Scoutmaster Conference

Being Prepared for a Scoutmaster Conference

The Scoutmaster expects a scout to come prepared for a Scoutmaster conference dressed in uniform and bringing his Scout Handbook. The purpose is to reinforce the importance of the scout uniform and to put into practice the Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared”.
Specific guidelines are as follows for a Scoutmaster conference for advancement, held at the regular troop meeting.

• Wear the complete official BSA uniform, including Scout long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirt, Scout pants or shorts, Scout belt and buckle, and Scout socks or knee socks, all official BSA issue clothing.
  
  
• Belt and buckle may be a set that is specially issued by a BSA summer camp such as Camp Cherry Valley or BSA High Adventure base such as Northern Tier.
  
  
• Include the neckerchief with a slide (a paper clip, rubber band, or other temporary fastener is not acceptable).
  
  
• Shirt must be the your own and must include a San Gabriel Valley Council shoulder patch (CSP), the “555” numerals, his current patrol patch, and the badge of his current rank. Patches must be ironed or glued on, or preferably, sewn on. Exceptions are badges earned or patrol patches that you have had for not greater than 2 weeks from the time the badge was earned, or the patrol membership was assigned. In other words, the traditional 2-week grace period for uniform inspections applies to badges of rank and patrol patches, but does not apply to the troop numerals, CSP, or other parts of the uniform.
  
  
• Cap or hat is not required.
  
  
• Bring your own copy of The Boy Scout Handbook. The Advancement Chairman’s booklet of the scout’s rank requirements is not a substitute for bringing one’s own copy of The Boy Scout Handbook. If a new handbook has been purchased as a replacement for one lost or damaged, the rank advancement sign-offs for the rank that the scout is working to achieve next shall be updated before beginning the Scoutmaster conference.
  
  
• If you are appearing before the Scoutmaster to become a Boy Scout, you only need to bring your own copy of The Boy Scout Handbook.

For a Scoutmaster conference on an outing or location away from that of the regular troop meeting, the same guidelines as above apply, except Scoutmaster may allow the outdoor activity uniform or clothing appropriate to the outing to be worn.