life scout board of review questions

3 min read 04-12-2024

The Life Scout Board of Review (BOR) is a significant milestone on the trail to Eagle Scout. It's a chance to reflect on your Scouting journey, demonstrate your growth, and showcase your understanding of Scouting ideals. This article prepares you by outlining common Life Scout BOR questions, offering tips for answering them effectively, and providing insights into the overall process. Successfully navigating your Life Scout BOR sets you up for success in your journey to Eagle.

Understanding the Life Scout Board of Review

The Life Scout BOR isn't a test; it's a conversation. The purpose is for the board to assess your understanding of Scouting principles, your progress toward Eagle, and your overall maturity. They want to see your personal growth and commitment to the Scout Oath and Law.

Your board may consist of experienced Scouters who will ask questions about your:

Scouting skills and experiences: This includes camping, first aid, leadership roles, and service projects.
Personal growth: How have you grown as a person? What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Understanding of the Scout Oath and Law: This is fundamental. How have these principles guided your actions?
Future goals: What are your plans for the future? How will Scouting continue to play a role?
Specific merit badges: You should be prepared to discuss merit badges you've earned, emphasizing what you learned.

Common Life Scout Board of Review Questions

Here are some common questions you might encounter at your Life Scout BOR:

About Your Scouting Experience:

What are your most significant achievements in Scouting? Highlight specific accomplishments and explain what you learned from them. Quantify your contributions whenever possible (e.g., "I led a team of 10 Scouts in building X").
Describe a time you demonstrated leadership in Scouting. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response.
Tell me about a challenging situation you faced in Scouting and how you overcame it. Show your problem-solving skills and resilience.
Which merit badge did you find most challenging, and what did you learn from it? This shows self-awareness and the ability to learn from difficulties.
How have you applied the Scout Oath and Law in your daily life? Give concrete examples. Show how these principles shape your decisions.
What are your favorite Scouting activities and why? This reveals your passions within Scouting.
What role did you play in your troop's recent [campout/service project/event]? Demonstrate your participation and contributions.

About Personal Growth and Future Goals:

What are your plans for the future, and how will Scouting help you achieve them? Show how Scouting skills translate to future endeavors.
What are your strengths and weaknesses? Be honest and self-reflective. Provide concrete examples.
What are your goals for your next rank (Star, Life, Eagle)? Demonstrate ambition and a clear plan for advancement.
How have you grown as a person through your involvement in Scouting? Reflect on personal development and maturity.
What are some of your personal values, and how do they align with the Scout Oath and Law? Show a connection between personal values and Scouting principles.
Describe a time you had to make a difficult decision. What was the outcome? Demonstrate decision-making skills and ethical considerations.
What are your plans for college or your career? This demonstrates your future planning and aspirations.

About Your Understanding of Scouting:

Explain the Scout Oath and Law. Why are they important to you? Demonstrate a deep understanding.
What does it mean to be a responsible citizen? Provide specific examples.
What are the different ranks in Scouting? Show you understand the progression.
Explain the significance of the Scout motto, slogan, and ideals.

Preparing for Your Life Scout Board of Review

Review your Advancement Record: Make sure it's complete and accurate.
Practice answering common questions: Role-play with a mentor or friend.
Reflect on your Scouting experiences: Identify key moments of growth and achievement.
Dress appropriately: Wear your Class A uniform.
Arrive on time: Punctuality shows respect.
Be confident and enthusiastic: Show your passion for Scouting.

The Life Scout BOR is a valuable opportunity to reflect on your journey and demonstrate your readiness for further advancement. By preparing thoroughly and presenting yourself confidently, you'll not only pass the review but also gain valuable insights into your personal growth and commitment to the Scouting ideals. Remember, the board wants you to succeed. Be prepared, be honest, and be yourself.