Boards of review are an exciting opportunity for Scouts to reflect on their journey, celebrate their achievements, and set new goals. They also give opportunities to scouts to have quality interactions with adults outside of the Troop Scoutmasters (SM, ASMs).
To ensure a positive and productive board of review experience, let's dispel some common myths using the Guide to Advancement.
Myth #1 | Scouts must be in full uniform and have their handbook to sit for a board of review
While wearing the full uniform is encouraged, it's not mandatory. The focus should be on the Scout's achievements and understanding of Scouting principles.
The Guide to Advancement states that scouts cannot be denied or fail a board of review for something like not wearing the uniform or forgetting the handbook. (GTA 8.0.1.4 and 8.0.1.5) Scouts can be in Scout uniform if they have the complete uniform or as complete as possible. They can also be neat in appearance. So, a board of review should not be denied because the Scout is not in uniform nor if they forgot their book. Your unit IS tracking the Scout's advancement in Scoutbook, right?
Myth #2 | A Scout can Fail a board of review
Technically this is true. However, if this happens, it really means that something went wrong much earlier. If a scout gets to a board of review and that scout hasn't completed all the requirements for that particular rank, this is a reflection on the program side (Scoutmaster, Asst. Scoutmaster(s)) of the unit, not necessarily the scout. As a best practice, if a scout is found to be missing a requirement instead of failing the scout the board can adjourn until the Scout can complete the requirement. Then regroup with the same people to complete the board of review at a later date.
Myth #3 | Boards of review must be scheduled prior to holding the board
When a Scout believes she has completed all the requirements for a rank (as of 2024 Boards are no longer required for Eagle Palms), that scout must be granted a board of review. Scouts should be encouraged to request boards of review as soon as they feel prepared. The goal is to celebrate their accomplishments promptly.
There are times where this may not be feasible such as there are not enough committee members or parents available to hold a board (minimum of 3) or that the scout waited until the end of a meeting to request a board. Work with your scouts and set expectations.
A unit leader can’t “defer” a board for a Scout she thinks isn’t ready, nor can he or she ask a Scout to perform beyond the requirements in order to be granted a board. A good practice can be to have scouts sign up for Scoutmaster Conferences or Boards during meetings on either a signup sheet or whiteboard. Alternatively, have the scout email the Advancement chair and one other adult to request a board prior to your weekly meeting. This creates an environment where scouts are directing their advancement and Advancement Chairs can coordinate Boards easily. That being said, if a scout asks for a Board, you must do your best to accommodate the request as soon as possible.
Myth #4 | Board members can retest scouts
Board members should focus on discussions about the Scout's experiences, insights, and growth. The board should ensure that the candidate has completed the requirements, but members may not retest him/her. It is not acceptable, for example, to throw out a piece of rope and ask a candidate to tie knots. (see GTA Section 4)
So, what can members ask? Members might ask the candidate where he/she learned skills, who taught him/her, and what he/she gained from fulfilling the requirements. Other good questions would explore how he/she has lived the Scout Oath and Scout Law in the home, unit, school, and community. The Troop Committee Guidebook, No. 34505, has examples of appropriate questions.
Myth #5 | Scoutmasters or Assistant Scoutmasters can sit on a board of review.
To create an open and honest environment, board members should not be directly involved in the Scout's day-to-day Scouting activities. The Scoutmaster and any Assistant Scoutmasters should not participate in a board of review. Additionally, the Scout's parents should not participate.
The board of review happens with members of the committee because this is a chance for the committee to see how the program is operating. This is an opportunity for the Scouts to give feedback. Additionally, it’s an opportunity for the Scouts to have adult associations with other adults besides their Scoutmaster. It’s a little checks-and-balances system for the unit that can reap powerful feedback and expose opportunities to improve the unit for the scouts it serves.
Where can I learn more?
By following these guidelines, board of reviews can be a positive and rewarding experience for Scouts and leaders alike. Let's make it a celebration of achievement and a stepping stone to future adventures!
For more detailed information, refer to the Guide to Advancement.
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