In a boy-led troop, it is the Patrol Leader’s responsibility to sign-off on most completed requirements. The few exceptions include (but are not limited to) completion of Scoutmaster Conferences, Boards of Review, and Show Scout Spirit. Service hours must be approved, in advance, by the Scoutmaster, or his designee, however, completion is still approved by the Patrol Leader. As a boy-led troop, all requirements, except as noted, will need to be approved and signed-off on by the (Senior) Patrol Leader, or his designee. It is for this reason that it is critical that each Scout bring his handbook to each meeting. It is the Scout’s responsibility to present his handbook to his (Senior) Patrol Leader for approval, and then to the Scoutmaster during Scoutmaster Conferences for recording.
Merit Badges: A Scout must have approval from the Scoutmaster prior to beginning work toward any merit badge. The Scoutmaster will sign the merit badge application (National “Blue Card,” or Council “White Card”), upon approval. As a Scout is Prepared, shall present the card to the Scoutmaster to request approval and signature. Blue cards can be printed from the troop website, or the advancement system. Once a Scout has completed the requirements for a given merit badge, and secured all the necessary signatures, he is to return the merit badge application to the Scoutmaster, for data entry and safekeeping.
The advancement system is provided as a service to the Scouts and their families, allowing them to see exactly where the Scout stands on his Quest for Eagle.
