1. Boards of Review and Working with the Committee
Little Philmont – March 8, 2014

2. Introductions Blate Minkler – experience includes:
Scout Committee Chairman
Young Men’s President/Venture Crew Advisor
Cubmaster
Pam Minkler – experience includes:
Scout Committee – Advancement (current)
Cub Scout Committee Chair
Mother of two Eagle Scouts

3. The Scout Committee
The Scout Committee is an essential resource for every Scouting leader
An effective Scouting program cannot be run by a Scoutmaster alone (without killing him)
The Committee shares the workload, helping the leaders to focus on the boys and their needs
The importance of the Scout Committee is emphasized in the Church’s Scouting Handbook

4. The Scout Committee From the Scouting Handbook:
“A Scouting Committee can be as large as needed to carry out its responsibilities to the individual Scouting unit.”
“Fathers and mothers of young men may be considered as prospective committee members.”
“Where leadership or the number of young men is limited, one committee could represent all Scouting (units) in the ward.”
Some Committee assignments are lighter and can be done as a second calling

5. Scout Committee Roles Chair
Organize Committee – see that all functions are delegated, coordinated and completed
Interprets national and local Scouting policies
Decides on Committee meeting agendas
Ensures representation at monthly Roundtable meetings
Ensures annual rechartering is completed in a timely and correct manner

6. Scout Committee Roles Advancement Coordinator
Monitors and encourages Scout advancement
Maintains accurate advancement records for all Scouts
Arranges Boards of Review and Courts of Honor as often as needed (at least quarterly)
Reports advancement/merit badges to the Council – secures awards for Courts of Honor
Develops and maintains a merit badge counselor list
Reports at meetings of the Scout Committee

7. Scout Committee Roles Training Coordinator
Ensures Scouting leaders and Committee members are made aware of scheduled training and available resources
Maintains an up-to-date inventory of training materials and resources
Tracks training completion for all Scouting leaders and Committee members – follows up as needed to ensure completion
Reports at meetings of the Scout Committee

8. Scout Committee Roles Outdoor/Activities Coordinator
Reserves camps and camping sites – secures site permissions as needed
Manages the completion of required Scout permission and health forms
Serves as transportation coordinator – completes and submits Tour Plans
Counsels with the Committee and Scouting leaders to ensure an effective and full outdoor program
Reports at meetings of the Scout Committee

9. Scout Committee Roles Secretary Equipment Coordinator
Notifies attendees of Scout Committee meetings/ prepares written agendas
Keeps Committee meeting minutes – reviews the minutes of previous meetings
Handles communications regarding Scouting activities
Equipment Coordinator
Oversees the inventory and maintenance of Scouting equipment to ensure readiness, suitability and safety

10. Other Possible Committee Roles
Additional roles can be created to better support Scouting leaders and Committee members - for example:
Youth and Adult Registration Coordinator
Unit Rechartering Coordinator
Merit Badge Counselor Coordinator
Transportation/Tour Plan Coordinator
Eagle Court of Honor Coordinator

11. Scout Committee Meetings
Scouting leaders should attend along with all Committee members
Focus of assisting leaders and Scouts
Look for ways to lighten the load of Scouting leaders
Take time to focus on needs of individual Scouts:
Scouts with special needs
Specific advancement needs – merit badges, projects, etc.
Behavioral and emotional issues
How Scouting can support Priesthood leadership and individual growth

12. Scout Advancement Boy Scout advancement is a four-step process:
The Boy Scout learns – he gains both knowledge and skill
The Boy Scout is tested – he demonstrates what he has learned to a Scouting leader or merit badge counselor
The Boy Scout is reviewed – he has a Board of Review
The Boy Scout is recognized – he receives his advancement/ awards at a Court of Honor
Failure to follow this process shortchanges the Scout
Bradley D. Harris examples, Trails to Testimony, pgs 39-40

13. The Board of Review
Schedule Boards of Review at least quarterly – be mindful of the time requirements of the higher ranks
The Board of Review is not a re-testing of the Scout – he should already have been tested by his leaders
Boards of Review provide an independent verification that requirements have been met
They are also a chance for Committee members to get to know each Scout better
The Scout’s overall involvement, commitment and interest in Scouting should be gauged
Appropriate feedback should be given to the Scout’s leaders

14. Board of Review Standards
Encourage Scouts to come in uniform - define what that means for your Scouting units
Require Scouts to bring their Scout Handbooks so completion of rank advancement requirements can be verified
Ensure that at least three Committee members attend each Board of Review - no parents or Scouting leaders
Review each Scout individually – ask him to salute the Board and state name, unit and rank

15. Board of Review Questions
Boards of Review must verify that requirements for advancement have been met, but the interview should be about much more than that – ask questions like:
What do you like most about Scouting activities?
What new things have you learned recently in Scouting?
What service have you given since your last Board of Review? What did you learn from it?
What leadership position do you hold?
What have you learned from your leadership position?

16. Board of Review Questions (cont.)
What new things did you do/learn at camp?
Do you enjoy Scouting? Why or why not?
Why is Scouting important to you?
What are your goals in Scouting?
How has Scouting helped you as a Priesthood holder?
Other questions as guided by the Spirit