GOALS. Prepare a set of goals which you hope to accomplish before you reach your next rank (for example, if you are preparing to advance to First Class, your goals should tell what you want to do before you reach Star).  Your goals should be in three different categories - Family Goals, School Goals, and Scout Goals. As you advance in rank and age your goals should reflect you growing maturity.  Following are general guidelines on what the Scout Goal Advisor (Designated Assistant Scoutmaster) and the Scoutmaster will be looking for.

SCOUT NOTEBOOK. You should keep your goals for each rank along with your rank advancement cards, merit badge cards (blue or white), and other important scouting material in a Scout Notebook.  The best Scout Notebook is a three ring binder with the pages kept in plastic document protectors pages.  Your advancement cards should be in the slotted page protectors meant for baseball cards.  Also in your Notebook should be any other important Scouting papers (current Troop calendar, permission slips, weekly handouts and Troop 313 Troop Scoop newsletters.  Bring your Notebook to your Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review.
 

SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCE. When you're ready for your Scoutmaster Conference bring your Scout Notebook and wear your best and most complete Scout Uniform (Up to First Class we consider a complete uniform to include the Scout shirt with all appropriate patches and Troop neckerchief. After First Class the uniform consists of Scout shirt, Troop 313 official neckerchief, neckerchief slide, Scout belt, Scout pants (long or short)  and appropriate Scout socks).  The sign-up sheet for Scoutmaster Conferences is posted on the Troop 313 bulletin board.
 

BOARD OR REVIEW. The final big step is your Board of Review.  Again be sure to wear your best complete uniform and bring your Scout Notebook.  Be prepared to answer some questions about your goals, perhaps beyond those written down officially in your Notebook.  You will not be 'tested' on your Scouting skills but you will be asked scouting related questions.  Always make sure to Be Prepared.  Make sure you know your knots.  As you reach advanced ranks, the members of your Board of Review may ask you to revise or add to your goals.  You may be asked to show additional Troop leadership.  If approval by the Board is delayed you will be given a specific set of expectations to be met before the Board completes its approval.  At Life rank and perhaps even at Star you should expect to sit with the Board two times before your advancement is approved.
 

ADVANCEMENT CHAIRMAN.  After you have completed all of the above steps, be sure to show your signed Scout Handbook to the Troop Advancement Chairman.  The Advancement Chairman will record your advancement in Troop computer records and submit the appropriate Council advancement forms.  You will be awarded your rank badge that night at the close of the meeting.  Your rank advancement card will be awarded at the next Court of Honor.