Where Faith & Adventure Meet

Purpose

 

After a Scout completes all requirements for a rank, they must appear before a Board of Review (BOR). The BOR:

• Evaluates the quality of the Scout’s experience

• Confirms requirements have been fulfilled

• Encourages continued progress in Scouting

The BOR date becomes the official advancement date.

 

General Information

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• Boards of Review are offered at least quarterly, with additional sessions scheduled at the committee’s discretion

• This structure helps Scouts prepare and gives parents advance notice to volunteer

• Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters do not participate in BORs

• BORs are conducted by committee members and/or adults (21+) who are not related to the Scout

• It is the Scout’s responsibility to request a BOR after completing a Scoutmaster Conference and obtaining all required signatures

 

Scheduling a Board of Review

 

To request a BOR:

• Email committee@troop633ct.org, or

• Notify the Scoutmaster

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Timing Requirements

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• All requests for a board must be submitted the meeting before the scheduled Board of Review, or if requesting a custom board, at least 2 weeks before a Court of Honor

• All rank requirements must be completed:

  • By the meeting prior to the BOR, or

  • On a timeline approved by the Scoutmaster

• A Scoutmaster Conference may not occur on the same day as the BOR

• BORs must be completed at least 3 days before a Court of Honor

• Late requests will be accommodated if possible, but are not guaranteed

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Board Composition

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• 3 to 6 adults, age 21 or older

• No participant may be:

  • The Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster

  • A parent, guardian, or relative of the Scout

• The Scout and their family do not select board members

 

What Scouts Should Expect

 

Preparation

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Scouts should:

• Wear a Class A (field) uniform, if available

• Be clean, neat, and presentable

• Bring a pen, their Scout Handbook, ensure all requirements up to Complete Board of Review is signed off. 

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During the BOR

 

Scouts will:

• Recite the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan

• Answer general questions about:

  • Rank requirements

  • Scouting experiences

  • Personal growth and goals

Atmosphere

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• Reviews are not tests or retests

• The tone is friendly, respectful, and conversational

• The goal is to understand the Scout’s journey—not quiz memorization

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After the Board of Review

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• The Scout will be informed of the decision after deliberation

• Approval requires a unanimous vote

• If approved:

  • Advancement is immediate

  • The BOR date is recorded as the rank date

• If not approved:

  • The Scout will be told how to improve

  • A follow-up letter will outline next steps and appeal options

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Conduct Guidelines

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• BORs should last:

  • 15–30 minutes for most ranks

  • 30–45 minutes for Eagle candidates

• Parents and observers should not attend

• The setting should be comfortable and respectful

• Notes may be taken but are confidential and later destroyed

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Key Principles

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• A Scout cannot be denied a BOR if requirements are completed

• BORs do not add requirements beyond BSA standards

• Scouts cannot be rejected for minor issues (e.g., missing handbook, minor lateness, or uniform gaps)

• The focus is on:

  • Growth

  • Character

  • Living the Scout Oath and Law

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Uniform Expectations

• Full uniform is preferred, but at a minimum Class A, Neckerchief, and green pants. 

• Scouts should wear as much of the uniform as they own

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Program Improvement

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Boards of Review also help improve troop performance by:

• Identifying gaps in advancement processes

• Evaluating program quality

• Providing feedback on leadership and activities

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Special Notes

 

Multiple Ranks

• Each rank requires its own BOR

• Multiple boards for any single scout for multiple ranks may not occur the same day, 

 

Eagle Boards of Review

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• Follow additional council and district procedures

• Must occur after council verification of the application

• Include at least one district/council representative (if required)

 

Summary

A Board of Review is a milestone moment in a Scout’s journey. It is:

✅ A confirmation of achievement
✅ A conversation about growth
✅ An opportunity for encouragement
✅ Not a test or obstacle

 

The Branford Scouting BOR process ensures fairness, consistency, and a positive experience for every Scout.