit Badge, a scout must complete the list of requirements with the guidance of a Merit Badge Counselor.  Once all requirements are met, they will be signed off by the Merit Badge Counselor.  Completed blue cards should be turned in to the scribes.

Merit Badge sessions are offered at Summer Camps, Merit Badge Fairs, and many other locations around Houston.

Resources

• BSA Merit Badges and Requirements
• MeritBadge.org

Court of Honor (COH) is held three times per year to celebrate the achievements of our scouts on Rank Advancements, Merit Badges, and other special awards.  Families and friends are invited to attend to celebrate with their scouts.

Documentation of all awards to be given must be turned in two to three weeks before the COH presentation.  This allows time for records to be reviewed and validated, awards to be purchased and for the information to be posted in the national BSA database.

Although those who achieve Eagle Rank will be recognized at Troop COH, they also have a separate special Court of Honor ceremony to recognize this accomplishment.