Rochester Hills, MI

The Scoutmaster conference allows the Scoutmaster to review:

• a Scout’s growth in his understanding of Scouting’s ideals

• how the Scout applies these ideals in his daily life and in the troop

• the requirements of the Scout’s next rank so that he can be properly encouraged

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In a Scout-run troop, the Scoutmaster does not assert his authority, but guides and counsels every Scout so the troop can function well and serve the purposes of Scouting. The Scoutmaster conference is one of the primary ways the Scoutmaster does this.

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What is a scoutmaster conference? It’s simply a visit between the Scoutmaster and a Scout. (In a Varsity Scout team, the Coach conducts the conference.) During the conference, the two can discuss the Scout’s ambitions and life purpose, set goals for future achievement (both in Scouting and beyond), review the Scout’s participation in the troop and explore his understanding and practice of the ideals of Scouting. The conference also gives the Scoutmaster an opportunity to solicit feedback on the troop program and any challenges the Scout is facing.

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How long should a conference last? Conferences should last 10 to 15 minutes, although those for Eagle Scouts might last 30 minutes or more.

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Where should these conferences take place? They can be conducted at troop meetings, during outdoor activities or in the Scout’s home (provided a parent is also present). Given the relaxed nature of many outings, a campsite can be a good setting. Each conference should be a private discussion between the Scoutmaster and a Scout, but it must be held in full view of other people in accordance with the BSA’s Youth Protection policy.

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Can a scout fail a scoutmaster conference? No, it is not a test. Note that a Scout must participate or take part in a conference, not pass it.

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Can the scoutmaster retest the scout on requirements? No (nor may the board of review).

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Does the scoutmaster conference gave to be the last requirement completed for rank?

No. While it can make sense to hold a conference after other requirements for a rank have been met, the conference doesn’t have to be the last step before the board of review.

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Can a scout be denied a scoutmaster conference if the scoutmaster feels they are not ready? No. Since the conference is not a test the Scout can fail, there’s nothing he needs to be ready for.

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What do I do when I am ready for a Scoutmaster conference?

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When a scout is ready for a conference, they need to reach out to their scoutmaster or assistant scoutmaster and request a meeting.  This can be done via phone call, email or in person at a meeting or event.  

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Expectations for Scouts:

It is preferred by BSA that scouts wear their official uniform in the way that the troop suggests (Tan shirt tucked into bottoms, neckerchief & slide/tied, clean bottoms w/o rips & holes, closed toed shoes).  Keep in mind that BSA does not require scouts to wear their official uniform and scouts will not be denied the opportunity to have a scoutmaster conference if not in uniform.  With that, “If wearing all or part of the uniform is impractical for whatever reason, the candidate should be clean and neat in appearance and dressed appropriately, according to the Scout’s means, for the milestone marked by the occasion.” From the Guide to Advancement.

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Scouts should have reviewed their rank requirements, have thought about the progress, goals and desires for themselves and the troop.  Here is a worksheet that scouts can use to prepare for their scoutmaster conference.  It is not guaranteed that these questions will be asked, but should help prepare a scout for the types of questions and provide opportunity to practice answering the types of questions their scoutmaster may ask.