The Scoutmaster's Conference is a delicate part of the scout's advancement towards their ranks. Each rank earned, including the first rank of Scout requires the Scoutmaster's Conference. This will be the final requirement for all other ranks prior to the scout's "Board of Review".

As in everything else in Scouting, the Youth Protection Guidelines must be considered. Every Scoutmaster's Conference must be held in an open area, where others can see and be aware of your presents, but yet somewhat private so that the scout and the scoutmaster can feel that a conversation can occur.

** Never should a scout and adult leader be totally alone together, as per the requirements found in the Youth Protection Guidelines. An open area at a campout, or in a corner of a room where people are present will satisfy this requirement. Having "witnesses" present in the general area protects both the scout and the scoutmaster. **

The Scoutmaster and the Scout sits down in a confortable area for a talk about the rank that he is earning. Questions are asked about the skills that have been learned for the rank. The Scoutmaster's Conference is the time and place to go over all the requirements, where some demonstration can be used. By this I mean that you can ask the scout to demonstrate how to tie a square knot, or how do you treat for shock, etc.

This is where the "testing of knowledge" takes place. Most of the time, the test is verbal. The Scoutmaster can ask the scout about school, church (being reverent), and sometimes about attitudes and behavior of both the scout and others in the troop. As everything in scouting, some "growth" can occur during the conference. Lessons can always be learned.

This is also the time when the Scoutmaster can review the requirements for the next rank that the scout will be earning. A light discussion of possible Merit badges, leadership positions, and future troop activities will help the scout set goals for himself.

Finally, the Scoutmaster can prepare the scout for his "Board of Review". He should be able to prepare the scout for some of the questions that may be asked of him. The Board of Review can sometimes be a scarry thing for a new scout, as he will be in a room with several committee members, some of which he may not be totally familiar with. Give the scout the confidence that he will need for that final requirement!

** The Board of Review will NOT go over the requirements for rank. The members of the board will assume that the scout has all the skills mastered for the rank after your Scoutmaster's Conference. The board will be looking for maturity and confidence (not arrogance). The board has it's own adjenda. **

** Also, the Scoutmaster, the Assistant Scoutmasters, and other Scouts may NOT participate on the Board of Review. This is a committee function lead by the Troop's Advancement Chairman. **

Always remember to use the "Youth Protection Guidelines" in all Scout related events, especially the Scoutmaster's Conference. It is for the Scout's protection, as well as yours.

And so, in a nutshell, that is about it. Remember that the scouts look up to the Scoutmaster. That is quite a tall order to fill. If you would like, you can add a very short Scoutmaster's minute to the end of your conference. The conference should only last a short time, as you should have been observing all along the progress of each scout, so total focus shouldn't be just on the skills. It's just a review of the skills. Allow atleast 15 to 20 minutes for your conference, and remember to help prepare him for his future.

Good luck, and have fun. These are the "wonder years" for our boys. So much of life's lessons are learned in scouting. Be an good example for your scouts. They will remember these times for the rest of their lives!
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