Advancement and Merit Badges

The Scout needs to initiate the request to be tested for all rank advancement.
Scout This is the first Scoutmaster Conference that a new scout sets up with the Scoutmaster. The rank requirements are on page 4 of the Scout Handbook. The simple steps are:

  • The new scout should review these requirements which includes completing the exercises in the pamphlet "How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide" which is in the front of the Handbook.
  • Contact the Scoutmaster to set up the Scoutmaster Conference.
  • Attend the Scoutmaster Conference in full uniform.
This should be within the first two week of joining. A parent or guardian must stay during the Scoutmaster Conference.

When a scout has completed the Scoutmaster Conference, he will be presented the Scout Award at the end of the troop meeting if possible.
Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class Scouts are tested by another scout First Class or higher who has attended troop Junior Leader Training and is a Troop Guide, Instructor, Senior Patrol Leader, or Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. Usually this person will be a Troop Guide. Older brothers can help a younger brother learn the material but brothers cannot sign off brothers.

A registered trained troop scouter can sign for rank advancement only in circumstances approved by the Scoutmaster.

A scout may work on ranks simultaneously but must earn them in sequence. The steps for advancement are:

  • For each rank, complete all the requirements except Scout Spirit, Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review.
  • For First Class and higher, ask the Patrol Leader to initial Scout Spirit. Patrol Leaders will ask the Senior Patrol Leader to initial. The Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader will only initial if they feel the scout has demonstrated Scout Spirt. Scout Spirit will also be reviewed with the Scoutmaster during the Scoutmaster Conference.
  • Contact the Scoutmaster for a Scoutmaster Conference. Most Scoutmaster Conferences can be completed at a troop meeting, but arrangements can also be made for one on a campout. Scouts will attend all conferences in full uniform.
  • Upon successful completing of a Scoutmaster Conference, a scout must contact the Advancement Chairman to schedule a Board of Review. Scouts will also attend all Board of Reviews in full uniform.
  • Upon completion of the Board of Review, the Scout Handbook is brought to the Troop Records Administrator to update the troop database.
The Scout Handbook is brought to all conferences and reviews. The book is signed if scout has demonstrated that he is prepared for the next step.
When a scout has completed the Board of Review, he will be presented his rank at the end of the troop meeting, if possible.
Star and Life The troop database is the official record of merit badges and troop leadership time. The scout will need to get the official troop record form from the Troop Records Administrator for the Scoutmaster Conference. This form will stay with the scout until the advancement process is completed. The Treasurer will need to make a note on the form confirming that the scout is current on dues. After the Board of Review, it is returned with appropriate signatures to the Records Administrator.

When a scout has completed the Board of Review, he will be presented his rank at the end of the troop meeting, if possible.
Eagle The Eagle Scout Candidate will follow the instructions in the Eagle Packet provided by National.
The Eagle Scout Project proposal will be approved first by the Scoutmaster and then signed by the Troop Committee Chair and then by the Council Eagle Project review team.

The Troop has a group of adult volunteer "Life Counselors" who will guide the Life scout through the eagle project process. The scout should contact either Mr. Jesse or the Scoutmaster for a counselor.

The Eagle Board of Review will be set up upon final review of the completed project and merit badges by Longhorn Council.
Eagle Palms For each set of 5 merit badges past those required for Eagle, Scouts have an opportunity to be further recognized by a
  • Bronze Palm (5 merit badges)
  • Gold Palm (10 merit badges)
  • Silver Palm (15 merit badges)
Eagle Scout Palm Application.
Merit Badges Merit badges are a very important part of your advancement towards your final goal of Eagle. Proper procedure in getting them is also important. Some merit badge counselors have certain ways that they want the work done and will not accept your hours of hard work if it is not done the way they want. In order to save your time and perhaps disappointment, please follow the following proper procedure for getting your merit badges.

  • Obtain an application for a merit badge (blue card) from the Troop Records Administrator. This will have your merit badge counselor's name on it.
  • Call your assigned counselor before you start. Let the counselor know you are working on that merit badge and ask how they want it done.
  • When the work is complete, call your counselor for an appointment to have it approved. You must have another person with you at each meeting with the merit badge counselor. This person can be another scout, your parents or guardian, a brother or sister, a relative or a friend.
  • After approval, turn your blue card in at a troop meeting so you can get your badge and have it recorded in the troop database.
  • Soon after you have turned in your blue card, the troop will present you with your merit badge and the Applicant's Record portion of the blue card signed. This portion of the blue card is your proof of work done so keep it in a safe place.
All appointments with counselors must be in full uniform. Some counselors will refuse to see you if you are not, even if you do have an appointment. make sure you are on time. Better to be five minutes early than three minutes late.
Created on August 18, 2004