"There is no teaching to compare with example."

Sir Robert Baden-Powell

Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.

"Be Prepared... the meaning of the motto is that a scout must prepare himself by previous thinking out and practicing how to act on any accident or emergency so that he is never taken by surprise."

“The more responsibility the Scoutmaster gives his patrol leaders, the more they will respond.”

Sir Robert Baden-Powell

A Scouts BSA rank advancement requirement which causes some anxiety for the Scouts (and their parents) is the board of review. Scouts should understand that a board of review is not the same as a Scoutmaster Conference but just with more people.  It is also important for the Committee members sitting on the board of review to understand what they are supposed to be doing.  

When a Scout has completed all of the requirements for a rank, he must appear before a board of review. A board of review for the ranks of Tenderfoot through Life consists of three to six members of the troop committee, comprised of parents from the Troop.  Please note, all parents are defacto members of the Troop Committee. That said, registered Scoutmasters cannot participate in Boards of review within their own unit.

“The sport in Scouting is to find the good in every boy and develop it.”