Board of Review Questions

REMINDERS FOR BOARDS OF REVIEW

1. The following pages contain sample questions that may be used by a Board of Review. The board will not necessarily use all of these questions, but following this format will assist them in determining if a Scout is prepared for advancement.

2. Before the interview begins the Board should take the time to review the Scout's handbook; this way they too can formulate their own questions. The Scout should be assured that what is said during the review is between the Scout and the Board and will not be repeated outside of that forum! Information gathered during the reviews should be used to help improve Troop management.

3. The Board can take this opportunity to give the Scout a "once over" on his uniform. This is a chance for the Scout to show pride in his uniform and in the patches he has earned. This is not meant to be a formal uniform inspection, but it should be used as another opportunity to make certain that the uniform is worn correctly. This inspection is NOT to be used as criteria for passing the Board of Review.

4. There is not a right or wrong answer to any of the questions. They are a tool. The Troop Committee's first responsibility is to make certain that the Scout UNDERSTANDS what he has achieved with his PENDING rank advancement and the additional responsibilities that the Scout will assume as he grows within the Troop. One of the greatest needs of boys is confidence (in advancing the Scout builds that confidence). You want the Scout to walk away from the Board knowing what he has achieved is something very worth while. Make it a pleasant experience for him and the Board.

5. The Board of Review is not just a question and answer period. The Board does not re-test the candidate. Rather, the Board should attempt to determine the Scout's attitude and his acceptance of Scouting's ideals. A discussion of the Scout Oath and Law is in keeping with the purpose of the review, to make certain that the candidate recognizes and understands the value of Scouting in his home, unit, school, and community. The Board should remember that the Scout advancing to Tenderfoot or Second Class will not have the same kind of answers as a Scout trying to advance to the rank of Life or Eagle. During the review, each member of the board must form a judgement concerning the Scout's qualifications.

* Has the scout accomplished the tasks that are required? {This is not a review of the requirements but of the experiences the scout had in completing these tasks.}

* What sort of experience is he having in the Troop and within his Patrol?

* Is he ready for advancement and the responsibilities that come with it?

* Where does he plan to go from here? Encourage him to verbally set goals.

6. If the Scout is not actively participating in his review, or appears to have little or no interest in the questions being asked, the Board is obligated to inform the Scout that he will need to come back at a later date when he is truly prepared. If the Scout does not pass the Board of Review for any reason, the Board is required to specify to the Scout exactly why he did not pass. The Board must list explicit reasonably obtainable goals for the Scout to pass. A written copy of these goals should be given to the Scout and the Committee Chairman at the conclusion of the Board.

7. Advancement accommodates three (3) aims in Scouting:

* participating citizenship

* growth in moral strength and character

* and mental and physical development.

There are four (4) steps to advancement in Scouting:

* The Boy Scout learns by DOING.

* The Scout is tested. (Troop Policies and Procedures)

* The Scout is reviewed. (Board of Review)

* The Scout is recognized. (Court of Honor)

8. General practice is to make every reasonable consideration for the Scout, provided the requirements as stated in the Boy Scout Handbook are completed to the satisfaction of a Trained Scout Leader or Senior Scout (as defined in individual Troop Policies and Procedures).

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