WHAT IS A BOARD OF REVIEW?

A Board of Review is a panel of consisting of registered adult Scouters who have accepted the responsibility of ensuring that a Scout who wishes to advance to the next Scout rank is qualified to do so. This is done in a meeting with the Scout and at least three registered adults. Its purpose is to allow the Scout personal growth through an interview-like setting and to verify Scouting knowledge. NO SCOUT EVER FAILS A BOARD OF REVIEW.

A Board of Review is held for a Scout, for each rank advancement being sought. The questions asked should be based upon the requirements of the rank being sought after. . Questions about previous rank requirements may be asked as well. Questions may also cover any Merit Badges earned by the Scout to date. The review is not an examination. Rather, the Board should attempt to determine the Scout’s attitude, his acceptance of Scouting’s ideals and to be certain that the Scout has passed the requirements for a higher rank.

The Board is conducted with the Scout sitting on one side of a table facing the panel of adults. While this may appear intimidating at first, the Scout should be made to feel at ease with opening remarks and a simple question or two from the Board Chairman. The Board Chairman has the responsibility of opening the Board, greeting the Scout, beginning the questioning, leading the evaluation of qualification, informing the Scout of the decision reached by the Board and closing the Board.

NO SCOUT EVER FAILS A BOARD OF REVIEW. If a Scout seems unprepared or confused by the questions asked he might be asked leading questions to help him get the answer right. If he gives an incorrect answer, be prepared to give him the correct answer, as well as the pages in the Scout Handbook where it can be found. If you ask how to orient a map or tie a knot BE SURE THAT YOU CAN DO IT TOO. The Board may ask questions until it is satisfied that the Scout has met all of the requirements for the rank.

The Board should make sure that good standards have been met in all phases of the Scout’s life. A discussion of the Scout Oath and Scout law is in keeping with the purposes of the review, to make sure that the candidate recognizes and understands the value of Scouting in his home, unit, school and community.

Sometimes a Scout will require further development, and will not be ready for the rank. At that time the Board should be stopped and a CONTINUANCE is granted. The Scout should be informed that he would benefit from further review of requirements and he should request a new Board of Review when he has done so and feels he is ready. BE SURE HE KNOWS THAT HE HAS NOT FAILED. The Board Chairman at this time needs to help the Scout get in contact with a senior scout or an adult member of the troop who can assist him further. If a Board is continued it must be scheduled within two weeks of the original Board of Review. If not continued within this period, a new Scoutmaster Conference would be required and a new Board of Review will be set up.

1. To make sure the Scout has done what he was supposed to do for the rank.
2. To see how good an experience the Scout is having in the unit.
3. To encourage the Scout to progress further.