As Scouting skills are learned, a Scout progresses through various ranks.  After finishing the requirements for each rank, the Scout completes a Scoutmaster conference and a board of review. During the Scoutmaster conference, the Scout and Scoutmaster meet to review the completed rank requirements, discuss the Scout's overall progress and look at the requirements for the next rank.  Once the Scoutmaster is satisfied, the youth moves on to the next step--the board of review.

The board of review is conducted by a panel of at least three troop committee members who meet with the Scout.  The board does not review the completed rank requirements since the Scoutmaster will have done that.  Instead the board and the Scout discuss the Scout's goals in Scouting and asks how the program is working out for the Scout.  We try to conduct a board of review each month, typically during the evening on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Scout:  When a boy joins the troop, he must first satisfy the Scoutmaster that he has learned the basic principles of Scouting. When this step is completed the Scoutmaster signs the boy’s Scout Handbook certifying the Scout's achievement.  The boy may then be called Scout and wear the Scout rank badge on his uniform.  Cub Scouts completing the Arrow of Light award will have already completed these requirements and should be ready to have their Scoutmaster conference shortly after joining the troop.

Totin’ Chip and Firem’n Chit.  As soon as possible, the new Scout needs to learn the safety rules for handling a knife, ax, and saw (including sharpening) and how to safely build and manage a fire.  Once the Scout demonstrates that he knows the safety rules, he will be issued two cards showing that he has completed this training.  The Scout must have these cards with him whenever he uses a knife, ax, or saw, or when using fire.  Unsafe practices will result in the Scout having to return his card and undergo additional training.  Once the Totin' Chip is earned, a scout is allowed to carry a pocketknife.  Sheath knives are not allowed.  Matches are allowed but lighters are not.

Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class.  A Scout can work on all three of these ranks at the same time.  However, he must compete all the requirements for the Tenderfoot rank, including the Scoutmaster conference and the board of review, before progressing on to Second Class, and finally First Class. While no merit badges are required for these three ranks, the Scout may work on merit badges if he wishes.  The requirements for these three ranks emphasize the development of Scouting skills (first aid, knots, cooking, and camping) with increased expertise in these skills as the Scout progresses the program.  A reasonable goal for the Scout is to progress to First Class approximately 12-18 months after joining.

Star, Life, and Eagle.  These ranks involve the completion of various merit badges and demonstrated service.  They also require increasing amounts of leadership experience. It is expected that these ranks will be earned two to four years after earning the First Class rank.  Only dedicated and serious scouts will achieve the rank of Eagle.