Troop 208 - Rank Advancement

Boards of Review are required for Scouts wanting to advance in rank (Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, or first Class Scout, Star, Life or Eagle).

A Scout will come prepared to each Board of Review. Scouts should present themselves in their full Field Class Uniform for a Board of Review. For Scout, Tenderfoot and Second Class rank advancements, this only includes your Scout shirt and neckerchief and slide. For all other ranks (First Class, Star, Life and Eagle), this includes Scout shirt, neckerchief and slide, Scout pants or Scout shorts, Scout belt, and Scout socks.

YOU MUST HAVE YOUR SCOUT HANDBOOK AT THE BOARD OF REVIEW.

The Board of Review Request form must be completed and submitted one week prior to the date submitted on the form. Fill in the form completely and return it to the Advancement Coordinator. Boards of Review will not be conducted later than one week prior to the Court of Honor. All Court of Honor dates are marked on our Troop Calendar on our Troop Web site (http:www.bsatroop208.org).

Adults associated with Troop 208 will be interested in knowing what the Scout has learned from the merit badges the Scout has completed, the requirements of the rank the Scout is advancing to, how the Scout has served others and how the Scout is acting as a leader in the patrol or the troop. The members of a Board of Review have the following objectives in mind:

Additionally, the Board of Review provides "quality control" on advancement within the unit, it provides an opportunity for the Scout to develop and practice those skills needed in an interview situation, and it is an opportunity for the Scout to review his accomplishments.

The Board of Review is NOT a retest; the Scout has already been tested on the skills and activities required for the rank. The Board of Review is an opportunity to review of the Scout's attitudes, accomplishments and his acceptance of Scouting's ideals.

Please refer to Overview of the Board of Review Process in this handbook for more information.

Suggestions to Parents:

Become familiar with the scout handbook.
Create short term goals for your son.
For example: "Be able to tie the bowline knot tomorrow after dinner." or "Complete requirement 3 of the First Aid MB by Saturday." (One goal at a time keeps scouts from feeling overwhelmed.)
Teach your son basic scouting skills. (Its easy and its all in the handbook)
Expect timely rank advancement. At least one requirement a week until 1st Class.