40 questions to ask at your next Eagle Board of Review

Forget that sit-down with the hiring supervisor at Subway. When it comes to life-changing interviews for a teenager, you can’t top the Eagle Scout Board of Review.

For some Scouts, the thought of answering a barrage of questions from adults is worse than a trip to the dentist. Turns out, though, that the Scout often isn’t the only nervous person in the room.

Here’s what Kathy, a Scouter from the Northeast, told me:

I’ve just been asked to sit on the Board of Review for one of my students, since I’ve known him since he was in the second grade. If I’m to ask questions, can you give me some insight as to what’s appropriate? I don’t want to look stupid.

Kathy’s certainly not the only one at a loss for words at a Board of Review. So I asked our Facebook friends for their go-to questions.

Here are 40 to try the next time you’re involved in this important final step on a young person’s journey to Eagle:

40 Quality Questions for Eagle Scout Boards of Review

I know! There’s no way you can ask 40 questions during an Eagle Scout board of review. But I’ve included this many in the hopes you’ll find a few you hadn’t thought to ask.

  1. What will you do as an Eagle Scout to give back to Scouting?
  2. What do you believe our society expects from an Eagle Scout? 
  3. Of all the patches on your uniform, which one means the most or which one of them are you proudest to wear?
  4. If you could do it all over again, would you, and why?
  5. What lessons did you learn from the Eagle process and how do you think those lessons will help you in your future endeavors? In other words, what will you take away from this experience?
  6. How would you describe the effort you have put into your Scouting career? Expected response: I did my best.
  7. What advice would you give to a new Scout?
  8. You are about to breathe your last breath. What is the one Scouting memory (beginning with Cub Scouts and going all the way through) that is going to put a smile on your face?
  9. How do you balance accomplishments you are so proud of such as your Eagle with the peer perception that Scouting is uncool?
  10. What is the most pressing issue today? Why?
  11. What point of the Scout Law do you think is the hardest for the youth of today to follow? Why?
  12. Please stand up, give me the 12 points of the Scout Law, and tell me what each one means to you.
  13. Tell me which is more important: earning the rank of Eagle or wearing it? (Ernie H.)
  14. Why should we declare you an Eagle Scout tonight? In other words, how have you demonstrated the characteristics of an Eagle Scout and what is our assurance that you will continue to use them throughout your life?
  15. If you could talk to anyone throughout history, who would it be and what would you talk about?
  16. If you could change one requirement for Eagle, what would it be?
  17. If you could add one point to the Scout Law, what would it be and why? If you could remove one point from the Scout Law, what would it be and why?
  18. What is something you found in Scouting that you can improve upon?
  19. What is the moment you knew you wanted to earn Eagle?
  20. There are 21 merit badges required for Eagle. If you had to add one more to the required list, which one would it be, and why?
  21. With so many other activities competing for a young person’s interest or attention and the fact that some young people see Scouting as “uncool,” have you ever thought about quitting? And if so, what made you stick with it?
  22. Did you ever have a Scout refuse to comply with a request to perform one of their duties? How did (or would) you react?
  23. What outdoor experience have you had that you wish every Scout could have?
  24. If you are awarded the Rank of Eagle, the charge requires you to give back more than Scouting has given to you. What are your Scouting plans from here and how will you fulfill this charge?
  25. What did you learn about leadership from the Eagle Scout Service Project?
  26. How do you exemplify Scout spirit in you daily life?
  27. What was your “good turn” today?
  28. What is the difference between getting Eagle and being Eagle?
  29. The first eight words in the Scout Oath are “On my honor I will do my best.” What does honor mean to you?
  30. What question were you worried we would ask you?
  31. Where do you see yourself with Scouting in the next five years?
  32. You’re about to become a marked person for the rest of your life. What do you think that means? Are you prepared for it?
  33. One day you may have a son or daughter of your own. When they reach the age to join, what will you tell them about Scouting?
  34. Who are harder to lead, youth or adults?
  35. Out of the merit badges that you earned, which one gave you information that will be most helpful to you later in your life, and why?
  36. Which of the merit badges that you have earned along the trail to Eagle has the most meaning to you and why?
  37. If you had to describe your entire Scouting experience with just one word, what word would you choose? Why?
  38. When is the last time you went camping with your troop?
  39. Consider having the last question of the Eagle Board of Review be one asked by the prior candidate. Read the question you have saved on my phone, and then once the question is answered, ask the candidate what question they want to ask the next candidate who sits in that seat.
  40. What is the significance of this date in Scouting history? A blank stare occurs, so you answer for them: It’s your Eagle Rank date. Congrats!

What else do you ask?

What one question do you ask in every Board of Review? If you’re an Eagle, what was the toughest question you were asked at yours? Share your thoughts below.


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.