The 6 Best Members for a Scout Board of Review
What a board of review (BOR) is in Scouting, who is allowed to serve, and the six people who make a board memorable for the Scout, from 40+ years of sitting on boards.
What Does BOR Mean in Scouting?
BOR stands for board of review. After a Scout completes the requirements for any rank except Scout rank, including a Scoutmaster conference, they meet with a board of review: 3 to 6 adults who talk with the Scout about their experience and decide whether the requirements have been completed. Scouting America wants it to be a celebration of what the Scout has done, not a retest.
The members of the board make a big difference in the Scout’s experience. After 40+ years as an adult in Scouting, I’ve learned that the people on the board are what make a board of review memorable for the Scout.
Looking for what to ask? See our board of review questions for every rank.
Who Can Serve on a Board of Review?
3 to 6 Adults, All 21+
No fewer than three and no more than six members, all at least 21 years old.
Committee Members (Tenderfoot to Life)
For Tenderfoot through Life, the board is made up of unit committee members. If fewer than three are available, knowledgeable parents (not the Scout’s own) or other adults who understand Scouting may serve.
Who Can’t Serve
Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters can’t serve for a Scout in their own Troop. Parents, guardians, and relatives can’t serve on their child’s board.
Who Can’t Choose
The Scout and the Scout’s parents, guardians, or relatives must have no part in selecting board members.
Source: Scouting America Guide to Advancement, Section 8, Boards of Review.
The 6 Best Board of Review Members
The first three are already on your Troop committee. The last three are people from your community. Invite them to join your Troop committee so they can serve on rank boards, or ask them to serve on an Eagle board.
The Troop Committee Chair
The committee chair should attend every board of review. A good board gives insight into how the Troop is doing and feedback the chair can use to improve the program.
The Troop Advancement Chair
This is the committee job most involved with advancement. The advancement chair usually handles the paperwork and helps the other members with the technical details.
The Chartered Organization Representative
I’ve worked with many chartered organizations over the years. When the chartered organization representative is involved with the Troop, great things happen. A board of review shows the chartered organization how effective the program can be.
A Local Faith Leader
A faith leader’s perspective, especially if the Scout attends their congregation, can’t be overestimated. Duty to God has been a part of Scouting since the first handbook in 1911. Scouts aren’t measured against any specific belief, but a faith leader reinforces the importance of this part of Scouting.
A Community Leader
A local official, service member, or business leader gives the Scout a great experience. Hearing from someone who leads in real life is a big inspiration.
A Mentor in the Scout’s Interest
This can be the toughest to arrange, especially with several boards scheduled. But imagine how a Scout responds to questions from someone who shares their passion. Your merit badge counselor list is an easy place to find the perfect fit.
How to Get Community Members on Your Boards
For Tenderfoot through Life, board members come from your Troop committee. So invite your faith leader, community leader, or mentor to register as a Troop committee member. Many people are glad to help with a few boards a year. Community leaders are also a natural fit for Eagle boards of review, where members don’t have to be registered.
Eagle Scout Boards of Review
Eagle boards are a little different. They still have 3 to 6 members, all at least 21, but members don’t have to be registered with Scouting America, as long as they understand the rank and the purpose of the board. At least one member must be a district or council representative who isn’t affiliated with the Troop. Your council sets how Eagle boards are run, so check with your council’s advancement committee.
Make It a Celebration
The board of review is one of the best ways to strengthen the Scouting experience and encourage Scouts to keep advancing. Choose your board members well, and every Scout will leave proud of what they’ve done.
Celebrate the New Rank
From an Official Scouting America Licensee.
Board of Review FAQ
What is a BOR in Scouting?
BOR means board of review: a meeting of 3 to 6 adults with a Scout who has completed the requirements for a rank. The board talks with the Scout and decides whether the requirements have been met.
How many people are on a board of review?
At least three and no more than six, all at least 21 years old.
Can a parent sit on a board of review?
Not on their own child’s board. Parents of other Scouts can serve when a Troop doesn’t have three committee members available, as long as they understand Scouting’s aims.
Can the Scoutmaster be on the board?
No. Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters can’t serve on a board for a Scout in their own Troop. The Scoutmaster may introduce the Scout and stay in the room to observe.
Can people outside the Troop serve?
For Tenderfoot through Life, members come from the unit committee, so invite community members to join your committee. For Eagle boards, members don’t need to be registered, and one must be a district or council representative.
What questions should a board of review ask?
Ask about the Scout’s experience, not a retest of skills. See our board of review questions by rank.
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