Waiting for a Board of Review

A board of review is the last step for a Scout to earn a new rank. After completing all the requirements and having a Scoutmaster conference, the Scout should be scheduled for a board of review. This board is made up of three or more members of the troop committee. The Scout talks with them about their experience in the troop. The board is not a retest of the skills. It is a conversation.

Amy sent in this question:

My son has completed his requirements and a scoutmaster conference for his next rank. He has requested a board of review but was told he cannot have his board of review until school starts and regular meetings resume in September, two months away. Does this seem like a long time to have to wait?

The Guide to Advancement makes it clear. A Scout who completes the requirements and has a Scoutmaster conference must be given a board of review. The troop should not delay the board for months just because meetings are on break. The Scout has done their part. Now it is time for the adults to do theirs.

It can be helpful to know that boards of review do not have to happen at regular meetings. Many troops hold them at different times or even different places. Some troops meet at a leader’s home or at a coffee shop. Some do them before or after a campout. The goal is to make it happen without a long delay.

Waiting two months is a long time for a Scout who is excited and ready to move forward. They have put in the work. They should not have to wait through the summer just because adults are not ready. It is important to be fair to the Scout and respect their efforts.

If your troop says a Scout has to wait months for a board of review, it’s okay to ask questions. It’s okay to ask if there’s another way. Leaders may not realize how long it feels to a Scout. A little planning can help everyone stay on track.

The Guide to Advancement is the official book that tells how advancement works in Scouts BSA. It explains each part of the process. Section 8.0.0.2 talks about boards of review. It says that a Scout who has completed the requirements and had a Scoutmaster conference must be granted a board of review. The word “must” is important. It means there is no choice. The Scout has earned it.

8.0.0.2 Boards of Review Must Be Granted When Requirements Are Met

A Scout shall not be denied this opportunity. When he believes he has completed all the requirements for a rank, including a Scoutmaster conference, a board of review must be granted. Scoutmasters—or councils or districts in the case of the Eagle Scout rank—for example, do not have authority to expect a boy to request or organize one, or to “defer” him, or to ask him to perform beyond the requirements in order to be granted one.

In a case where there is concern the Scout has not fulfilled the requirements for a rank as written, it is appropriate to advise the young man that he might not pass the board and to make suggestions about what he might do to improve his chances for success. It is, however, the Scout’s decision to go ahead with a board of review or not.

The guide also says adults cannot delay or defer a board just because they are not ready. The Scout does not need to ask for special permission. They do not need to do anything extra. Once the requirements are done, they move to the next step, which is the board of review. Adults must make it happen.

Sometimes adults are trying to help the Scout. They might think the Scout needs more time or more practice. They may suggest that the Scout wait before doing the board. But the guide says that is not required. The Scout can choose to wait or go ahead. It is the Scout’s decision, not the adults’.

Boards of review are part of how Scouts grow. It is a time for them to reflect on their journey and share their thoughts. It helps them get ready for the next step. It is not a test. It is not something that should be held back unless the Scout chooses to wait.

When everyone follows the guide, things go smoother. Scouts know what to expect. Adults know their role. Advancement stays fair and on track. That helps build confidence in the process.

In the summer, many troops take a break from weekly meetings. Families go on vacation. Leaders get busy with work or other activities. Committee members may be out of town. It can be hard to get three adults together at the same time. This is a real challenge. But it does not mean the board of review has to stop completely.

Some troops plan ahead for this. They find out which committee members will be available during the summer. They ask for volunteers to be “on call” for boards of review. They might schedule a few dates in advance. This makes it easier to stay caught up.

Even if it’s hard, two months is a long time to wait. Scouts who are ready should not be told to wait until fall. That can be discouraging. They might feel like their hard work doesn’t matter. We want Scouts to stay excited and motivated. That means helping them move forward when they are ready.

If your troop does not meet during the summer, that’s okay. But that doesn’t stop boards from happening. They can be done at someone’s home, a church, a library, or even a park. Any safe, quiet place where adults can talk with the Scout works fine. It does not have to be fancy.

Some troops even use virtual meetings if everyone agrees. This is not the usual method, but it can work when in-person meetings are hard to arrange. The important thing is to keep things moving. Advancement should not stop for the summer.

If your Scout is ready for a board of review, it’s okay to encourage them to speak up. You can ask when the board might be scheduled. You can ask if there is a way to do it sooner. You can ask if any committee members are available during the summer. These questions are reasonable. A Scout who asks these questions is not being pushy.

Remind your Scout that they are not expected to plan the board. That’s the job of the adults. But it is okay for your Scout to let someone know they are ready. It helps the leaders keep track. Sometimes leaders forget who is waiting. A little reminder can help things move along.

Be flexible. Offer to meet at a different time or place. Ask if there is a way to do it before or after a summer event. A troop swim party, service project, or planning meeting might be a good time. The goal is to find something that works for everyone.

Don’t give up if you’re told to wait. Go back to the Guide to Advancement. Print out the section about boards of review. Share it kindly with the troop advancement chair or committee chair. Most leaders want to do the right thing. Sometimes they just need a reminder of the rules.

Working together makes the process better for everyone. Scouts move forward. Leaders stay informed. Families feel included. And the whole troop benefits.

Troop committees can help boards of review run smoothly, even during busy times. One way is to have a small group of adults ready to serve as a board on short notice. These adults don’t need to know everything about the Scout. They just need to be members of the committee and willing to listen.

Another good idea is to keep a list of Scouts who are ready for boards. The advancement chair can track this and help set up times. A simple calendar or sign-up sheet can help a lot. When adults know who is ready, they can plan ahead. This prevents long delays.

Some troops schedule boards of review once a month, even during the summer. They set a date and time and see who needs to attend. This works well and keeps things moving. It also helps families know what to expect.

Good communication is key. Leaders should let families know how to request a board. Families should feel welcome to ask questions. Everyone should understand that boards are part of advancement, not something extra. This helps avoid misunderstandings and hard feelings.

The goal is to support Scouts. They work hard to complete their ranks. We should do our part to support them. A timely board of review shows respect for their time and effort. It also keeps the troop on track and makes Scouting better for everyone.

 Scheduling a Scout Board of Review

In Scouts BSA, once a Scout finishes all rank requirements and the Scoutmaster conference, they are ready for a board of review. The Guide to Advancement says the board must be granted. Troops cannot add extra steps, like requiring a phone call. If a Scout asks in person, that should be enough.

Scheduling a board of review should be simple and fair. The process is meant to support Scouts, not hold them back. Troops should work to make boards available in a timely way. Clear communication, flexibility, and respect for the Scout’s effort help keep advancement on track.

More About Scouts BSA

Scouts BSA is a program for youth ages 11 to 17. It helps them build character, learn leadership, and grow through outdoor adventures and service. Scouts follow the Scout Oath and Law, learning to make good choices and help others. Activities like camping, hiking, and working on projects are a big part of the program.

Scouts work in small groups called patrols. They make decisions, plan events, and learn to lead. As they grow, they earn ranks and merit badges. The highest rank is Eagle Scout. Scouts BSA welcomes everyone and helps each Scout reach their full potential.

What is a board of review?

A board of review is a short meeting with three or more troop committee members. It is the final step before a Scout earns a new rank. The Scout talks about their experiences in the troop. It is not a test. It is a conversation.

When should a board of review happen?

It should happen soon after the Scout finishes all the rank requirements and completes a Scoutmaster conference. It does not need to wait for the next regular troop meeting. It can be held any time adults are available.

Does a board of review have to be during a troop meeting?

No. It can be held at a different time and place. Some troops meet at someone’s house, a library, or a church room. Some do it before or after other troop activities.

Can our troop delay the board until meetings start again in the fall?

No, not unless the Scout chooses to wait. If the Scout has completed the requirements and wants to move forward, the troop must provide a board of review. This is explained in the Guide to Advancement.

What if adults are not available during the summer?

It might take longer to find a time, but the troop should still try. They can plan ahead, ask for volunteers, or meet in smaller groups. It does not have to be a full committee meeting.

Can a board of review be done online?

Yes, if needed. In some cases, especially when people are far apart, a video call may be used. This should be done with care and only if everyone agrees. In-person boards are best, but online can work in special cases.

What can I do if my Scout is told to wait too long?

You can kindly ask for the board to be scheduled sooner. Share the section from the Guide to Advancement. Be polite and helpful. Most leaders want to do the right thing. They may just need a reminder.

Is it okay for my Scout to ask about their board of review?

Yes. It is fine for a Scout to let the troop know they are ready. They should not be expected to plan the meeting, but they can ask when it will happen. This helps keep the process moving.

When a Scout finishes all their rank requirements and completes the Scoutmaster conference, they are ready for the next step. The board of review should be scheduled soon after that. It does not need to wait for school to start again or for troop meetings to resume. A long delay can make a Scout feel forgotten. That’s not fair to them.

We know summer can be tricky. Adults are busy. Schedules don’t always line up. But that doesn’t mean Scouts have to sit and wait for months. There are ways to make it work. Meetings can happen at different times or in different places. With a little planning, it’s easy to get it done.

Troop leaders and committee members can help by staying organized and flexible. Parents can help by kindly reminding the troop when their Scout is ready. And Scouts should know they have the right to move forward when the work is done. Everyone has a part to play in making advancement smooth and fair.

Let’s keep things moving. Scouts are doing their part. Let’s do ours too. Help them step off that porch and into their next adventure.