The Eagle Trail Guidebook

The Advancement Committee of the Boston Minuteman Council Present The Eagle Trail Guidebook The Policies and Procedures for Life Scouts in the Boston Minuteman Council to follow as they strive to obtain Scouting's highest honor. BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA March 2013 Revision www.bsaboston.org Boston Minuteman Council, 411 Unquity Road, Milton, Ma 02186 Phone (617)615-0004

Boston Minuteman Council Congratulations Life Scout, Becoming an Eagle Scout is the single greatest accomplishment of any young man's Scouting career. As an Eagle Scout, one immediately provides a positive image of himself and all others like him. Many people possess great qualities in their character, but the distinctive mark of the Eagle Scout demonstrates a young man's ability to focus these qualities and to provide him with the leadership necessary to sustain the future of our nation. As a current Life Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, you are on the final leg of this journey. However only 50% of Life Scouts and 4% of all Boy Scouts complete this journey and are able to call themselves Eagle Scouts. Once you are an Eagle Scout, you will always be an Eagle Scout. This booklet has been provided to you as an aid in completing this journey. The Boston Minuteman Council recognizes your commitment and the fine work you have already completed in your Scouting career. If at any time you have questions or are unsure of anything related to this final step on your Trail to Eagle, contact your District Advancement Chairman, or Council Advancement Chairman, and you will be provided with the guidance you request. Becoming an Eagle Scout is your ambition, and therefore, your responsibility. Your Scoutmaster, Committee Chair, and others will stand behind you and support you on your journey. You must now focus yourself on the six remaining requirements that stand between you and becoming an Eagle Scout for life. When ready, contact your District Advancement Chair. Refer to the Boston Minuteman Council website www.bsaboston.org for current contact information on your district site or Advancement section. Eagle Trail Guidebook, Boston Minuteman Council Revised March 2013 2

Where to Begin This guidebook is designed to help you, your parents & troop leaders understand the process for the transition from a Life Scout to an Eagle Scout, by providing valuable information. F o l l o w i n g t h e p r o c e d u r e s o u t l i n e d w i l l h e l p a s s u r e y o u d o n o t o v e r l o o k a n y s t e p s. In addition to this guide, you should also have in your possession by now two other items: Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook This workbook is provided by the Boy Scouts of America. It must be used to complete Eagle Scout Requirement 5. No other workbook is acceptable. As this workbook does change, make sure you have the most current one. Every candidate must read and understand this workbook thoroughly. The workbook can be downloaded from the Boston Minuteman Council Website at bsaboston.org. Eagle Scout Rank Application This application is the document, which must be filled out correctly, neatly, and in its entirety before you can appear before your Eagle Scout Board of Review. Again, make sure that you have the latest version. This can be downloaded at www.scouting.org Check with your Scoutmaster, or contact the Advancement Chairman from your District if you have any questions We strongly recommend you attend a Life to Eagle Seminar, provided by the district The guidelines below are organized in the same order as they are placed on the Rank Application. Extra attention has been given to Requirement 5, which concerns the Eagle Scout Project. It is the hope of the Boston Minuteman Council that by using these guidelines the high standards of accomplishment symbolized by the badge of the Eagle Scout may be presented in a consistent, yet well understood framework. Time Considerations: You must successfully complete your Life Scout Board of Review before you are 17 ½ years old You should allow a minimum of 6 weeks from when you start writing your proposal until it is approved All requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout, except for your Board of Review, must be completed before your 18 th birthday Family Life, Personal Fitness & Personal Management Merit Badges all have 3 month requirements Plan accordingly so that you have sufficient time Eagle Trail Guidebook, Boston Minuteman Council Revised March 2013 3

One last bit of advice as you move towards the pinnacle of Scouting is to keep in mind the pledge, which all Scouts new and old make to themselves: "On my honor, I will do my best..." The Eagle Scout Application All information must match BSA records. Ask your Unit Advancement Chair for a copy of your advancement record to use as you complete the application. Personal Information: accurately complete all requested information Scouting History: all dates provided must be accurate & match BSA records Age Requirement Eligibility: read this section carefully Date of Birth: fill in Requirement 1 SIX REQUIREMENTS Be Active in your troop, team, crew, or ship for a period of at least six months after you have achieved the rank of Life Scout. Date of Life Scout Board of Review / / This must have been successfully completed at least 6 months before your 18 th birthday Check with your unit leader to determine what your unit considers acceptable to meet the requirement of active participation Requirement 2 Demonstrate that you live by the principles of the Scout Oath and Law in your daily life. List the names of individuals who know you personally and would be willing to provide a recommendation on your behalf. It s important they are legible with complete and accurate addresses including zip codes and email addresses. Provide the contact information for 6 references as requested If you do not have an employer, provide another reference. If you do not belong to a religious organization, provide the name of another you can attest to your reverence Your Unit Leader & Committee Chair cannot be listed as references Please include stamped business sized envelops addressed to each reference on your list Eagle Trail Guidebook, Boston Minuteman Council Revised March 2013 4

Requirement 3 2 known changes are scheduled to occur regarding merit badges. The cooking merit badge will become Eagle required for all Eagle Scout candidates effective 01/01/14. The Sustainability merit badge will be new in 2013 & will be an Eagle alternative to Environmental Science. Earn a total of 21 Merit Badges (required badges listed on the application) List month/day/year the merit badge was earned (dates must match BSA records) & the unit you were registered with. Allow sufficient time to complete the 3 month requirements for Personal Management, Personal Fitness & Family Life On the application, 3 sets of required merit badges from which you choose one to do (Emergency Preparedness/Lifesaving; Swimming/Cycling/Hiking; Sustainability/Environmental Science). If you do more than one in each category, choose one to be the Eagle required & cross out the other option(s). The other merit badge can be listed as an optional badge to reach your total of 21 You need to turn in a copy of your Unit s advancement report (i.e Troopmaster) signed by the Advancement Chair of your unit Requirement 4 While a Life Scout, serve actively for a period of six months in one of the Leadership positions listed on the Eagle Rank Application You must serve in one or more acceptable leadership position for 6 months after you become Life The position start date listed cannot precede your Life Scout Board of Review date. Requirement 5 While a Life Scout, plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or your community. The project proposal must be approved by the organization benefiting by the project as well as your Scoutmaster and Troop Committee and District Advancement Chair before you start work. You must use the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook in meeting this requirement ** Requirement #5 will be discussed in detail further later in this guidebook Requirement 6 Take part in a unit leader conference. Attach to this application a statement of your ambitions and life purpose and a listing of positions held in your religious institution, school, camp, community, or other organizations during which you demonstrated leadership skills. Include honors and awards received during this service. Eagle Trail Guidebook, Boston Minuteman Council Revised March 2013 5

Requirement 5 Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project The Eagle Scout Workbook The Eagle Scout workbook is divided into several sections: the project proposal, the project final plan, the fundraising application & project final report. For district/council approval you must complete the contact information page, the project proposal & fundraising application (if necessary) It is a pdf document. The text boxes are expandable to allow sufficient space for documentation. It also allows for the insertion of images, pictures etc directly into the workbook page. Choosing Your Project Choose a project that is right for you The project cannot benefit your unit, council or the BSA Your project proposal must be approved by the benefiting organization, your unit leader, Committee & the District before you may begin any work (including fundraising) Routine maintenance should not be considered The project cannot be a fundraiser (fundraising is allowed for the purpose of buying materials etc needed for the project) You should discuss your ideas with your unit leader (or your assigned Eagle mentor) who can advise you as to the viability of the ideas. Once you have an idea you should arrange to speak with a representative of the benefiting organization to review the idea Advise the beneficiary that before you can proceed, the proposal must be approved a several levels and that this may take some time *Note: page numbers are provided in the workbook & are referenced in this guidebook. However, these may change in your workbook as you add text & images. Project Proposal A word of advise before you start the better you plan, the better you will be able to demonstrate that you will be able to successfully complete your project. Once your have discussed your idea with your unit leader & the project beneficiary, it is time to start writing your proposal, using the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook Read this workbook thoroughly before you start Page 1-6: Contact Information; complete all requested information. THE BSA PID # is found on your membership card or unit records Page 2-2: Project description & benefit: Be as specific as possible Describe the project with enough detail so that approvers will understand what you plan to do Tell why this project is needed & who will benefit by its completion When do you plan to begin?: make sure you set a realistic time for beginning ( remember it may take 6+ weeks for approvals) How long do you think it will take? Use measurable time frames (think days/man hours etc) Before pictures, diagrams etc. are all useful Eagle Trail Guidebook, Boston Minuteman Council Revised march 2013

Pages 2-2 & 2-3 Materials /Supplies/Tools While exact quantities are not required at this point, sufficient information about these items is required in order that you can estimate what your costs will be. Think about all materials & supplies you will need. What tools will be required? Page 2-3 Permits & Permissions You always need the permission of the beneficiary ( so none should not be an answer) Do you need permits from the building department etc? what does this entail Do specific town departments need to approve this? You need to consider how getting these permits/permissions will impact your timeframe) Project Phases Consider & develop a logical listing of the steps you need to take to develop & carry thru with the proposed project The first phase will probably be; Develop a final project plan Preliminary Cost Estimate Based upon materials/supplies: develop an estimate of cost to complete project (include food, water etc if you plan to provide these to your volunteers) Page 2-4 Safety The health & safety of your volunteers must be integrated into your project execution The Guide to Safe Scouting applies To assure you meet the safety standards expected, refer to The Sweet 16 of BSA Safety. Develop a safety plan addressing the points of the Sweet 16 as it applies to your project. A copy is at the end of the booklet Further Planning You should include the steps you need to take to develop the final plan for your project These may include: Developing step by step instructions for completion Complete a detailed set of construction drawings Finalize materials list & price same Etc Approvals: Eagle Candidate Beneficiary representative Unit Leader Committee Representative During each approval meeting be prepared to take notes as they will guide you in enhancing or revising your proposal. Eagle Trail Guidebook, Boston Minuteman Council Revised March 2013 7

Once you have the 4 signatures from the above approvals, you must receive district approval of your proposal. Go to the Boston Minuteman Council website (bsaboston.org) to find the contact information for your district. It is strongly recommended that you e-mail a copy to the contact person, and you can state you have a signed copy, include any sketches, pictures and the sweet 16 write-up in this e-mail. The District Advancement Chair may assign your proposal to another member of the Advancement Committee for review & approval (you will be advised of this). The representative of the Advancement Committee reviewing your proposal may require addition information or revisions of the proposal before approval can be granted. Once they are satisfied that your proposal meets the required qualifications, your approver will schedule a meeting with you to discuss the proposal and sign it (if you are required to complete a Fundraising application, it will be signed at this time as well) The approval of your proposal does not mean the Eagle Board of Review will approve the way the project was carried out Final Plan (pages 3-1 through 3-6) Once you have the 4 approvals required for your proposal, you need to complete the Eagle Scout Service Project Final Plan (starting on page 3-1 of the workbook) The details you document in these sections of the workbook will be closely scrutinized at your Eagle Board of Review as a means to evaluate how well you planned your project While your final plan does not need approval it is strongly recommended that you review this plan with your unit leader/eagle mentor to assure it is complete Pages 3-7 & 3-8 Fundraising Application Read this carefully to see if you must complete this. Completion is not necessary if funds, materials etc. will only be obtaining from: yourself, your family, your troop, your chartering organization or the project beneficiary. If you will be requesting help from any other group, business etc. this must be completed Any funds left over at project completion must be turned over to the project beneficiary Once your final plan is developed you may start the actual project. Keep detailed records as you go. They will prove invaluable when you complete the final section of the workbook The Eagle Scout Service Project Report Eagle Trail Guidebook, Boston Minuteman Council Revised March 2013 8

KEEP A DIARY: The very first thing to do, even during the proposal and planning stages, is keep a diary or notebook of your Eagle Scout Service Project. Your diary will contain lists of names, addresses, phone numbers, dates and times of meetings, records of phone calls, changes from your plan including costs, materials, services donated, your time spent, and time spent by others. TAKE PICTURES: As they say, "A picture is worth a thousand words". What better way to demonstrate the "before and after" aspects of your work? Photos also document your leadership of others' work. KEEP SUPPORTING MATERIALS: Save any publicit y, maps, letters, newspaper clippings, church bulletins, posters or thank you notes related to your project. These make excellent supporting material and can be included with the photographs in your report. List donations of money or materials (tools, lumber, equipment, etc.) used in your project. LETTER OF SUPPORT: You might want to procure a letter from the organization for which you carried out your project. This letter should be received after you have completed your project and allows the organization to comment on your efforts. Pages 4-1 through 4-4 Eagle Scout Service Project Report Your Eagle Scout Service Project Report is the final section of your workbook. This should be completed thoroughly & accurately. Upon completion of the project, it will be inspected by your Unit Leader & a representative from the project beneficiary. The Eagle Scout Service Project Report requires the signatures of both your unit leader & the project beneficiary (page 4-4) to declare your project finished to their satisfaction The Home Stretch Once you have completed all 6 of the requirements, it is now a matter of paperwork Make sure your Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook is complete with all attachments etc Accurately complete your Eagle Scout Rank Application o The council will contact the reference have good contact info o Dates must be accurate, or your board of view will be held up o Leadership date cannot start before Life Board of Review. Write your Statement of Ambition & Life Purpose Obtain a copy of your unit s advancement records, signed by the Advancement Chair Complete the Eagle Scout Board of Review Request You will need to provide the originals of the above documents as well as 2 additional copies. Remember to keep a copy of all these documents for your records The documents you provide are the first impression your Eagle Board of Review has with you. All documents should be neat & accurate. Remember good grammar & proper spelling Eagle Trail Guidebook, Boston Minuteman Council Revised March 2013 9

Once you have everything ready you will need to contact your District s Eagle Application Submission Coordinator. This contact information can be found on the Council s website www.bsaboston.org. You will be advised as to where you should submit you paperwork. Do not drop it off at the council office. Once your paperwork is received, your references will be contacted. This may take several weeks, during which time the information on your application will be verified. After Boston Minuteman Council certifies your application, your Board of review will be scheduled. Your Board of Review Your Unit Leader should be asked, by you, in advance, to attend & introduce you to the Board Arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled Board You should be dressed in a Complete & Correct uniform (including your merit badge sash) Your parents/guardians may come with you but will not be allowed in the Board of Review Your unit leader introduces you but is not a member of the Board nor is he/she allowed to participate The Board will ask you questions & lead you into discussions to assure that you meet the qualifications of Eagle Scout After this review, you & your unit leader will be asked to leave the room while the Board deliberates. The decision must be unanimous. If you meet the requirements, you will be asked to return to the room & are informed that you receive the Board s recommendation for the Eagle Scout rank. If you fail to meet the requirements, you will be asked to return to the room & told the reasons, along with a discussion as to how to meet the requirements. If denied the rank there is an appeals process that will be discussed with you. Once you successfully complete the Board of review, your application will be signed by the Scout Executive and submitted to National Council for final review & approval. Allow 4 6 weeks from the date of your Board of Review until you plan your Court of Honor. This allows for national approval and for the return of your Eagle Scout certificate & card. Eagle Trail Guidebook, Boston Minuteman Council Revised March 2013 10

Eagle Scout Board of Review Request Boston Minuteman Council Candidate Name: Email: Unit Number: Unit Leader: Address: Email: Town: Phone: ( ) - Phone: ( ) - I am submitting the following completed items: This form (BoR Request) Original Eagle Scout Rank Application Statement of Ambition and Life Purpose Advancement records from your Troop Entire COMPLETE Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook Assemble ALL of the above paperwork, in order, into a packet. Contact your District s Eagle Coordinator to review paperwork (find contact info on bsaboston.org). THEN make THREE photocopies of this packet of paperwork. Turn in the ORIGINALS plus TWO of those copies. KEEP ONE copy for yourself. Include one stamped business-size envelope for EACH reference, stamped and addressed, including zip codes IN ORDER TO SUBMIT THE APPLICATION YOU MUST CONTACT THE EAGLE COORDINATOR FOR YOUR DISTRICT. THE COUNCIL WEBSITE (www.bsaboston.org)has CONTACT DETAILS. Boards of Review are USUALLY held on the following days: DO NOT MAIL TO COUNCIL OFFICE Flintlock 1 st Monday of the month St. Theresa Parish, 63 Winter St., North Reading, MA 3 nd Thursday of the month - St. Brigid Parish Center, 2001 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA Sons of Liberty 2 nd Monday of the month - Belmont United Methodist Church, 421 Common Street, Belmont, MA 4 th Thursday of the month - Arlington Town Hall, 730 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington, MA Great Blue Hill District As needed, Egan Center, 411 Unquity Road, Milton, MA 02186 Rev 9/1/2012 GAS

The Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety Few youth organizations encompass the breadth, volume and diversity of physical activity common to Scouting, and none enjoy a better safety record. The key to maintaining and improving this exemplary record is the conscientious and trained adult leader who is attentive to safety concerns. As an aid in the continuing effort to protect participants in Scout activity, the BSA National Health & Safety Committee and the Council Services Division of the BSA National Council have developed the "Sweet Sixteen" of BSA safety procedures for physical activity. These 16 points, which embody good judgment and common sense, are applicable to all activities. 1. QUALIFIED SUPERVISION Every BSA activity should be supervised by a conscientious adult who understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the wellbeing and safety of the children and youth in his or her care. The supervisor should be sufficiently trained, experienced and skilled in the activity to be confident of his/her ability to lead and to teach the necessary skills and to respond effectively in the event of an emergency. Field knowledge of all applicable BSA standards and a commitment to implement and follow BSA policy and procedures are essential parts of the supervisor's qualifications. 2. PHYSICAL FITNESS For youth participants in any potentially strenuous activity, the supervisor should receive a complete health history from a health care professional, parent or guardian. Adult participants and youth involved in higher-risk activity (e.g., scuba) may require professional evaluation in addition to the health history. The supervisor should adjust all supervision, discipline and protection to anticipate potential risks associated with individual health conditions. Neither youth nor adults should participate in activity for which they are unfit. To do so would place both the individual and others at risk. 3. BUDDY SYSTEM The long history of the "buddy system" in Scouting has shown that it is always best to have at least one other person with you and aware at all times as to your circumstances and what you are doing in any outdoor or strenuous activity. 4. SAFE AREA OR COURSE A key part of the supervisor's responsibility is to know the area or course for the activity and to determine that it is well-suited and free of hazards. 5. EQUIPMENT SELECTION AND MAINTENANCE Most activity requires some specialized equipment. The equipment should be selected to suit the participa nt and the activity and to include appropriate safety and program features. The supervisor should also check equipment to determine that it is in good condition for the activity and is properly maintained while in use. 6. PERSONAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT The supervisor must ensure that every participant has and uses the appropriate personal safety equipment. For example, activity afloat requires a PFD properly worn by each participant; bikers, horseback riders, and whitewater kayakers need helmets for certain activity; skaters may need protective gear; and all need to be dressed for warmth and utility depending on the circumstances. 7. SAFETY PROCEDURES AND POLICIES For most activities there are common sense procedures and standards that can greatly reduce the risk. These should be known and appreciated by all participants, and the supervisor must ensure compliance. 8. SKILL LEVEL LIMITS There is a minimum skill level requirement for every activity, and the supervisor must identify and recognize this minimum skill level and be sure that none are put at risk by attempting activity beyond their ability. A good example of skill levels in Scouting is the venerable "swim test" which defines conditions for safe swimming based on individual ability.

9. WEATHER CHECK The risk factors in many outdoor activities vary substantially with weather conditions. These variables and the appropriate response should be understood and anticipated. 10. PLANNING Safe activity follows a plan that has been conscientiously developed by the experienced supervisor or other competent source. Good planning minimizes risks and also anticipates contingencies that may require emergency response or a change of plan. 11. COMMUNICATIONS The supervisor needs to be able to communicate effectively with participants as needed during the activity. Emergency communications also need to be considered in advance for any foreseeable contingencies. 12. PERMIT AND NOTICES BSA tour permits, council office registration, government or landowner authorization, and any similar formalities are the supervisor's responsibility when such are required. Appropriate notification should be directed to parents, enforcement authorities, landowners, and others as needed, before and after the activity. 13. FIRST AID RESOURCES The supervisor should determine what first aid supplies to include among the activity equipment. The level of first aid training and skill appropriate for the activity should also be considered. An extended trek over remote terrain obviously may require more first aid resources and capabilities than an afternoon activity in the local community. Whatever is determined to be needed should be available. 14. APPLICABLE LAWS BSA safety policies generally parallel or go beyond legal mandates, but the supervisor should confirm and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations or statutes. 15. CPR RESOURCE Any strenuous activity or remote trek could present a cardiac emergency. Aquatic programs may involve cardiopulmonary emergencies. The BSA strongly recommends that a CPR-trained person (preferably an adult) be part of the leadership for any BSA program. Such a resource should be available for strenuous outdoor activity. 16. DISCIPLINE No supervisor is effective if he or she cannot control the activity and the individual participants. Youth must respect their leader and follow his or her direction. In addition to these general rules, safety concerns in certain BSA activit ies, including most of the aquatics programs, have been specifically addressed in more detailed gu idelines. All leaders should review and comply with such guidelines in the respective activit ies. These include: Swimming (all in-the-water activity) - Safe Swim Defense, No. 34370 Boating (all act ivity afloat) - BSA Safety Afloat, No. 34368 Boardsailing BSA Award Applicat ion, No. 20-935 Winter Sports - Health & Safety Gu ide, No. 34409, Guide to Safe Scouting, No. 34416 Cycling - Bike Safe, Health & Safety Gu ide, No. 34409 Skating - Health & Safety Guide, No. 34409 Snorkeling - Safe Swim Defense, Snorkeling Award application, No. 19-176 Guide to Safe Scouting, No. 34416 Camp Health & Safety, No. 19-308 Venturing Reference Gu ide, No. 25-202 Waterskiing - Safe Swim Defense, BSA Safety Afloat, Camp Program and Property Management, No. 20-920, Section IV