What is and why do we do board of reviews:

​

A scout will sit with the board as the final step in completing their rank.  They will discuss/answer questions about their rank requirements, accomplishments in scouting, goals for themselves and the troop. 

​

From the Guidelines for Advancements: Though one reason for a board of review is to help ensure the Scout did what was supposed to have been done to meet the requirements, it shall become neither a retest or “examination,” nor a challenge of the Scout’s knowledge. In most cases it should, instead, be a celebration of accomplishment. Remember, it is more about the journey.

​

What is required for a Board of Review:

​

A scout must complete all rank requirements including a scoutmaster conference (except for Scout rank) to be able to have a board of review. Board of reviews consist of a min of 3 adults.  This can NOT include the parent or other family member of the scout, scoutmaster or assistant scoutmasters for their troop.  Ie: Chris, Marc and George can not sit for the boy troop and Belinda and Marc can not sit for the girl troop. Board of reviews should be about 15-20 minutes, no longer than 30 minutes (except for Eagle reviews).  Board of reviews should not take place during program time at meetings which typically is from 7:30 – 8/8:15 pm.  They can also be held outside of a meeting and virtually if needed.

​

Please see the I'm Ready for my Board of Review.  Now what? page for more information on how to do a board of review.  

​

Expectations for Scouts:

It is preferred by BSA that scouts wear their official uniform in the way that the troop suggests (Tan shirt tucked into bottoms, neckerchief & slide/tied, clean bottoms w/o rips & holes, closed toed shoes).  Keep in mind that BSA does not require scouts to wear their official uniform and scouts will not be denied the opportunity to have a board of review if not in uniform.  With that, “If wearing all or part of the uniform is impractical for whatever reason, the candidate should be clean and neat in appearance and dressed appropriately, according to the Scout’s means, for the milestone marked by the occasion.” From the Guide to Advancement.

 

We ask that scouts present themselves proudly for reaching their goals/advancement, which would include making eye contact with the board, speaking clearly and loud enough to be heard by all board members, sitting up rather than slouching down in their chair, etc.  Think of how we would present ourselves in a job interview and encourage that for the scouts to practice now.

 

When completing the Scout Oath, Law, Sign, Salute, Motto & Slogan as dictated by the board, scouts should use good posture including the right arm showing the Scout sign being held at a 90*, salute should be at the scouts right eyebrow or if wearing a hat at the right brim of the hat.  Scouts should end the board of review with the scout handshake, which is a general handshake done with the left hand.

​