Top 9 Questions for a Boy Scout Board of Review
A Boy Scout board of review is a chance for adults to talk with the Scout about what he’s done, what he’s learned, how has it helped him in his advancement, and how he’s enjoying the program.
The board – made up of between 3 to 6 adults, can contain adult committee members, prominent local citizens, and people with experience in things that interest the Scout. The only people who cannot sit on a Board of review are the Troop Leaders and the Scout’s parents
Here are some great themes and questions to ask Scouts at Tenderfoot thru Life ranks. But above all else – stay away from Yes/No questions so you can get the conversation moving.
1. The Troop
Questions about the Troop are a great way to start a conversation. The Scout can talk about their experiences and share personal ideas about how the Troop works. Here are some sample questions:
When did you join our Troop?
How many Troop meetings have you attended in the last two months? What is your favorite part of the Troop meeting? The least favorite? Tell us about your last Troop campout.
2. Personal Information
Here is a chance for the Scout to talk about a subject he or she is familiar with – themselves! Here are some great ice-breaker questions.
What grade are you in? What school?
What hobbies do you have?
Why did you join Boy Scouts?
How old are you?
Do you attend Church? Which One?
3. Rank
These are some of the easiest questions – there is a book full of them! Just look at the requirements page for the rank the Scout is being reviewed for and ask away. BEWARE – it must not be a retest or “examination,” or a challenge of the Scout’s knowledge. Here are a couple of sample questions for each rank:
Tenderfoot – Why do we whip or fuse the ends of a rope?
Tenderfoot – What is the “Buddy System” that we use in Scouting? When do we use it?
Second Class – Have you earned any merit badges? If“Yes”: Which ones? Why did you choose them? Who was your counselor? If “No”: Encourage getting started, and suggest one or two of the easier ones.
Second Class – There are 12 points to the Scout Law. Pick one that is the hardest for you to follow and describe why.
First Class – What did you learn about using a compass while completing the orienteering requirement?
First Class – What does it mean to say, “A Scout is Courteous”?
Star – What is the Outdoor Code? Why is it important?
Star – How have the Scout skills that you have learned helped you in a non-Scouting activity?
Life – What has been your worst camping experience in Scouting? Why? Life – What does it mean to say, “A Scout is Reverent”?
4. Scouting Outside of Scouts
One way to learn how a Scout is growing is to ask about how the Scouting experience relates to the “outside world” Here are a few questions you can ask:
What do you tell your friends about the things you learn and do in Scouts? What is a good turn? Describe a recent good turn you did.
How do you help out at home, church, or school?
What class in school is most challenging for you? Why?
What is the most difficult part of the Scout Oath and Law for you to live up to in your daily life? Describe why it is difficult. What is the easiest part for you to live up to?
6. Scouting
There are lots of concepts and ideas in Scouting as well as a rich history. Here are some questions to help explore the Scout’s understanding:
Who was Lord Baden-Powell?
Which point of the Scout Law is the easiest for you to follow? Which point is the most difficult?
What is the Order of the Arrow?
Do you know the Outdoor code? Why do you think it is important?
Who was the unknown Scout?
Why do you think Boy Scouts use the merit badge program?
What is the Boy Scout Motto? Describe how you follow the motto.
What is the Boy Scout Slogan? Describe the last time you did what the motto suggests.
7. Leadership and Teamwork
These questions are a great way to assess how well the program is working for the Scout. Here are some questions to measure the progress of both the Scout and the Troop.
How many Troop Outings(campouts) have you attended? Describe what you liked the most. Describe what you liked the least.
What is the name of your patrol? Do you have a flag?
Do you feel that you and your patrol are getting along?
What type of service projects would you like to work on?
Does your patrol have patrol meetings? Do you find them helpful? Is there something the troop can do to help your patrol have productive patrol meetings?
Have you had a chance to teach the younger Scouts any of your recently earned scout skills? What did you teach?
8. Progress and Goals
Setting goals and looking at your progress is a great skill to have. These questions will help focus the Scout for the future.
Do you want to be an Eagle Scout? Why?
If you achieve the rank today, when can we expect to see you for your next board of review? (Have the Scout write the date on the advancement page)
What leadership position would you like to have in the Troop?
Have you thought about what you would like to do when you are an adult? Why?
9. The Scenario
This kind of question is unusual – but very effective. As a Scouter with over 40 years of Board of Review experience, I asked the same scenario question to every Scout at every Board of Review. Hearing the answers change and mature as the Scout grew was gratifying and quite revealing as to the progress each Scout was making. This question is the one I used, but any Scenario will work as long as it has lots of possible answers.
I would like for you to imagine the following: Immediately after this meeting, a helicopter will land and transport you to the middle of the National Forest. It will be 50 miles to the nearest civilization in any direction. You will have whatever you have with you tonight plus we will give you one more “thing”. This thing must not be electronic but rather an item that you think will help you as you return home. What would be that one “thing”? And why did you select it?
What’s Next?
These questions are a great place to start – you will soon develop your own. A board of review should last about 20 minutes so with some Scouts you will only need 10 questions – in others, you might need 30! It is important to be sure that the Board of Review is a way for the Scout to appreciate his achievement, and not feel like he or she was grilled. Relax and be sure everyone enjoys the process!
The Boys In BSA Troop 8 Proudly Wearing The Patches On Their Uniforms
References:
The Boy Scout Board of Review: Everything you need to know.
20 Questions to Ask at Your Next Eagle Board of Review.
Sample Board of Review Questions