rank advancement

Requirements for Various Ranks and Badges:

                                  c a m p   s a y r e

 many boys earned their national outdoor badge during this trip

Board of Review Guidance:

The following guidelines must be kept in mind during the questioning of the scout:

1. Although before the late 1970’s the Board of Reviews for Star, Life, and Eagle was a total, complete and detailed “Final Re-examination” and competency test of every piece of knowledge, skill and badge that the candidate had earned, the current format has changed.

The goal of the Board is no longer a complete and total re-test of the candidate. However, the Board should not be a "rubber stamp" approval process. Any question is fair game on the Board as long as it relates to Scouting and Scouting’s goals. The Board should not fail a Scout if he misses a question or two, but in the end, the Board’s decision must be unanimous and the appearance of the candidate before the Eagle Board of Review does not mean automatic attainment of the Eagle Rank.

2. The Board should attempt to determine the Scout's attitude toward and acceptance of Scouting's ideals

3. The Board should make sure that good standards of performance have been met in all phases of his life.

4. A thorough discussion of the Scout Oath and Scout Law is very appropriate and should be part of every Board of Review.

5. Be sure the candidate recognizes and understands the value of Scouting in his home, unit, school and community.

6. The Scout should be encouraged to talk – both quantitative and qualitative questions should be asked so the Board can get a well-rounded impression about the candidate and his attitude as well as his general Scouting knowledge.

THERE ARE NO “CANNED QUESTIONS”. ALMOST ANY QUESTION IS FAIR ON A BOARD OF REVIEW. These are by no means the only questions that may be asked. They are merely examples to be used as a springboard to other questions and further discussion. Please do not assume that you are to ask only these questions and consider the interview complete. The interview should come to a natural conclusion as each board member runs out of questions.

There is not a set length of time for an Eagle Board of Review. However, 15 minutes is definitely too short and 2 hours is probably too long although sometimes a particular board of review will need some extra time. Each Scout is different. Some scouts have nice, crisp and concise answers on the tip of their tongue, others are nervous or shy and need extra time and creative questioning to get them to respond. This is what usually governs the length of the Board and adequate time should be taken so the Scout has a full opportunity to do his best.