Be Prepared. These two words are the cornerstone of Scouting. Since the earliest days of the Scout Movement in 1907 when Robert Baden-Powell, Lieutenant General in the British Army, held the first Scout encampment at Brownsea Island in England the words "be prepared" have been the official Scout motto.
On their journey through the ranks of Scouting, boys have the opportunity to put the motto into practice again and again. The motto is recited and practiced ad nauseum. Thanks to the Scout Method and experiential learning, young Scouts sometimes learn the hard way, valuable lessons about being prepared. Scout Masters will profess that the "best" outing is an outing where something goes wrong... just as long as it doesn't go too wrong. Teachable moments. When the Tenderfoot forgets to pack extra socks, his feet may get cold. Forgot the rain fly for his tent? He and a tent mate may wake up wet. If the troop quartermaster forgets to put milk in the ice chest, the whole troop eats dry cereal for breakfast. Boys learn early in Scouting that failing to be prepared carries consequences. It's about learning benign lessons in a sometimes malignant world.
Eagle Board of Review Fast forward five or six years to the big day. The superbowl of Scouting. The Eagle Scout candidate's board of review is the culmination of years of hard work. It's not the day to forget your socks. This lengthy interview isn't a slam-dunk. In fact it's hard. But not unlike other lessons the candidate has learned through the years, the board of review isn't as daunting if he's prepared. Here's how:
- Know the Scout Oath and the Scout Law and be ready to recite them word-for-word after leading the Pledge of Allegiance, correctly and confidently. Learn the Outdoor Code "just in case" the committee asks.
- Be in full and complete uniform. Click the link for a uniform inspection sheet or ask your council office. Check and double-check uniform insignia and badge placement. Your Scout Master will be glad to help with a preliminary uniform inspection. If the Eagle Scout candidate is out of uniform, it is not uncommon for the District Advancement representative or the Board Chairperson to end the review before it even begins. Crisp, clean uniform presentation is vitally important to setting the right tone for the interview.
- The Eagle Scout candidate will be presenting his letters of recommendation, paperwork and Eagle project workbook, and the Board will definitely review it ahead of time. This is the candidate's opportunity to make a good first impression even before the advancement committee has met him. Be certain the workbook is in perfect order and nothing is out of place.
- The adults sitting on the Board may be strangers to the Eagle candidate and there won't be family or friends in the room. To help the boy prepare for the uncertainty of interacting with strangers it is a good idea to encourage him to practice ahead of time in front of three or four unfamiliar adults so the Scout can be comfortable answering questions and making conversation in front of unfamiliar people.
- There will be dozens of questions ranging from inquiries about his Eagle project, to religious affiliation, character, camping, future plans, current events, his overall Scouting experience. Plan ahead by anticipating the questions and rehearse answers. If there is a question the boy doesn't know the answer to, it's acceptable to reply, "I don't know." The honesty in that answer demonstrates character.
- Get plenty of rest the night before and enough nourishment the day of the review. Even the most prepared Scout is easily distracted if he is exhausted. The boy will need to think on his feet to answer the questions that come up. A well-rested, relaxed and engaged Scout has the best chance for passing the board.
A century ago, Boy Scouts founding father Robert Baden-Powell endorsed the motto Be Prepared to remind future scouts, "to always be in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your duty." Truth is, the Eagle board of review is not an easy interview. There's a reason it is at the end of the trail and not at the beginning.
When the candidate hears for the first time, "Congratulations son, you've earned your Eagle." it makes the long journey worthwhile indeed.
If you like this article and would like to be notified of future news articles from Chuck Douros, click on the Subscribe tab at the top of the article.
Comments