Board of Review

Eagle Scout

The Eagle Scout Board of Review is conducted on the troop or crew level by a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 adults. One of these must be from the district, at least one must be from the unit but none can be the unit leader (Scoutmaster or Venturing Advisor) or the parent or guardian of the Scout.

From the offical BSA Advancement Policy Guidebook:

The Boy Scouts of America has placed the Eagle Scout board of review in the hands of either the troop, team, crew, or ship committee or the district or council committee responsible for advancement. The council will decide and promulgate *which method or methods may be used.

The board of review for an Eagle candidate is composed of a minimum of three members and a maximum of six members, 21 years of age or older. These members do not have to be registered in Scouting, but they must have an understanding of the importance and purpose of the Eagle board of review. At least one district or council advancement representative shall be a member of the Eagle board of review, when conducted at the unit level, and may serve as chairman if so requested by the unit.

More than ever before, the Eagle Scout Board of Review must be tailored to the growth of the Scout during his tenure in Boy Scouting and how he will apply the lessons, skills and values he's learned in his life now and as an adult.

This is no place to try to "trip up" a Scout by tossing him a piece of rope and asking him to tie a sheepshank! It's o.k. to ask him to repeat the Scout Oath and the Scout Law but, even if nerves overtake him and he pledges "to help all people at other times," let it go. It is far more important that he is able to explain the meaning of the Scout Oath and Law in his own words for that is what will ultimately determine the effect that Scouting has had on his young life.

Remember, the goal of Scouting is not to make great knot-tiers, great outdoorsmen or even great helpers-of-little-old-ladies-across-the-street. Rather, we want to mold good, self-sufficient men of good character and high moral values who will become participating citizens and fit members of society. Character, Citizenship and Fitness: these are the goals of Scouting and these are what we should find in a prospective Eagle Scout at his Board of Review.

For more resources on the Eagle Board of Review, see the BSA Advancement Guidelines or the Troop Committee Guidebook.

*In virutally every case in the Gulf Ridge Council, the district will coordinate the Eagle Boards of Review with representation from the Scout's unit as well as from the district.