Req 8 — Interview Former Scouts
8.
Interview at least three people (different from those you interviewed for requirement 5) over the age of 40 who were Scouts. Find out about their Scouting experiences. Ask about the impact that Scouting has had on their lives. Share what you learned with your counselor.
This is one of the most personal requirements in the badge. You will hear firsthand how Scouting shaped real lives over decades — and you will likely be surprised by what people remember and value.
Finding People to Interview
You need at least three people, all over age 40, all different from anyone you interviewed for Requirement 5.
Good candidates include:
- Parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, or family friends who were Scouts
- Adult leaders in your troop, district, or council
- Members of your sponsoring organization (church, civic club, VFW post)
- Neighbors, teachers, coaches, or co-workers of your parents who were Scouts
- Eagle Scouts in your community — many councils maintain Eagle Scout directories
Preparing Your Questions
Good interviews start with good questions. Here is a starting set you can adapt:
Background
- When and where were you a Scout?
- How old were you when you joined? How long were you involved?
- What rank did you achieve?
Experiences
- What was your most memorable Scouting experience?
- Did you attend summer camp? What was it like?
- Did you go to a jamboree, high-adventure base, or other major event?
- What was your favorite merit badge? Why?
Impact
- How has Scouting influenced your life since you left the program?
- What skills or values from Scouting do you still use today?
- Is there something from Scouting that shaped your career, your family life, or your community involvement?
- If you could tell today’s Scouts one thing about Scouting, what would it be?
Differences
- How was Scouting different when you were young compared to today?
- What stayed the same?
Conducting the Interview
- Ask permission to take notes or record the conversation
- Listen more than you talk. Let the person tell their stories — follow up on interesting details
- Take notes during or immediately after the interview so you do not forget important details
- Be respectful of time. Most interviews will take 15-30 minutes
Sharing What You Learned
When you report to your counselor, cover:
- Who you interviewed — name, age, when they were in Scouting
- Key stories — the most interesting or meaningful experiences they shared
- Impact on their lives — specific ways Scouting influenced them as adults
- Common themes — patterns you noticed across all three (or more) interviews
- What surprised you — anything you did not expect to hear