Board of Review

After completing a Scoutmaster Conference, Scouts should contact the Advancement Chair to arrange for their Board of Review. Boards of Review for all ranks except Eagle Scout are normally held at least once a month during Troop Meetings and are composed of three adult members of the Troop. The Board of Review may not include the Scoutmaster or the Scout’s family members.

The purpose of the Board of Review is not to retest a Scout but to determine his attitude and acceptance of Scouting ideals. However, the Chairman of the Board of Review should ensure that all the requirements have been "signed off" in the Scout's handbook. Additionally, the Chairman should ensure that leadership and merit badge records are consistent with the requirements for the rank.

The review ensures that the Scout has learned what he needs to know and has completed all of the rank requirements, finds out what kind of experience the Scout is having in his Patrol and Troop, and encourages him to advance toward the next rank. The review also provides an opportunity for the Scout to develop and practice those skills needed in an interview situation, and it is an opportunity for the Scout to review his accomplishments.

When appearing before a Board of Review, a Scout should be in his Class A uniform and have his Boy Scout Handbook and a form signed by the Scoutmaster indicating that he has had his Scoutmaster Conference. Scouts seeking Star Rank and higher should bring accurate records of their service hours and explain what they did in leadership positions and how it helped the Troop.

At the beginning of the review, the Chairman will bring the Scout into the room, introduce him to the Board, and invite him to be seated. During the review the Board will discuss the Scout’s development along his trail to Eagle, ask him questions about skills that were required for his particular rank, and evaluate him in terms of troop activities and readiness for the next rank.

Here are examples of the kinds of questions that might be asked:

• How well do you know and follow the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, etc.?
• How has your attendance been at Troop Meetings and on outings?
• What new things did you do on your latest campout?
• What did you learn in giving service to others?
• Why is being a Boy Scout important to you?
• What are your goals in Scouting?

It is also a time for the Scout to ask any questions he might have and to give feedback to the Troop Committee about activities and his Scouting experience in his Troop and in his Patrol. At the end of the review, he will be asked to leave the room while the Board discusses his qualifications. The Board will then call him back into the room and inform him either that he have been approved for the next rank or what additional actions he must take to qualify.

After passing the Board of Review, the Scout will receive his new rank patch at an upcoming Troop Meeting. He will be formally recognized for his Rank Advancements and merit badges in front of family and friends during a ceremony at the next Court of Honor.

See Also

• Advancement Program
• Rank Advancement
• Scoutmaster Conference
• Court of Honor
• Recordkeeping
• Trail to Eagle
• Adult Leader Positions
• Troop Committee Responsibilities
• Parent Involvement