Your Eagle board of review
It isn't a test, and it isn't a formality. It's a conversation about your Scouting journey, your project, and the kind of person you're becoming.
What the board is looking for
The board has two jobs. First, to confirm your Eagle project was carried out and that you led it. Second, to see whether you live the ideals behind the rank: character, citizenship, and fitness, Scout spirit, maturity, leadership, and an understanding of the Scout Oath and Law. The board won't quiz your skills, but it won't rubber-stamp you either.
Who's on your board
- Three to six adults, each at least 21 years old. They don't have to be registered in Scouting, but they understand what the Eagle board of review means.
- Your unit leaders and assistant unit leaders can't serve, and neither can your relatives. You and your family have no part in choosing the members.
- If your board is held by your unit, at least one district advancement representative serves on it. You may also request a district board of review.
- What's said in the board of review stays confidential.
How it goes
The board prepares
Members meet 15 to 30 minutes before you arrive to read your application, reference letters, and project report.
You're introduced
Your Scoutmaster introduces you. They may stay as an observer but don't take part.
You open
You'll be asked to lead the Pledge of Allegiance and recite the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Know them cold.
The conversation
Expect open questions, not yes-or-no ones. There's no set length, but 15 minutes is probably too short and an hour too long.
The board decides
You and your Scoutmaster step out while the board talks. The decision must be unanimous.
You hear the result
You're invited back and told the decision. If the board finds something still needs to be done, it will explain exactly what and by when, explain how to appeal if you disagree, and confirm it in a follow-up letter.
What you'll talk about
There's no script. These are the kinds of topics boards explore, so think them through, but don't memorize answers.
The Scout Oath and Law
Which point of the Scout Law is hardest for you to live by, and which matters most? What do duty to God and duty to country mean to you? How do you help others at all times?
Your time outdoors
Your most and least enjoyable Scouting experiences, summer camps, high adventure, and what you remember of the Outdoor Code.
Leadership
The positions you've held and what they involved. How you'd handle a Scout who ignores a reasonable request. What you'd change in your unit, and who influenced you most.
Your project
How you found the need, how you planned and organized it, what changed along the way, how it felt to direct adults, and what will stand out when you tell the story thirty years from now.
Your future
Your plans for school, work, or service, how Eagle fits into them, what responsibilities come with the rank, and how you'll give back to Scouting.
What to wear and bring
Wear your field uniform, as much of it as you own and as correctly as possible. Bring your complete project workbook, with all three sections and every signature, organized and presentable. Parents and relatives don't attend, even as observers.
For board members
- Hold the board somewhere with an air of formality, like a conference room, meeting room, or classroom. Wear a uniform or business attire.
- One member serves as chair. The chair makes introductions, makes sure everyone has reviewed the paperwork, and ideally has seen the finished project or spoken with the beneficiary.
- Confirm the Scout led the project rather than doing all the work alone or letting someone else direct it, and that it benefited the organization.
- Keep the tone positive and let the Scout talk. The sample topics above are a springboard, not a checklist; the conversation should end naturally.
- Questions about conducting Eagle boards of review go to the Aquehonga District Advancement Committee. The Guide to Advancement, section 8, is the official reference.