Rank Requirements

Boys should closely study the requirements for the ranks in their Scout Handbook, and be aggressive with their advancement plan. Each campout generally gives the Scout an opportunity to demonstrate skills he has learned and have them marked off in his book. An Advancement Planner will be filled out by each Patrol prior to an outdoor event, and each boy is responsible for indicating the advancements he plans on completing.

Scoutmaster Conference

Upon completion of the requirements for a rank, a Scout may request a Scoutmaster Conference. The Scoutmaster and the Scout will meet and go over the rank requirements to ensure that the requirements have been met, and to prepare the Scout for his Board of Review.

Board of Review

A Board of Review is scheduled for the Scout upon completion of all requirements for a rank including the Scoutmaster Conference. Generally three or four adults sit on the Board and interview the Scout on his experiences working toward the rank. The board votes as to whether or not the rank is to be awarded and informs the Scout whether he passed or needs to review some of the requirements in more detail. Boards of Review are scheduled for several Scouts simultaneously three of four times each year. The Board of Review is the final requirement for the rank. If the Board approves the rank advancement, the Scout is deemed to have earned that rank as of the date of the Board of Review. Currently we are awarding cloth rank badges at the next regular Scout meeting with the formal recognition of a Court of Honor held at a later time.

Court of Honor

A Court of Honor is held three or four times each year to formally recongize and award Scouts' advancement and other advancements they have achieved. These are open to everyone and parents are strongly encouraged to attend ALL Courts of Honor, even if their son does not advance. These meetings show your overall support for the Troop and are often the forum for important announcements about upcoming events in the Troop.

Merit Badges

Merit Badges are generally worked on by the boys individually. In certain months the Troop theme may include requirements for a particular Merit Badge leaving only the need for a Merit Badge Counselor to sign the Merit Badge card. Working on Merit Badges is a primary focus of Summer Camp as well. For more information go to our Troop Merit Badge page.

Knot Program

Boys are awarded a white rope to wear on their belt upon joining the Troop. They may immediately begin working their way up to higher level colored ropes by demonstrating that they can tie certain knots. Boys are issued a copy of the knot list to put in their Scout notebooks. To see a copy click HERE. This program is intended to include adults as well. It is conducted by the Troop "Knothead", a Scout who has worked his way up to the highest level of proficiency.

Bead Program

Boys and registered adults receive beads for participating in many different events and activities. The list of beads and their meaning is issued to the boys upon joining the Troop and is kept in their Scout notebook. To see a copy click HERE. This program is conducted by the Troop "Beadbrain", a Scout who works with an adult to see that the beads earned by boys on events are awarded after the event.

Religious Knots

A Scout is Reverent. Scouting's Religious Award program covers all denominations. Earning the respective award entitles one to wear either the formal pendant badge or the religious award knot. These awards are actually presented by the Scout's church, and are recognized by Scouting. Depending on the denomination, the programs are specific to age level and Scouts may earn each of the levels. College Church has a person that will work with interested Scouts on the requirements for their Religious Award if they do not have a contact in their home church to do so. More information is available in printed form upon request.