Board of Review

Board of Review
Board of Review - Overview: A Board of Review is a review held to determine if a Boy Scout has satisfactorily completed rank requirements, to see how good an experience the Scout is having in the Troop, and to encourage the scout to progress further. The review is held after the Scoutmaster has approved the scout's rank completion. He then makes a request to have a Board of Review. The Board of Review will consist of 3 members. For ranks; Tenderfoot through First Class, the Board of Review will be held by 3 Scouts with one adult (observer only) present. Ranks of Star, Life or Eagle are held by the Troop Committee. All Board of Reviews are held in private. Only the scout and the Troop Board of Review representatives are present. For Eagle rank, there is an additional District Eagle Board of Review. A scout should dress in proper class "A" uniform when attending a Board of Reviews. He can expect to answer questions concerning his over-all knowledge and opinions of scouting appropriate to his rank. The questions for the lower ranks are simpler and generally deal with factual information about the Scout's participation in the Troop, and his approach to applying the skills he has learned toward earning the next rank. The questions for the higher ranks are less factual, and generally seek to aid understanding of how Scouting is becoming an integral part of the Scout's life. The scout may be asked to recite the Scout Law, Scout Oath, Scout Motto, the Scout Slogan or Outdoor Code. A Board of Review is not designed to be a frightening experience, but a learning experience to answer questions thoughtfully and respectfully before a group. Good manners, a clear speaking voice and complete sentences are beneficial. Here are some sample questions that might be asked of each rank:
Mechanics of a Board of Review: The Scout is introduced to the board by the Chairperson of the board. The Scout should be in a class "A" uniform (neckerchief and badge sash required for Eagle Board of Reviews only). The chairman of the Board of Review should ask the Scout to come to attention, and recite one or more of the following: The Scout Law The Scout Oath The Scout Motto The Scout Slogan The Outdoor Code For the lower ranks, one or two (usually the Law and Oath) should be sufficient. For higher ranks, more may be expected. One or two re-tries are appropriate, especially for younger Scouts, or if the Scout appears nervous. The Board of Review members are invited to ask questions of the Scout (see the sections appropriate to each rank below). The questions should be open-ended, offering an opportunity for the Scout to speak about his opinions, experiences, activities, and accomplishments. Avoid questions which only require a simple one or two word answer. If an answer is too brief, follow-up with a, "Why?" or, "How can that be done?" to expand the answer. The questions need not be restricted to Scouting topics; questions regarding home, church, school, work, athletics, etc. are all appropriate. The Chairperson should be made aware of any "out-of-bounds" areas; these should be communicated to the board before the Board of Review begins (e.g., if a Scout is experiencing family difficulties due to a divorce, it would be prudent to avoid family issues.) The time for a Board of Review should be from 15 to 30 minutes, with the shorter time for the lower ranks. When all members have had an opportunity to ask their questions, the Scout is excused from the room. The board members then consider whether the Scout is ready for the next rank; the board's decision must be unanimous. Once the decision is made, the Scout is invited back into the room, and the Chairperson informs the Scout of the board's decision. If the Scouts approved for the next rank, there are general congratulations and hand shakes all around, and the Scout is encouraged to continue advancing. If there are issues which prevent the Scout from advancing to the next rank, the board must detail the precise nature of the deficiencies. The Scout must be told specifically what must be done in order to be successful at the next Board of Review. Typically, an agreement is reached as to when the Scout may return for his subsequent Board of Review. The Chairperson must send a written follow up, to both the Scout and the Scoutmaster, regarding the deficiencies and the course of action needed to correct them.
Sample Questions
	Scout Rank: A Board of Review is not required for advancing to this rank. Only completing the requirements, and having a Scoutmaster conference.
Top of Page	Tenderfoot: Sample Board of Review Questions: When did you join our Troop? How many Troop meetings have you attended in the last two months? What did you do at your last patrol meeting? Tell us about your last Troop campout. How would the first aid skills you must know for Tenderfoot help on a campout? Where did you learn how to fold the American flag? Tell us about your first experience with this skill. How would you avoid poison oak (poison ivy, sumac)? Where did you go on your hike? How did you choose the location? If you were on a hike and got lost, what would you do? Why do we whip or fuse the ends of a rope? What is the "Buddy System" that we use in Scouting? When do we use it? Why do you think there are physical fitness requirements (push-ups, pull-ups, etc.), and a retest after 30 days, for the Tenderfoot rank? What does it mean to a Tenderfoot Scout to "Be Prepared"? Do you feel that you have done your best to complete the requirements for Tenderfoot? Why? What "good turn" have you done today? Please give us an example of how you obey the Scout Law at home (school, church)? What do you like best about our Troop? What does it mean for a Scout to be "Kind"? Do you have any special plans for this summer? The Holidays? When do you plan to have the requirements completed for 2nd Class?
Top of Page	Second Class: Sample Board of Review Questions: Tell us about the flag ceremony in which you participated. What is in your personal first aid kit? What have you learned about handling woods tools (axes, saws, etc.)? How are a map of the area and a compass useful on a campout? How many patrol meetings have you attended in the last 3 months? What did your patrol do at its last meeting? Tell us about a service project in which you participated. Where did you go on your last Troop campout? Did you have a good time? Why? Why is it important to be able to identify animals found in your community? Have you ever done more than one "good turn" in a day? Ask for details. Have you earned any merit badges? If "Yes": Which ones? Why did you choose them? Who was your counselor? If "No": Encourage getting started, and suggest one or two of the easier ones. Did you attend summer camp with our Troop last summer? If "Yes": What was your best (worst) experience at summer camp? If "No": Why not? Do you plan to attend summer camp with our Troop next summer? If "Yes": What are you looking forward to doing at summer camp? If "No": Why not? What suggestions do you have for improving our Troop? How do you help out at home, church, school? What class in school is most challenging for you? Why? One of the requirements for Tenderfoot is to participate in a program regarding drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse. Tell us about the program in which you participated. How is it possible to live the Scout Oath and Law in your daily life? What does it mean to say, "A Scout is Trustworthy"? When do you expect to complete the requirements for 1st Class?
Top of Page	First Class: Sample Board of Review Questions: What does it mean to say, "A Scout is Courteous"? Why are merit badges a part of Scouting? What is your most favorite part of Scouting? Least favorite? How do you define "Scout Spirit"? On average, how many Troop meetings do you attend each month? What part of Troop meetings are most rewarding to you? What is the Scout Slogan? What does it mean for a 1st Class Scout? Tell us about your last campout with the Troop. Where did you go? How did you help with meal preparation? Did you have a good time? (If "No", why not?) If you were in charge of planning and preparing a dinner for your next campout, what would you select? As a 1st Class Scout, what do you think the Star, Life, and Eagle Scouts will expect from you on an outing? Does your family do any camping? What have you learned in Scouts, that you have been able to share with your family to improve their camping experiences? Why do you think that swimming is emphasized in Scouting? Why is it important for you to know how to transport a person who has a broken leg? Why is it important for you to be able to recognize local plant life? What did you learn about using a compass while completing the orienteering requirement? How frequently do you attend religious services? Does your whole family attend? How does a Scout fulfill his "Duty to Country"? What is the Order of the Arrow? What is the primary function of OA? Who was Lord Baden-Powell? When do you think you might be ready for Star Scout?
Top of Page	Star Rank: Sample Board of Review Questions: How would you get a Scout to do an unpleasant task? What extracurricular activities do you participate in at school? What responsibilities do you have at home? How are the Scout Oath and Law part of your daily life? How many Troop outings have you attended in the last three months? Tell us about the last service project in which you participated. What does it mean for a Star Scout to "Be Prepared" on a daily basis? How have the Scout skills that you have learned helped you in a non-Scouting activity? How many merit badges have you earned? What was the most difficult (fun, challenging, expensive, etc.)? Which is more important: Becoming a Star Scout, or learning the skills prescribed for a Star Scout? Why do you think a Scoutmaster's Conference is required for advancement in rank? What is the most important part of a Troop Court of Honor? Why? What leadership positions have you held outside of your patrol? What challenges did they present? What are your personal leadership goals and objectives? What is our "Duty to God"? What does it mean to say "A Scout is Loyal"? What is the Outdoor Code? Why is it important? If the Scout is a member of the Order of the Arrow: When did you complete your "Ordeal", "Brotherhood"? What does membership in the OA signify? Have you received any special awards or accomplishments in school, athletics, or church? Baden-Powell's first Scout outing was located on an island off the coast of Great Britain; what was the name of that island? [Answer: Brown sea Island] When do you plan on achieving the Life rank?
Top of Page	Life Rank: Sample Board of Review Questions: What has been your worst camping experience in Scouting? What is the most ambitious pioneering project with which you have assisted? Where? How many patrol meetings has your patrol held in the last three months? How many of them have you attended? Have any of the merit badges you have earned lead to hobbies or possible careers? What are your hobbies? Of the merit badges you have earned, which one do you think will be of greatest value to you as an adult? Why? Why do you think that the three "Citizenship" merit badges are required for the Eagle Rank? What is your current (most recent) Leadership position within the Troop? How long have you held that position? What particular challenges does it present? What is Leadership? Do you have any brothers or sisters who are in Scouts (any level)? What can you do to encourage them to continue with Scouts, and to move forward along the Scouting Trail? How do you choose between a school activity, a Scout activity, and a family activity? Why do you think that Star and Life Scouts are required to contribute so much time to service projects? What service projects are most rewarding to you? Why? Why do you think that a Board of Review is required for rank advancement? How has Scouting prepared you for the future? What does it mean to say, "A Scout is Reverent"? What does "Scout Spirit" mean to a Life Scout? Why do you think that Scouting for Food is referred to as a "National Good Turn". The Scout Oath refers to "Duty to Self"; what duty do we have to ourselves? If the Scout is a member of OA: What role does OA play in Scouting? What honor do you hold in OA? What is the difference between Scout "ranks" and OA "honors"? In what year was Boy Scouts of America founded? [Answer: February 8, 1910 - BSA Birthday] Have you begun to think about an Eagle Service Project? What are you thinking about doing? When?
Top of Page	Eagle Rank: Sample Board of Review Questions: What is the difference between a "Hollywood hero" and a real hero? Can you give me an example of someone who is a hero to you? (A real person, not a character in a book or movie.) What would you suggest adding to the Scout Law (a thirteenth point)? Why? What one point could be removed from the Scout Law? Why? Why is it important to learn how to tie knots, and lash together poles and logs? Why do you think that the Family Life merit badge was recently added to the list of required merit badges? What camping experience have you had, that you wish every Scout could have? Have you been to Philmont or a National (International) Jamboree? What was your most memorable experience there? What is the role of the Senior Patrol Leader at a troop meeting (campout, summer camp)? If you could change one thing to improve Scouting, what would you change? What do you believe our society expects from an Eagle Scout? The charge to the Eagle requires that you give back to Scouting more than Scouting has given to you. How do you propose to do that? As an Eagle Scout, what can you personally do to improve your unit? What will you be doing in your unit, after receiving your Eagle Rank? Tell us how you selected your Eagle Service Project. From your Eagle Service Project, what did you learn about managing or leading people? What are the qualities of a good leader? What part of your Eagle Service Project was the most challenging? Why? If you were to manage another project similar to your Eagle Service Project, what would you do differently to make the project better or easier? What are your future plans (high school, college, trade school, military, career, etc.)? Tell us about your family (parents, siblings, etc.). How do you help out at home? What do you think is the single biggest issue facing Scouting in the future? How do your friends outside of Scouting react when they learn that you are a Boy Scout? How do you think they will react when they learn that you have become an Eagle Scout? Why do you think that belief in God (a supreme being) is part of the Scouting requirements? How do you know when a Scout is "active" in his unit? You have been in Scouting for many years, sum up all of those experiences in one word. Why? What one thing have you gained from your Scoutmaster's conferences over the years? How does an Eagle Scout continue to show Scout Spirit? If the Scout is a member of the Order of the Arrow: What does OA membership mean to you? How does OA help Scouting and your unit? Who brought Scouting from England to the United States? [Answer: William D. Boyce] [Traditional last questions] Why should this Board of Review approve your request for the Eagle Rank? or Why should you be an Eagle Scout?