Scoutmaster Conference FAQ

What is a Scoutmaster Conference?

• It is a conversation between a Scoutmaster and the Scout. You will have the chance to talk about your activity in the troop and your understanding and practice of the ideals of scouting.
• It is NOT a re-test on all of your "technical" skills. You may review a few technical skills, but it is assumed that you have already mastered the skills and had them signed off in you Scout Handbook..
  

How long will it take?

• The length will vary with rank. A Tenderfoot rank conference doesn't take very long. A Life rank conference will take longer because the things a Life Scout is mastering can't be understood with a simple task such as, "Tie this knot".
  

What kind of things will we talk about?

• Refer to your Scout Handbook. It's a great tool for all sorts of things and this is no different. Basic information is on page 11 (11 th edition - 1998). There is good information near the end of each rank section telling you what to expect. Here are the page numbers for each rank.:
  • Tenderfoot page 60
  • Second Class page 109
  • First Class page 165
  • Star page 175
  • Life page 175
  • Eagle page 176
• You will talk about some very basic things. The Scoutmaster (someone you already know) will be interested in what you think and what you feel about Scouting and how it ties in with everyday life. He will probably tell you what he thinks and feels about the same things. Scoutmasters are people too, you know! Think about the Scout Law, the Scout Oath, the Scout Motto and the Scout Slogan. They are always a great place to start.
  

So what do I do now?

• Go to an Mr. Heinz and schedule a time to have your conference. It may be at a meeting or perhaps on a campout ... and it only takes a few minutes.
  

BSA Troop 230 Revised 4-2007