I was a Boy Scout Troop Advancement Chairman for 2 troops for many years. I was very fortunate to have excellent training for this position, and found that part of this job was to train other Committee Members how to go about holding Board of Reviews for the various ranks of Boy Scouts. I have found that having sample Board of Review Questions handy was the best tool I could have had.

Every Board of Review would start off with the Senior Patrol Leader present to the Advancement Chairman the scout needing the board. Then the Advancement would excuse the Senior Patrol Leader, and proceed to introduce the rest of the Board members to the Scout.

After the introductions, the Advancement Chairman would then ask the Scout to recite the Boy Scout Oath and Law. In my experience, this is the hardest part of the board, because the Scout is nervious (hands in the pockets, Scout sign at half mast, words missing, etc....). This is a wonderful ice-breaker for the Scout, as the board allows the Scout a few times to get it right. Once he has it right, the Advancement Chairman invites the Scout to sit down, relax, and then proceed to ask a few of the following sample questions.

• What is the "Outdoor Code", and what does it mean to you?
• "A Scout is Trustworthy" is the first part of the Scout Lws. What does TRUSTWORTHY mean to you? (you may substitute any one of the laws for this question)
• What is you most memorable experience in Scouting?
• In your opinion, why is the "buddy system" so important in scouting? How have you used the buddy system in your scouting activities?
• What did you enjoy most on your last troop campout? Were there any problems that occurred? How would you have handled the problem (differently)?
• What did you enjoy most about Boy Scout summer camp? Why?
• What is your favorite outdoor activity that the troop does? Why?
• In your opinion, what can be improved at your Troop meetings, and what can you do to help?
• If a Cub Scout (Webelos Scout) were to visit your troop, what would you do to make him feel confortable?
• The Boy Scout Slogan is "Do a good turn daily". What type of act of kindness do you think really qualifies as a Good Turn?
• What do you consider is Scout Spirit? How have you shown "Scout Spirit" in your daily life since joining Boy Scouts?
• What Leadership position could you best fulfill? Why?
• What are 3 best things you enjoy about Boy Scouting?
• What can you do to help the troop get ready for a campout?
• What merit badge did you enjoy the most earning? Why?
• In your opinion, what was the most important thing you learned while earning the _______ merit badge?
• What advice would you give to a new Patrol leader on how to get the members of his patrol to participate in Scouting activities?
• In your opinion, what is a leader?
• What leadership qualities have you learned and used as you developed your role as a (leadership position the Scout is currently holding)?
• What do you consider the most important part of the Boy Scout Oath?
• Give one way in which you practice the Boy Scout Oath.
• What part of the Scout Law do you find the hardest to observe?
• What are your future goals? how has scouting helped you in achieving those goals?
• How long do you intend to be involved in Scouting?
• What do you think your primary duties as an American citizen are?
• If you found a fellow scout smoking on a campout, what would be your reaction, and what would you do about it?
• What has Scouting given you that makes you feel proud?
• What new thing did you learn from your favorite merit badge?
• What does the American Flag mean to you?
• What does citizenship mean to you?
• What do you think the job of Senior Patrol Leader is? (or any other leadership position)
• What does the Scout uniform mean to you?
• Why do you think it is important for everybody to be in a proper Scout uniform?
• What are some school activities that you can use your scouting resourses in?
• How do you think scouting has affected your academic standing in school?
• How could you try to give Scouting back what it gave you?
• How do you see yourself in the Scouting program after you are an adult?
• What are your plans for the rank of Eagle?
• What do you think Eagle Scouts should do after they make the highest rank in Scouting?
• What is your favorite part of a campfire?
• What have you done in Scouting that will help you in the future?
• What are yoou most proud of that you have accomplished in Scouting?
• Why do you feel that Scouts are ridiculed by their classmates?
• Would you be willing to wear your scout uniform to school? Why?
• Would you rather a Scout teach you how to tie a knot, or an adult? Why?
• Why do you come to troop meetings?
• What kind of question would you ask on a Board of Review for your present rank?
• In your opinion, what is the most important merit badge you have earned, and why?
• Why do you feel you are ready for the next rank?

I have found that being a Boy Scout Troop Advancement Chairman has its rewards. You are a key to the troop committee and the Scoutmaster on how the troop is going thru the eyes of the scouts. And of course, there is no greater reward than to see the scouts prepare for their Eagle rank. Without really realizing it, you are preparing the scouts for their Eagle Board of Review. You only have 5 visits with each scout prior to their Eagle Board of Review. Each review is as important as an Eagle Review.

These are only a few questions that I have collected and used. If you have any really great questions that I can add to this list, please email me with them so I can add them.