Troop 718 advances Scouts as they meet the requirements established by the Boy Scouts of America, as listed in their handbooks. Alternate requirements for Scouts with disabilities are also listed.
Before reaching First Class, Scouts work to fulfill requirements for the first four ranks simultaneously. Once a Scout has achieved First Class, he must fulfill requirements in rank order, with the exception of the Merit Badge requirement. These can be applied to each rank as he earns them.
Scouts qualify for promotions as follows:
- He demonstrates the skills, abilities, or knowledge, according to the requirements, to an attending Leader.
- He asks the Leader to sign-off the requirements.
- He asks Leaders to sign off regarding campouts or service events he attends.
- Sign offs can happen at any time at Troop meetings, on outings, upon his request.
Once all the requirements for the rank are signed off, the Scout must request/attend:
- A Scoutmaster Conference. The Scout meets with the Scoutmaster, who reviews his achievements. (Youth Protection rules apply). Some requirements may be signed off at the Conference. After the Scoutmaster signs off, the Scout must request a Board of Review. See Preparing for your Conference, under the Scoutmaster Conference /BOR menu selection.
- The Board of Review. Boards of Review are held regularly for Scouts to sign up. Here the Scout presents himself to a panel of three or more adults as a candidate for promotion. The Board interviews him and decides if he is ready for the next rank. After a successful BOR, the Advancement Chair signs the handbook and the Scout has been promoted. He may immediately work toward his next rank.
- The Court of Honor. Courts of Honor are held twice a year to recognize and celebrate our Scouts’ achievements.