1. Robert Raffel, robertraffel@comcast.net 1 Boards of Review (What?, Who?, Why?, When?, How?) Boy 3121 – Board of Review Special thanks to Mount Baker Council, BSA for providing an initial draft

2. To develop in young men the ability to do things for themselves and others To train them in outdoor skills To teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues To prepare them to participate in and give leadership to American society 2 The Purposes of Boy Scouting Boy 3121 - Board of Review

3. 3 The Aims of Scouting Character development Citizenship training Personal fitness

4. 4 The Methods of Scouting Ideals—Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan Patrols Outdoor programs Advancement Association with adults Personal growth Leadership development Uniform Boy 3121 - Board of Review

5. 5 Advancement is a Method It Is a Method—Not an End in Itself Advancement is simply a means to an end, not an end in itself. It is one of several methods designed to help unit leadership carry out the aims and mission of the Boy Scouts of America. Boy 3121 - Board of Review

6. 6 1) Rank advancement 2) Lack of advancement 3) Periodic check-up 4) By Scout Request Types of Board of Reviews

7. Boy 3121 - Board of Review7 It’s a tool the Troop Committee uses to determine: –how well the Scout understands the ideals of Scouting –how he is applying them in his life and in the troop –how well he is progressing in advancement –how well the troop and its leadership is doing –how well the Troop Committee is doing A Board of Review for rank advancement: –verifies that the requirements for that rank have been met –provides a forum to discuss the Scout’s plan for advancement What Is a Board of Review, How Does It Fit In?

8. Boy 3121 - Board of Review8 Purposes of a Board of Review… Evaluate the Scout’s attitude and acceptance of the ideals of Scouting In the Troop In the home At school In everyday life Learn how the Scout views the Troop and its leadership Verify completion of advancement requirements; review next rank and his plan to achieve it.

9. Boy 3121 - Board of Review9 Purposes of a Board of Review Track both advancement and lack of advancement Reaffirm to the Scout that: –The Troop Committee is interested in his advancement –Is available to help him overcome obstacles Assess the overall functioning of the troop

10. Boy 3121 - Board of Review10 Who Conducts the Board of Review? Three to six Troop Committee members The Scoutmaster is not a BOR member The Scout’s parents do not serve on the board Board members are 21 years of age or older

11. Boy 3121 - Board of Review11 A Scout has a Board of Review: –after he has completed rank advancement requirements, or –approximately every six months to evaluate his progress Boards of Review usually occur: –at the Troop’s normal meeting place, or –during a camping trip or troop outing Eagle Boards of Review –are held at a time and location convenient to both the Eagle candidate and BOR members When and Where

12. Boy 3121 - Board of Review12 How Often? At least monthly for the troop, more frequently if needed Ideally, every six months for each Scout

13. Boy 3121 - Board of Review13 Easy Guidelines… Make the Scout comfortable Ask open-ended questions that help evaluate his understanding of Scouting ideals, the quality of his Scouting experience, and his application of Scouting ideals in daily life Do not test – Skills verification occurs with the Troop leaders before a Scout is presented to the board. Review the record of his completion of requirements to ensure they meet high standards—but do not interrogate him Act quickly--a routine BOR should take no more than15 minutes

14. Boy 3121 - Board of Review14 Easy Guidelines Ask Simple Where/When/How questions Use questions that evaluate rank advancement requirements without retesting –“What did you cook for your First Class meal?” –“What kinds of camp gadgets has your patrol built?” Listen to what the Scout is saying, and to what he is not saying. –In a good board of review you may listen more than you speak. Respond with interest, smiles, and very brief comments Do not make the BOR about yourself and your opinions Remember, it’s about the Scout, his experiences and his understanding of Scouting ideals!

15. Boy 3121 - Board of Review15 It is preferred a Scout be in full field uniform (class A). There is no requirement that a Scout show up to a BOR in uniform A full field uniform may be the uniform as the members of his troop, team, crew, or ship wear it and as much as he owns. This is not an OA function so an OA sash is not worn. Regardless of unit expectations or rules, boards of review may not reject candidates dressed to this description; neither may they require the purchase of uniforming, or clothing such as coats and ties – Guide to Advancement Uniforming

16. Boy 3121 - Board of Review16 What Kinds of Questions? You are assessing –His achievements and experiences –His growth in the ideals of Scouting So…start with questions about: –School and family –The values embodied in the Scout Oath and Law –His participation and leadership in other organizations –Patriotism –Citizenship –Duty to God

17. Boy 3121 - Board of Review17 Accomplishments & Leadership Ask about his accomplishments in the Troop… –What events has he participated in? –What was memorable about those events? –How could his experience have been even better? –What service projects has he done? Ask about his leadership in the Troop… –What positions has he held? –Which was most rewarding? Why? –What problems did he encounter as a leader? –How did he solve them? –How could he have been a more effective leader?

18. Boy 3121 - Board of Review18 Duty to God Is an important part of Scouting –Recognizes religious element in Scout training –Nonsectarian –The Scout’s home and religious organization give definition to his religious life Discussion of religion is appropriate, but should be done with respect for the variety of personal faiths and beliefs “How do you honor the 12 th point of the Scout Law?” allows the Scout to discuss his religious beliefs

19. Boy 3121 - Board of Review19 If the Scout is Nervous He may: –Freeze up, –Become silent or give really short answers, and –Forget simple things You should put the Scout at ease and encourage him: –Start with questions about school and family –Keep questions simple and focused –Avoid rambling comments or questions –Demonstrate a courteous, friendly, and kind manner of questioning

20. Boy 3121 - Board of Review20 Wrapping Up the Board of Review Always end the review with praise for the positive aspects of his character, skill, and accomplishments After completing your discussion with the Scout: –Ask him to leave while the Board makes a decision –Deliberate quickly and reach a unanimous decision –Invite him back in to hear the board’s friendly and supportive decision The Scout holds his new rank as of the date of the board of review

21. Boy 3121 - Board of Review21 If a Scout Is Not Advancing The Board of Review should help him learn what he needs to do to advance –Ask questions to identify the problem –With his help, focus on identifying practical solutions –Counsel the Scout to help him form his own conclusions –Help him develop his plan for advancement –Set a date for his next review

22. Boy 3121 - Board of Review22 Adverse decisions for Star and Life ranks can be appealed to the local council. Should this occur, the national Advancement Team is available for advice only. Adverse decisions for Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, and Eagle Palms are not appealable. The National Council reviews appeals only for the Eagle Scout rank. Appeal Process

23. Boy 3121 - Board of Review23 The BOR and a Healthy Troop Through questions and discussions, the review process can contribute to a healthy Troop –It encourages leadership and evaluates leadership potential –It helps match youth with appropriate leadership opportunities –It identifies how the troop is keeping boys interested and challenged –It identifies opportunities for improvement –It demonstrates that the Troop utilizes the methods of Scouting The review process encourages Scouts to continue on the Scouting path

24. Boy 3121 - Board of Review24 The BOR and a Healthy Scout The BOR develops the Youth’s “Scouting health” –It encourages him to continue advancing in rank and accepting more responsibility for troop operation –It helps him recognize his challenges and achieve his dreams –It helps him see himself in the greater context of Scouting –It helps develop self-confidence and pride in accomplishment –It provides interaction with adults in a setting of mutual respect –It encourages personal growth in Scouting skills and in living the ideals of Scouting –It prepares scouts for future job interviews

25. Boy 3121 - Board of Review25 Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class… Get to know the Scout better –Review progress in his achievements –Discuss his steps down the Scouting trail. –Reflect on skills learned –Reflect on the ideals of Scouting Ask questions that deal with –Campouts or activities –Proficiency in Scouting skills –How he is getting along with other Scouts in his patrol –How he exhibits Scouting ideals

26. Boy 3121 - Board of Review26 Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class Possible Questions –Who is your patrol leader? –What do you think of the challenges he is facing? –How are you doing in your first aid skills? –What are your goals for the next few months; how do they meet advancement requirements? –What do you think would make the troop better? –How do you fulfill your duty to country, to God?

27. Boy 3121 - Board of Review27 Star and Life… Review may be longer than previous rank reviews, but still should take no more than ~ 20 minutes Scout should have developed more Scouting skills Scout should demonstrate more maturity commensurate with his increased responsibility in the troop Demonstration of leadership is more important Ask about service projects

28. Boy 3121 - Board of Review28 Star and Life Possible Questions –What merit badges did you enjoy, and why? –What merit badges taught you the most? –How/where did you fulfill your Swimming (or other merit badge) requirements? –Did you enjoy your leadership position? –What was your best accomplishment in that position? –What frustrated you? How did you handle the frustration? –Which Scouts have the greatest leadership potential? Why? –Do you plan to reach Eagle rank? –Have you thought about a service project for Eagle? –How do you fulfill your duty to God? To country?

29. Boy 3121 - Board of Review29 Eagle Scout Boards of Review… Council advancement committees must determine—and make known—method(s) for conducting Eagle Scout boards of review: If conducted at the unit level, at least one district or council representative must serve as a member. A board of review shall not occur until after the local council has verified the application. A board of review must not be denied or postponed due to unresponsive references. If a unit leader or unit committee chair fails to approve an application, the candidate is still granted a board of review, but the lack of approval may be considered in the decision An Eagle candidate may have only one board of review (though it may be adjourned and reconvened). Subsequent action falls under the appeals process

30. Boy 3121 - Board of Review30 Appendix

31. Boy 3121 - Board of Review31 Potential Questions about the Scout What will be your most important goal as a (new rank) Scout. How do you use the skills Scouting has taught you in your: school, home, everyday life? How have you improved yourself since your last rank? What is your favorite part of the Scout Law (and explain why)? What is the hardest point of the Scout Law for you to follow (and explain why)? How could you learn to follow this point better? What has been the proudest part of Scouting for you? What has been the hardest part of Scouting for you? How do you display Scout spirit outside the troop meetings? What part of the Scout Oath and Scout Law would guide you regarding the use of drugs? What good turn did you do today? What question would you ask if you were on a Board of Review for this rank?

32. Boy 3121 - Board of Review32 Potential Questions about the Troop & Patrol What do you think is the main attraction to: (Troop _____) and/or (your patrol)? How could you make Troop _____/your patrol better? What has been the best Troop _____ activity for you? What has been the least pleasant Troop _____ activity for you? What would you like to do differently in Troop _____ and/or your patrol? Why do you come to the troop meetings? If you were asked to talk to new Scouts about Troop _____ or your patrol, what would you say? How is your patrol leader doing? If you were not in your current patrol, what patrol would you be in and why? What would you change in the troop meetings? If you could plan a Troop _____ campout, where would you go and why?

33. Boy 3121 - Board of Review33 Resources Guide to Advancement http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/guidetoadvancement/boardsofreview.aspx BSA supplemental training http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/18-625.pdf