Leaders Guide to Assist an Eagle Scout Rank Applicant

Transcription

1 to Assist an Eagle Scout Rank Applicant Mecklenburg County Council Advancement Committee Mecklenburg County Council, BSA 2002

2 Preface...4 Introduction...5 Unit Leader: UNIT LEADER S CONFERENCE THE EAGLE LEADERSHIP PROJECT...9 Project Selection...9 Project Approval, before work begins...9 Project Implementation:...9 Acceptance of Finished Project: Project Final Report EAGLE SCOUT RANK APPLICATION Latest Form of the Application Name: The Candidate s home address and Scout Unit Previous Scouting Experience: Dates and format (Requirement #1) Verify the dates for each merit badge Transfer the information to the Eagle Scout Rank Application Letters of Recommendation (Requirement #2) Merit Badges (Requirement #3) Choice Merit Badges Leadership Positions and Dates (Requirement #4) Eagle Scout Service Project (Requirement #5) Life Ambitions, Purpose, Positions, Honors and Awards; and the final Unit Leader s Conference (Requirement #6) Statement: Unit Leader s Conference: Certification by Applicant Unit Approval Time Extension: LOCAL COUNCIL CERTIFICATION Completed Application to the Scout Office Turn-around Time Pickup of Certified Application LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION...16 Parents or Guardians Religious Leader Educator October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

3 Employer (if any) Two or more other References THE EAGLE SCOUT RANK BOARD OF REVIEW Prior to scheduling an Eagle Board of Review Make-up of the Eagle Board of Review Scheduling the Eagle Board of Review Leaders, Counselor or Mentor Checklist Convening the Eagle Scout Board of Review The Decision of the Eagle Board LOCAL COUNCIL CERTIFICATION NATIONAL CERTIFICATION Application Processing Time Return from National THE EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR Scheduling Eagle Scout Court of Honor Format Eagle Scout Court of Honor Program Suggestions Some Common Considerations Eagle Court of Honor Planning Considerations (Sample) SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO EAGLE SCOUTS National Eagle Scout Scholarships National Eagle Scout Association Scholarship Fund Mabel and Lawrence S. Cooke and National Elks Scholarships National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Eagle Scout Recognition and Scholarship Program Appendix Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Review Process Checklist Sample Letter Requesting a Personal Recommendation Sample Letter Requesting a Personal Commendation Sample Press Release Eagle Scout Charge The Challenge of the Eagle The Eagle Scout Promise Notes: More Notes: October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

4 Preface Leaders Guide The purpose of this guide is to acquaint unit leaders with the process and paperwork associated with a boy s advancement from the rank of Life Scout to the rank of Eagle Scout. It describes the process and explains the responsibilities of the Eagle Scout Candidate, his unit leadership, his unit committee, the local council and the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. This guide also touches on ways in which family, friends, neighbors, religious leaders and fellow Scouts may participate in the Eagle Scout Court of Honor. This guide also briefly describes some of the alternatives that apply when the Eagle Candidate is physically or developmentally handicapped October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

5 Introduction Leaders Guide It is the purpose of the Boy Scouts of America to provide an effective program designed to build positive and desirable qualities of character in boys, to train them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop in them a strong personal fitness, physically, mentally and morally; thus to help in the development of American citizens who: are physically, mentally and emotionally fit. have a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced by such qualities as initiative, courage and resourcefulness. have stable personal values firmly based on religious concepts. have the desire and the skills to help others. understand the principles of the American social, economic and governmental systems. are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand America s role in the world. have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people. are prepared to fulfill the varied responsibilities of participating in and giving leadership to American society and in the forums of the world. The Boy Scouts of America accomplishes this purpose by making its program available in partnership with existing groups having compatible goals, including religious, educational, civic, fraternal, business, labor, and governmental bodies. The Eagle rank is the highest award given by the Boy Scouts of America. This Leaders Guide is designed to help YOU as a Scoutmaster of a Boy Scout Troop, as a Coach of a Varsity Scout Team, or as an Advisor to a Venturing Crew 1. It is also intended for you if you are serving as an assistant to one of these leaders, or as a member of the unit committee, or as a designated Eagle Scout Counselor or Eagle Scout Mentor where you may be counseling young men preparing for the Eagle Scout rank. Your objective, as a leader or counselor in any capacity, is to prepare a young man, who has reached the rank of Life Scout, to apply himself to the task of attaining the Eagle Scout rank. 1 Recall that a boy in a Venture Crew is eligible to work toward the rank of Eagle only if he has obtained the rank of First Class Scout while a Boy Scout October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

6 You should be able to provide counsel, guidance and direction; help him organize and find support where it may be needed; give encouragement to him and to his parents or guardians. Please call upon your District or Council Advancement Committee persons for help or guidance. We are pleased with the quality of volunteers we have to help you. The District Advancement Committee Chairpersons are as follows: Etowah Bob Rittase (704) (H) Polaris David Royster (704) (H) (704) (W) Talahi Nancy Carroll (704) (H) (704) (W) Tatanka Don Eaves (704) (W) Tsungani Dennis McKaskey (704) (W) Joel Moser, Chairman, (704) (H) (704) (W) Council Advancement Committee Mecklenburg County Council, BSA 1410 East Seventh Street Charlotte, NC October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

7 Unit Leader: For each Eagle candidate (Life Scout), you should acquire an Eagle Advancement Kit. As Life Rank Advancements are submitted at the Council Service Center, an Eagle Advancement Kit will be given to the person who is turning in the advancement. These kits will be available at the Council Service Center or from a member of the District Advancement Committee. You may reproduce the information in the kit, but you must use the original Eagle Scout Rank Application when submitting for final advancement. Review the kit yourself to ensure that you are familiar with the contents of the kit It should contain the following: Life to Eagle Packet including the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, (BSA form No A). This is the guide and outline the Eagle candidate will use to plan and complete his Eagle Service project. Eagle Scout Service Project and Rank Application Instructions and Checklist. A copy of the Eagle Scout Rank Application at the latest printing level. Personalize the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, by putting in his name, your name and the correct addresses and phone numbers. Identify for him the names and phone numbers of other resource personnel, such as special counselors or mentors, that he may wish to use to complete his Eagle Scout Service Project planning. These should be persons who can counsel, encourage and guide him, as he works his way through his Eagle Scout plan. THEN, use this Leaders Guide to help you help him, in a friendly and efficient manner October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

8 1. UNIT LEADER S CONFERENCE The Life Board of Review should have been conducted by members of the Unit Committee. When this board has been satisfactorily completed the young man is an Eagle Scout Candidate. As soon as possible after his Life Board of Review, hold a Unit Leader s Conference with him. Encourage him, counsel with him and help him to more clearly understand what has to be done to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. If an Eagle Scout Counselor or Mentor is to be assigned to help him, consider letting him help select a person from whom he can take counsel and with whom he can work easily and closely. Present the Eagle Scout Candidate with the Eagle Advancement Kit. Discuss the Eagle Scout Requirements, in detail. Help him to establish a Merit Badge Completion Program that is both challenging and realistic. Consider all of his activities and goals, including family, school, and summer camp or other factors. Plan to re-interview and guide the candidate, as needed. Remind him that all work must be completed; a final Unit Leader s Conference must be held; and the submission of the proper paperwork must be completed before his 18 th birthday. Plan for that Final Unit Leader s Conference, when the Eagle Scout Service Project is complete, all merit badges have been completed and the Eagle Scout Rank Application is ready to be submitted to the local Council Service Center for certification October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

9 2. THE EAGLE LEADERSHIP PROJECT Project Selection See the Eagle Leadership Project Workbook, BSA form A, for guidance on requirements, originality, limitations, size and examples. The Scout is expected to prepare the project proposal for review by the Council Eagle Project Review Committee by using the guidelines entitled Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Review Project Checklist 2. The Eagle Project Review Committee will not approve a project proposal unless all criteria in the guidelines are address completely and in detail. Project Approval, before work begins. See the Life to Eagle Packet workbook. The Eagle Candidate is responsible to obtain the approval signatures of the following persons: Representative of the beneficiary group. Unit Leader. Unit Committee. District Advancement Committee Representative NO WORK may begin on the project prior to approval by the Council Eagle Leadership Project Committee. This excludes preliminary planning necessary to describe and discuss the project before the Committee. Project Implementation: See the Life to Eagle Packet workbook. As his unit leader, counselor or mentor: a) Encourage the prospective Eagle to keep a good record of all planning details, contacts with persons who may help or provide supplies, letters, phone calls, materials and tools to be used, income, expenses, photos taken and time spent, by himself and all those who may assist him. b) Ensure that he keeps track of changes that may be needed to make sure his project is completed properly, so that it will meet the needs of the beneficiary. c) Encourage and assist as requested, but the project is HIS, to plan and manage. 2 See page 31 in the Appendix October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

10 Acceptance of Finished Project: Leaders Guide When the project has been completed, it must be acceptable to the Eagle Scout Candidate, the beneficiary and to the unit leaders with whom the scout is working. The Eagle Scout Candidate is responsible to obtain signatures and/or letters of acceptance. a) Beneficiary: Signature in the Life to Eagle Packet, and a letter or statement of acceptance from someone for whom the project was done. b) Unit Leader: Signature in the Life to Eagle Packet workbook, indicating completion and acceptance. Project Final Report a) The Final Project Report should be a detailed narrative, describing the project, planning, approvals, materials used, activity needed to complete the project (including the number of person-hours), changes required in the plan, completion and final acceptance by the beneficiary. It should also identify all costs and how they were handled. b) Form, format, length and content of this final report are to be determined by the Eagle Candidate. The District Advancement Committee is available for counsel on the report, when needed. c) The final report should be well done; it will be of prime importance at the Eagle Board of Review. d) Encourage the candidate to use all of his notes in the workbook, all planning notes, plus any other material or photos that may help him describe and sell the project to his Board of Review. e) The final report on the project should answer the following questions: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) What was the project? How did it benefit others? Who from the beneficiary group gave guidance? Who helped, how much time did each individual donate to the project and what was the total time spent, including all planning, follow-up and work time? What changes were made to the project, from the original plan and proposal? Why were those changes made? How were they accomplished, and were they approved by those who approved the original plan? October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

11 (vi) Leaders Guide What materials and tools were used, how were they obtained and how were they paid for? (vii) What were other expenses for the project and how were they covered? (viii) How did the Eagle Scout Candidate demonstrate leadership and management of the project? (ix) Were letters or notes of appreciation sent to all who helped or supplied materials or tools? October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

12 3. EAGLE SCOUT RANK APPLICATION Latest Form of the Application The Candidate must use the Latest form of the Application, supplied in the Life to Eagle Packet envelope. Name: Ensure that his name is typed or printed clearly, as he wants it to appear on the Eagle Certificate. The Candidate s home address and Scout Unit Previous Scouting Experience: Use the Merit Badge and Rank Advancement Worksheet, included in the Eagle Packet envelope. Dates and format Ensure all dates are correct according to his and/or the unit s records for all previous rank advancements. All dates identified in all fields of the Eagle Scout Rank Application should be of the form mm dd yy. (Requirement #1) Check tenure time between each rank, and ensure that six months have elapsed since his Life Scout Board of Review. Verify the dates for each merit badge Verify that the dates for each merit badge earned in each rank are consistent with the rank advancement dates. Also ensure that NO merit badge date shown is before the date he joined Boy Scouts. Transfer the information to the Eagle Scout Rank Application. Letters of Recommendation (Requirement #2) Names, Addresses and Phone numbers for at least four(4) references, whom the Eagle Scout Candidate believes will provide letters of recommendation for him to become an Eagle Scout. He should contact each person to verify that he may use his or her name as reference: Parent or Guardian October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

13 Religious Leader. If a Religious Leader is not noted, the candidate should attach a letter to the application stating his religious beliefs and how he lives the Scout Oath and the twelfth point of the Scout Law. Schoolteacher, principal or both. Employer, if the candidate is working. Two additional personal references. Merit Badges (Requirement #3) Twenty-one merit badges must be listed, including one each in the 12 required fields: 1. Camping 2. Citizenship in the Community 3. Citizenship in the Nation 4. Citizenship in the World 5. Communications 6. Cycling or Hiking or Swimming 7. Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving 8. Environmental Science 9. First Aid 10. Personal Management 11. Personal Fitness 12. Family Life Choice Merit Badges For Merit Badges on the required list, for which alternates are listed, cross out the merit badge(s) in each field that will not be used for that part of the required list. If more than one in any required field has been earned by the Eagle Candidate, the other merit badge(s) may be listed as an additional merit badge, in the list on the application, from 13 to 21. Note: If the candidate has more than 21 merit badges, he should list only those he wishes to be identified with his Eagle Scout Rank Application. For the physically or developmentally handicapped, there are special provisions. The unit leader (Scoutmaster, Coach, or Advisor) must initiate an application on behalf of the Boy Scout, Varsity Scout or qualified Explorer, for Alternate Eagle Scout Award Merit Badges Alternate Eagle Scout Award Merit Badges. This application should be processed early in the Scout s progress toward the Eagle Scout rank. The application, form #58-730, must be obtained from the Council Service Center, completed as indicated on the application and approved by both the District Advancement Committee and the Council Scout Executive October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

14 Leadership Positions and Dates (Requirement #4) Ensure that the listed positions are those allowed. Dates must be since he became a Life Scout, but do not have to be in any specific recent time period. Eagle Scout Service Project (Requirement #5) Enter the date that the Eagle Scout Service Project was completed. Life Ambitions, Purpose, Positions, Honors and Awards; and the final Unit Leader s Conference (Requirement #6) Statement: This statement should be on a separate sheet. Format, length and content are determined by the applicant. Unit Leader s Conference: The applicant enters the date of his final Unit Leader s Conference for Eagle. Certification by Applicant The Eagle Scout Applicant signs and dates the application, certifying that he has completed all of the requirements for the Eagle Scout Rank prior to his 18 th birthday. Unit Approval Your signature, as his unit leader, along with the date of the final Unit Leader s Conference, indicates that you endorse his candidacy for the rank of Eagle Scout. Note that the signatures of the unit leader and the unit committee chairman are both required. Proxy signatures are not acceptable. Time Extension: Note: If the Eagle Scout Applicant, or his leaders, can foresee that he will be unable to complete all of the requirements for the Eagle Rank before his 18th birthday, due to special extenuating circumstances fully beyond the control of the Eagle Scout Applicant, he or they may apply to the National Boy Scout Committee for a time extension. Contact your District or Council Advancement Committee for direction October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

15 4. LOCAL COUNCIL CERTIFICATION Completed Application to the Scout Office When the Eagle Scout Rank Application has been completed, the Eagle Scout Advancement Kit should be taken to the Council Service Center for certification. All items must be in the Eagle Advancement Kit envelope, and must include: 1. The Eagle Scout Rank Application, complete with all available information. 2. Completed Eagle Scout Leadership Project Workbook. Turn-around Time You must allow at least five working days for the application to be processed at the Council Service Center. Pickup of Certified Application After the application has been certified and signed, it will be returned to the District Advancement Committee Chairman or representative, to help set an appropriate date and time for the Eagle Board of Review October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

16 5. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION The Eagle Scout Candidate will have listed several persons on the front of the Eagle Scout Rank Application, from whom he expects a positive indication of how he lives the Scout Oath and Law. These names will include: Parents or Guardians. Religious Leader. Note: If the Applicant is not currently active in a church where he can identify a Religious Leader, he may as an option write a statement to go with his application. This statement must identify his religious beliefs and how he lives the Scout Oath and the twelfth point of the Scout Law, which states that a Scout is Reverent. Educator. This may be a school teacher (including a school athletic coach), school counselor, school principal or other person representing his educational interests. Employer (if any). If the Applicant is not working, this may not apply. Two or more other References. These may be anyone the Applicant wishes to list; whom he feels will respond with positive letters of recommendation. It is the Scout s responsibility to guarantee that these Letters of Recommendation have been requested and the sealed responses received. The letter on page 31 in the Appendix is a sample letter for this purpose October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

17 6. THE EAGLE SCOUT RANK BOARD OF REVIEW Prior to scheduling an Eagle Board of Review Several things MUST be done prior to scheduling an Eagle Board of Review: 1. The Application must be certified at the Council Service Center. 2. Letters of Recommendation from the persons named on the Application must be available. There must be a minimum of four letters of recommendation. If a religious leader was given as a reference, this letter should be included. Note: These letters should have been returned to the unit committee person who sent the Letters of Request. 3. The Eagle Scout Leadership Project final report must be complete. This includes all necessary signatures on page 5 of the Eagle Scout Leadership Project. This report must include a letter or note of acceptance from the beneficiary of the project. 4. The statement of ambitions and life purpose, positions held, honors and awards, per requirement #6 on the Eagle Scout Application, must be included as a separate sheet. 5. The Eagle Scout Candidate must be ready to appear before the Eagle Scout Board of Review in the full Scout uniform Scout uniform, specified by his Scout unit, as the official uniform for his Scout unit 6. Three to six people must be available to sit on the Board, including a member of the District or Council Advancement Committee. Make-up of the Eagle Board of Review Unit representative, such as the Unit Advancement Chairperson or Unit Committee Chairperson. District or Council Advancement Committee Representative, to serve as co-chair of the Board. One to four other adults (an Eagle Scout Board of Review must have a minimum of 3 persons, maximum of 6). They do not have to be registered in Scouting, but they must be 21 years of age or older and must have an understanding of the importance and purpose of the Scouting program. No parents or guardians of the Eagle candidate and no current October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

18 unit leader or assistants may sit on the board. Other parents or former leaders are acceptable. Scheduling the Eagle Board of Review The Eagle Board of Review should be scheduled jointly by the District or Council Advancement Committee representative and the unit committee. The District or Council Advancement Committee representative listed on page 6, or his designee, will contact the troop leadership to arrange the Eagle Board of Review. A time and place should be scheduled that will be convenient to all concerned. The Board should be held preferably before the applicant s eighteenth birthday, or within 30 days after his eighteenth birthday. NOTE: If the Eagle Board of Review must be held between 30 days and 6 months after the applicant s 18th birthday, a letter explaining the need for the delay should be submitted with the application when it is returned to the Council Service Center. If the Board of Review is to be held 90 or more days after the applicant s 18th birthday, this letter is MANDATORY. If the Eagle Board of Review must be held six months or more after his 18th birthday, contact the Council Advancement Committee for guidelines October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

19 Leaders, Counselor or Mentor Checklist Are We Ready for the Board? Certified application received back from the Council Service Center through the District Advancement Committee. The Eagle Scout Service Project Final Report, along with all supporting documentation the Eagle Candidate wishes to submit. The statement of life ambitions, purpose, honors and awards prepared by the Eagle Scout Candidate. At least three letters of recommendation: preferably a letter from each of the five or six persons named on the application. A letter of recommendation from his specified religious leader, or the statement of his religious beliefs and how he lives the Scout Oath and the twelfth point of the Scout Law. Multiple copies of all of the preceding paperwork. Each member of the Eagle Scout Board of Review should have a complete set. A full Scout uniform for the Eagle Candidate to wear at the Eagle Board of Review. The uniform is to be that specified by his Scouting unit (troop, team or post). Three to six persons to serve on the Eagle Scout Board of Review, including a member of the District or Council Advancement Committee. A specific date and time when the Eagle Candidate and all members of the board can meet. Most Eagle Boards of Review will take an hour to an hour and a half. Plan for enough time, so that the Eagle Candidate may be given proper individual attention. A facility in which the Board of Review can meet comfortably October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

20 Convening the Eagle Scout Board of Review The order and procedures of the Board are established locally by the Unit Committee Chairperson and the District Advancement Committee representative. Members of the Eagle Scout Board of Review are introduced to each other and instructed in the procedures for conducting the Board. Maintain a friendly atmosphere. All paperwork is to be reviewed and any ensuing discussion should be held prior to the appearance of the Eagle Scout Candidate. The Unit Leader (Scoutmaster, Team Coach or Advisor), should introduce the Eagle Scout Candidate to the Board. This person may stay in the room, but may not participate in the discussion. A parent may NOT stay in the room, even if he or she is a unit leader. Before questioning begins, the Eagle Scout Candidate should be told, in a friendly manner, how the Board of Review will proceed, and what his options are if the Board s decision should be negative. 1. He may correct the specific items identified by the board and return at a time identified, to the same or to a different board at the unit level. 2. He may appeal the decision of the board to the District or Council Advancement Committee. There is no particular set of questions that should be asked of the candidate. Avoid a re-examination of the candidate. The Unit Leader s Conference and signature attest to the fact that the basic requirements have been met. Questions to the Eagle Scout Candidate, by members of the Eagle Scout Board of Review, should determine: The things he has learned in the Scouting program. His successes and experiences in Scouting. His willingness to continue to serve in Scouting and train others. His relationships with his family and others. His willingness to accept responsibility. His positive traits of character. His positive ethics and integrity. His recognition that he may be a role model to younger boys. His continued development; mentally, emotionally and physically. His willingness to help others. His respect for the rights and beliefs of other people. His participation in the citizenship process. His goals for the years ahead, both short term and long term October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

21 His acceptance of the Scout Oath and Law as a way of life. The FUN he has had in the Scouting program. The Decision of the Eagle Board When members of the Board have no further questions, the Eagle Scout Candidate (and his Unit Leader) must leave the room while members of the Board confer for a final decision. The decision of the Eagle Scout Board of Review must be unanimous. If this cannot be reached, a new Board of Review must be convened. If the decision of the Eagle Board of Review is Positive, and the candidacy of the Eagle applicant is endorsed: The Eagle Scout Candidate Eagle Scout Candidate is recalled before the Board and informed that his candidacy has been endorsed, and he will be recommended to the Council Scout Executive and to the national Eagle Scout Service for the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout Rank Application Eagle Scout Rank Application is signed and dated by the Chairperson of the Eagle Board of Review and by the District Advancement Committee representative. The Advancement Report is signed by all members of the Eagle Board of Review. The Eagle Scout Candidate s Boy Scout Handbook may be appropriately initialed by all members of the Board. All original documents are to be returned to the Council Service Center. Members of the Board may keep copies they reviewed, excluding letters of recommendation. All other copies, including the letters of recommendation, should be destroyed. All original documents are to be delivered to the Council Service Center as soon as possible by the District Representative, the unit leader, the Eagle Counselor or Mentor, the Eagle Applicant himself, or by his parent or guardian. NOTE: If the Eagle Board of Review has been held after the applicant s 18th birthday, or more than 30 days after the application was certified, please include a letter of explanation as to why the delay was necessary. If the Board of Review was held 90 days or more after his birthday, this letter is MANDATORY. If the Eagle Board of Review must be held six months or more after his 18th birthday, contact the District or Council Advancement Committee for guidelines. If the decision of the Board is Negative, or less than unanimous: The Eagle Scout Candidate is recalled before the Board and must be told specifically how he may meet the requirements of the Board. A follow up letter must be sent to him from the Chairperson of the Board confirming the agreements reached. The Eagle Scout Candidate may elect to conform to the requests of the Eagle Scout Board of Review, and do what has to be done. If so, he will then return as requested for a new hearing before the same or a different board. The Eagle Scout Candidate may elect to appeal the decision of the Board of Review. In this instance the District or Council Advancement Committee will schedule a new October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

22 Eagle Scout Board of Review according to current National Advancement Guidelines (publication No ). 7. LOCAL COUNCIL CERTIFICATION When the completed Eagle Scout Rank Application has been delivered to the Council Service Center, following the Eagle Scout Board of Review, the application is signed by the Council Scout Executive, indicating his approval and testifying that proper procedures were followed. Please allow five working days for this local certification and preparatory work. The application is then forwarded to the national Eagle Scout Service. 8. NATIONAL CERTIFICATION The national Eagle Scout Service screens the application, checking information such as proper signatures, leadership positions, tenure between ranks, and the age of the applicant. Any item not meeting national standards will cause the application to be returned for more information. Approval by the national Eagle Scout Service is given by returning the Eagle Scout Certificate to the Council Service Center. Application Processing Time Please allow 4 to 10 weeks for processing the completed application through the local Council and the National BSA offices. Note : If there are specific individual needs for expediting, contact the Council Service Center. Special procedures are in place to assist when unusual circumstances are identified. These services may require additional costs to the parent, guardian, or unit. Return from National The Eagle Court of Honor should NOT be scheduled and the Eagle Award CANNOT be given to any unit leader or parent until after the certificate is received by the local Council Service Center from the national office. When it has been returned from the national office, the Council Service Center will notify the unit Advancement Committee representative, the unit leader, or the family of the Eagle Applicant. Any one of these persons may sign for and pick up the certificate, the October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

23 Eagle Presentation kit, and the Eagle Scout Project write-ups (both pre- and post-) from the Council Service Center October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

24 9. THE EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR Scheduling The Eagle Scout Certificate and the Eagle Scout Rank Application must be returned from the National BSA office to the local Council Service Center office before the Eagle Scout, his family and his unit schedule an Eagle Court of Honor. Eagle Scout Court of Honor Format There is NO right or wrong Eagle Court of Honor. The format used, the script followed, the location used, and all other factors of the Eagle Court of Honor are to be planned according to the desires of the Eagle, his family and his unit. The traditions of the Scout unit to which he belongs should also be considered. Eagle Scout Court of Honor Program Suggestions The book Boy Scout Troop Program Resources, published by the Boy Scouts of America (publication #33588), has several good suggestions. An additional consideration is The Eagle Court of Honor Book 3, by Mark Ray. This book has several scripts and many good workable suggestions. Some Common Considerations An Eagle Court of Honor for each individual Eagle or for several at once. Note: Young men who may have grown up together and achieved their Eagle Award near the same time, often like to have an Eagle Court of Honor together. But, remember that each Eagle deserves to be recognized individually. If a multi-eagle court is planned, plan carefully. The degree of formality desired by the Eagle, his family and the unit. The specific script or program format. The physical facilities of the hall or meeting place for the Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Invitations to family, friends, and other Scouts and Scouters. Publicity in local news media, including a prepared press-release and photograph. Eagle Badge Presentation, by whom and in what manner. Eagle Presentation Kit: Note: The ribbon pin for the Eagle, a miniature Eagle for his mother, a tie tack for dad, a tie tack for the Eagle, an embroidered Eagle badge, an Eagle ID Card and the Certificate for the Eagle are included in an Eagle Presentation Kit. These items are provided free of charge by the Council Service Center after the Eagle Scout Rank Application and the Eagle Scout Certificate have been received from the national Eagle 3 Mark Ray, P.O. Box 22314, Louisville, KY , $9.95 each October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

25 Scout Service. Other Eagle Scout presentation items may also be purchased at the Scout Shop, including National Eagle Scout Association items, if a NESA membership is also being given to the Eagle. A Guest Book to record those who may attend the Eagle Court of Honor. Reception and/or Refreshments. Special Presentations to consider: NESA Membership, from parent, sponsor, troop or a friend. Membership is not expensive. U.S. Flag, frequently available at minimum cost, from your local U.S. Congressman. Special gifts from family, sponsor, troop or friends. Letters of Commendation, from: Political Leaders: Most political leaders will respond with a letter of congratulations, including the mayor of his city, county officials, state elected officials, U.S Congressmen and Senators and the President of the United States. All living past Presidents of the United States will also usually respond if asked. Religious Leaders of his church or faith, including local, national or world leaders. Industry leaders, sports heroes and teams, NASA astronauts, media personalities and other persons he may admire. Other Eagle Scouts he may admire. Grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and other family members. Check with parents or guardians. The sample letter on page 39 may guide a unit committee member in writing to persons in the above groups. Obtain correct names and addresses from the local newspaper, libraries, the Chamber of Commerce, your unit sponsor, church authorities, politicians offices, lobby groups, the Eagle s family and other sources October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

26 Check Leaders Guide Eagle Court of Honor Planning Considerations (Sample) Item: _Responsible Person Date Select a site for the Court of Honor Select a Date for the Court of Honor Select a Program Format and or Script Select a Master of Ceremonies Select and ask any or all guest speakers If the Eagle Charge is to be used, assigned to (See page 35 for sample) If the Challenge of the Eagle is to be used, assigned to (See page 36 for sample) If the Promise of the Eagle is to be used, assigned to (See page 37 for sample) Obtain Guest Book or Sign-In sheets Program: detail items, timing and typing Program Covers and printing Identify and assign the Opening Ceremony Identify and assign the Closing Ceremony Invocation assigned Benediction assigned List of special guests; family, friends and scouters, etc. Identify and assign escorts for Parents October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

27 Identify and assign escorts for Eagle Candidate If an Eagle Nest will be used, assign call-up procedure Scouting History of the Eagle Candidate Trail to the Eagle, or special script needs Eagle Presentation: Who has the Eagle Presentation Kit Presentation to the Eagle Presentation to the parents Certificate and National Letter Special Presentations NESA Membership Troop or Team recognition Unit Sponsor recognition Special Church or Fraternal Certificates Letters of Commendation and Congratulation Political: Local, State and National Friends, Heroes, Other Church and Family Acknowledgements Memorabilia Displays (if appropriate) October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

28 Refreshments and/or Reception Thank You Notes, to participants, respondents and gifts Other Items: October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

29 10. SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO EAGLE SCOUTS Once a young man has attained the rank of Eagle Scout, many new opportunities are open to him, in respect for what he has been able to accomplish. Significant among these opportunities are college scholarships from several different sources. National Eagle Scout Scholarships The Boy Scouts of America National Eagle Scout Association presents scholarships each year to several deserving young men who have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. The scholarship is based on both academic achievement and need. If an application was NOT in the Eagle Scout kit presented to the Eagle Scout applicant, you or he should contact the local Council Service Center and get a copy of form: No This form provides the application and all details needed to apply for the scholarship. National Eagle Scout Association Scholarship Fund Scholarships vary each year, depending on the funds available. The scholarships are administered by the NESA scholarship committee at the National office of NESA. Specific conditions are attached to each scholarship. Details are included on the BSA form. NO , available from the local Council Service Center. Mabel and Lawrence S. Cooke and National Elks Scholarships Scholarships are available through the Mabel and Lawrence S. Cooke Endowment fund and the National Elks Foundation, to deserving Eagle Scouts. The fund is administered by the Elks National Foundation and the BSA National Eagle Scout Association. Details are included on the BSA form: No , available from the local Council Service Center. National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Eagle Scout Recognition and Scholarship Program The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution annually award special recognition, and a $1,000 and a $5,000 scholarship to deserving Eagle Scouts. Details are available at the Council Service Center October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

30 Appendix You may find the following documents to be of use, as examples, as you plan an Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Review Process Checklist Sample Letter Requesting a Personal Recommendation Sample Letter Requesting a Personal Commendation Sample Press Release Eagle Scout Charge The Challenge of the Eagle The Eagle Scout Promise October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

31 Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Review Process Checklist Project Plan The Eagle project plan is an important document. Scouts are reminded that the Project plan submitted for final approval by the Council should stand alone assume that the board knows nothing about the project or the institution that will benefit. A properly written project plan will be comprehensive enough that a complete stranger could pick it up and start the project. Also remember that the project plan is a step of the project itself, not a last minute detail to rush through before starting work. A good Eagle project should take 2-6 months to complete; the project plan should be good evidence of that hard work and research. If handwritten, it must be very neat. Leadership The Scout shall provide a specific and thorough explanation of how he intends to provide leadership to those involved in the project. The Scout is reminded that this is his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project, and attention must be given to this key element. Detailed Work Plan The Scout shall provide a detailed work plan summarizing by day: tasks to be completed, number of people, number of hours, and the total number hours for these work days. This plan is a key element of the Scout s submission, and should be given the proper amount of thought and attention. Defined Goals The Scout shall outline specific goals he plans to meet, that when reached, will indicate the project has been successfully completed. Objective, quantitative goals, should be provided as part of the Scout s submission. Equipment List The Scout shall provide a list of specific equipment to be used during the implementation of the project. The list shall include tools, mechanical aids, and any other device used to facilitate the project s completion. Materials List The Scout shall provide a detailed list of all materials to be used in the performance of the project. Examples include: building materials, teaching aids, craft supplies, kits, and any other tangible items to be used in the successful completion of the project. Hours While a specific number of hours are not required for the successful completion of the project, the Review Committee generally looks for a minimum or 100 aggregate man-hours. These may include a minimum number of adult hours, specifically completing tasks where safety and/or advanced technical skills are required; but must not include hours accumulated in fundraising activities. Hours spent planning the project may be included, but as a rule of thumb, should not exceed 10% of the total hours. Since part of the Scout s objective is to demonstrate his leadership of others, while carrying out the project, his own hours should not exceed 25% of the total. Safety Safety shall be addressed in the Scout s project submission. Any activity performed within the execution of the project, causing safety concerns, but be addressed by the Scout in his project proposal. Proper training of the participants, preparation of personnel and equipment, and relevant precautions, should all be considered. Scouts involved in the project shall not operate heavy machinery or use power tools, although cordless drills and screwdrivers are allowed, if operated in a safe manner. It is always a good idea to have a First Aid kit and cell phone on-site during project work. Detailed Construction Dimensions If the Scout s project requires the construction of any item(s), detailed dimensions, typically in the form of scale drawings, are required to be submitted as part of the proposal. Pictures Where applicable, the Scout shall provide pictures identifying the condition of the project area, before the project begins. These may be followed later by pictures of the completed project to aid the Scout s Eagle Scout Board of Review Committee. Forms Provided The Scout shall only submit proposals that include the proper forms and signatures required for the project s approval. Project Scope The Scout shall submit a project proposal that is of the scope worth of Scouting s highest rank. While service projects required for the completion of Scouting s lesser ranks have value, project submitted for the Eagle Scout rank should be of greater caliber. When choosing a project for submittal, the Scout should ask himself if it includes tasks requiring substantial effort, and significant contributions to the group it is designed to benefit. Scope is not defined as how large the project is, but how significant! One Day Projects It is the Review Committee s opinion that all project should be carried out over a series of work days, and none should be completed in one day. To carry out the project in a series of workdays better allows the Scout to develop his planning and leadership skills, and also prevents accidents that may be caused by attempting to accomplish too much in one day. Service Provided The project should provide a significant service to the group benefiting from it. The Scout should ask himself if the completed project will provide real benefit to the community, or simply a token gesture to meet the minimum requirements for rank advancement. Costs The Scout shall provide detailed cost estimates for materials required to complete the project, and some explanation of how funds are to be provided to cover these costs. Permanence Permanence is defined as lasting or meant to last indefinitely. As a Scout reviews his project submission he should ask: How long will I be able to see the end result of this project? If you return to the site of your project two years from now, will it still be there? Landscaping projects are good examples of this. While initially taking hard work and dedication to complete with immediate and visually gratifying results, they often do not stand out only a few months later, and thus lack real permanence October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

32 Dear Sample Letter Requesting a Personal Recommendation Life Scout Unit No. Phone: is applying for the highest award in Scouting, the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. He has listed you as a reference and asks for your evaluation. Your input is very important, as it is one of the major factors in assisting the Eagle Board of Review to determine if he is qualified to receive this high honor. Please consider the following and check the appropriate answer. If you do not know the answer, then leave the question blank. This evaluation is confidential: Please (1) answer all questions, (2) sign the form, (3) circle your relationship to the Eagle candidate, (4) fold, and (5) seal in an envelope and mail by to: s Eagle Board of Review c/o ( # ) Troop Committee Chairman, Advancement Committee Chairman, or Scoutmaster / Unit Number /Phone # if questions Address City State Zip 1. The Scout has exemplified these traits Respect for authority Getting along well with others Leadership ability/skills Daily living principles Faithfulness to religious obligations 5. How long have you known him? yrs. 4. Please add your comments below. 6. Please circle your relationship to Scout (Circle one) 2. Do you know of any reason why this Scout should not be awarded the rank of Eagle Scout? Yes No If yes, explain below. (optional) 3. Can you without hesitation recommend him for this high award? Yes No Parent/guardian Religious Leader Educator Employer Friend Scouter Other Additional comments about the above character traits and examples of the candidate s character: Signature October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)

33 Sample Letter Requesting a Personal Commendation <<Name>> <<Address>> <<City>>, <State>> <ZIP>> January 1, 2000 Dear ; My name is, Scoutmaster of Troop within the Mecklenburg County Council, Boy Scouts of America. I am writing to you to ask you to write a letter of commendation for one my scouts who has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. This letter is to ask for your assistance in recognizing the achievements and service of someone very special our newest Eagle Scout,. He is a young man in our community, a member of Troop and active in. His parents and I feel that he would appreciate a letter of greeting or commendation from you. <The Scout> s Eagle Scout project was <brief description of project no more than three sentences.> Would you please be so kind as to send <the Scout> a letter of commendation? These will be presented to him during his Eagle Scout ceremony to be held on, at in. Please address your letter and recognition to Eagle Scout and mail them to me in care of the following address. All of the recognition and letters will be placed in a binder, and after they are read, will be displayed during this special occasion for <the Scout>. Afterwards they will be presented to him as a remembrance of this special day. Eagle Scout c/o <your name here> < your address here > Thank you very much for taking time from your extremely busy work schedule to help this community and this unit recognize the personal achievement and service our newest Eagle Scout. Yours in Scouting, <your name> <your position>, Troop <troop affiliation> <city> October 2001 (Mecklenburg County Council)