7. 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).
* The Scout is recognized. (Court of Honor)
* The Scout is reviewed. (Board of Review)
* The Scout is tested. (Troop Policies and Procedures)
* The Boy Scout learns by DOING.
There are four (4) steps to advancement in Scouting:
* and mental and physical development.
* growth in moral strength and character
* participating citizenship
6. Advancement accommodates three (3) aims in Scouting:
5. 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.
* Where does he plan to go from here? Encourage him to verbally set goals.
* Is he ready for advancement and the responsibilities that come with it?
* What sort of experience is he having in the Troop and within his Patrol?
* 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.}
4. 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.
3. 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.
2. 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.
1. 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.
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.
A Guide for Boards of Review
Below is a list of reminders and sample questions used for the Board of Review. They are intended for the
Board conducting the review, but are also helpful for scouts so that they will have and understanding of what to
expect.