Scoutmaster Conferences

One of the most enjoyable experiences of being a Scoutmaster is the opportunity for a Scout and his leader to sit down and visit together.

In large troops, Scoutmasters occasionally assign this responsibility to assistant Scoutmasters or members of the troop committee; but this is unfortunate, because most Scoutmasters feel that this is truly the opportunity to get to know the Scout and help him chart his course in life.

A good conference should be unhurried. It helps the Scout evaluate his accomplishments and to set new goals with his Scoutmaster. This can be accomplished at a troop meeting, camping trip, or an informal setting.

Goal setting by the Scout makes it possible for the Scoutmaster to help the Scout with his weaknesses and encourage him to use his strengths.

The Scout (joining) conference is probably one of the most important associations a Scout will have in his Scouting career. It is at this conference that the Scoutmaster illustrates to him the adult-youth relationship that is unique to Scouting.

All through the ranks, it is rewarding for the Scoutmaster to observe the Scout grow in responsibility and maturity. It is through this association and example that a young man grows and matures, and the Scoutmaster conference accomplishes that aim. (See Scoutmaster Handbook, chapter 8.)

A Scout should not have to wait until he has completed the requirements for a rank in order to ask for a Scoutmaster conference. The Scout may talk with the Scoutmaster at any time that is convenient to both of you. However, for a Scoutmaster conference to count toward rank advancement it must take place after all other requirements are complete and before the Board of Review. At this required conference the Scoutmaster will also help you determine whether or not you are ready to go before the Board of Review.

The Scoutmaster conference is a place for the Scoutmaster to get better acquainted with the boy, the person, the individual. Scoutmaster conferences should take place in a relaxed setting without undue time pressure so that the Scoutmaster can take as much time as necessary with the Scout. This is a place where the Scoutmaster should ask leading questions that require answers that can’t be answered yes or no. And it is the place where the Scoutmaster should be listening far more than talking. The topics for conversation not only should include Scouting questions, but home, school, and hobbies. The Scoutmaster Conference can take place on a camping trip, during a hike, any place where the Scout can feel relaxed.

The Scout should have his Boy Scout Handbook with him.

If possible, the Scoutmaster should be the only one signing for Scout spirit and Scoutmaster conference. The exception is the very large troop where it is impossible for one person to accomplish the task. How many is too many? When the Scoutmaster is feeling pressured to get them all done, or can’t get them done in time. Assistant Scoutmasters can certainly do this job, but not without proper training to make sure that all Scouts are treated equally and fairly no matter who is doing the job. No matter who is doing the Scoutmaster Conference, it is ultimately the Scoutmasters responsibility to make sure the job is done right.

Should you turn down a Scout for rank advancement at a Scoutmaster Conference?

This is not the place for that. If the Scout has learned all the skills required, and been tested for those skills, and been signed off for Scout spirit, then he has earned that rank.