EAGLE SCOUT LEADERSHIP SERVICE PROJECT July 2011 Expires last day of July 2012
DISCLAIMER Information I provide here is subordinate to Official BSA and/or Council policy. I make every effort to stay current with the latest BSA information. However, in the event there are errors or outdated information, the policy, direction and guidance found in Official BSA publications will take precedence.
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA & CVC PUBLICATIONS Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook (BSA Publication number 512-927 (2009), or most current printing) Can be Found at CVC Web Site, Resources Section, Eagle Publications Eagle Scout Rank Application (BSA Publication number 512-728 (2009), or most current printing) Can be Found at CVC Web Site, Resources Section, Eagle Publications Application For Alternative Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges (BSA Publication number 58-730, or most current printing) Can be found at: www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/58-730.pdf Guide to Advancement 2011 (BSA Publication number 33088 (2011), or most current printing) The Boy Scout Handbook (BSA Publication number 34554, or most current printing) CVC Eagle Scout Leadership Project Instructions (Found at CVC Council Web Site, www.bsa-cvc.org, Resources Section.)
WHEN As soon as a Scout is awarded the Life Scout rank The Unit gives the new Life Scout the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook Or gives him instruction on where to find the document. There is no minimum age requirement There is a maximum age - 18 There is no requirement or restriction to wait until he has earned all the requisite 21 merit badges to begin or complete his Eagle Scout project. NOTE: Unit Advancement Coordinators/Scoutmasters should advise / remind Life Scouts looking to start an Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project that they must earn the required merit badges before their 18 Birthday to be awarded the Eagle Rank.
THE "ABSOLUTES" Be a Life Scout. The Eagle Scout project is an individual matter Follow the requirements and format (to the letter) of the latest edition of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook Has the Scout read, and does he understand, all of the Eagle Scout Project Workbook, including "The 12 Steps From Life To Eagle"? (Back Cover)
SOME "NO, NO'S" Work done by the Scout toward his Eagle Scout project before he officially becomes a Life Scout Any work done by the Scout toward his Eagle Scout project before his project plan is approved AND signed by the four people who have to preapprove the project: Religious institution, school or community representative Scoutmaster / Coach / Advisor Unit Committee Member Council or District Advancement Committee Member
WARNING!! An Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project will take a significant amount of time for the Scout to plan, write up, obtain approvals, and carry out the project. The Scout must not make the mistake of waiting until the last minute before his 18th birthday to begin thinking about his project. Procrastination or lack of planning on the Scout s part DOES NOT constitute an EMERGENCY on anyone else's part!!!
THE LEADERSHIP SERVICE PROJECT Write-up should reflect the work of a potential Eagle Scout. Mediocrity is not acceptable! Write-up should be grammatically correct - spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, overall "flow" of the paragraphs, etc. Write-up should be in the "first-person" A poorly thought-out and written report will cast doubt on the quality of the overall project and the Scout s ability to carry it out.
TWO MAIN GOALS Provide a service project that is helpful to the Scout s religious institution, school or community Routine labor (a job or service normally rendered) should not be considered Work involving BSA Council property or other BSA activities is not permitted The project may not be performed for a business The project may not be of a commercial nature The project may not be a fund-raiser Fundraising is permitted only for securing materials or supplies needed to carry out the project. It should not be a majority of the project.
TWO MAIN GOALS Demonstrate Leadership The Eagle Scout service project provides the opportunity for the Eagle Scout candidate to demonstrate the leadership skills he has learned in Scouting. The amount of time spent by the Scout in planning his project and the actual working time spent in carrying out the project should be as much as necessary for him to DEMONSTRATE HIS LEADERSHIP OF OTHERS
WHAT IS LEADERSHIP? Leadership is the process of influencing the activities of an individual or a group in efforts toward goal advancement in a given situation. Thus the leadership process is a function of the leader, the follower, the goals, and the situation at the time. It is active, exerts influence, requires effort, and is related to goals.
LEADERSHIP SKILLS Communicating Communicate to give and receive information. Say what you mean. Controlling Group Performance A group that is out of control will not accomplish its goal. Counseling (Listening) Listening is needed for effective counseling or else you are just talking. Effective Teaching Teaching is not effective unless something is learned. Evaluating Without evaluation, you do not know if you are accomplishing your goal. Knowing And Using The Resources Of The Group You must depend on what other members of the group can do, as well as what you can do in order to accomplish your goal.
LEADERSHIP SKILLS Planning Without a plan, a group has no direction. Representing the Group You represent your group to others, and others to your group. Setting the Example What you are and what you do speak louder than what you say. Sharing Leadership Without sharing leadership, no one will be trained to take over. Understanding The Characteristics And Needs Of The Group And Its Members Different backgrounds, strengths, and weaknesses; all must be understood and considered.
"Before" and "After", where applicable. No set number of pictures. It is requested that the scout submit at least four before pictures and enough after pictures to demonstrate how the project was carried out. "Action" shots of the Scout s workforce at work. "Action" shots of the Scout leading and directing the work efforts of others. "Action" shots of the Eagle Scout Candidate actively participating in doing some of the work. "A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS" Label or identify what each picture depicts.
ELECTRONIC PREPARATION Use a computerized, or "electronic", version of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook The actual Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook does not provide enough physical space within its pages on which to write the Eagle Scout project and all its facets. Electronic versions require "typing", which makes the Eagle Scout project write-up easier to read. A computer with a good text editor allows the Scout to quality control his typed information through the use of a spell checker, grammar editor and thesaurus. It also provides for the selection of font sizes, styles and colors, layout of the text on the page, - all of which will enhance the "aesthetics" of his write-up. NOTE: Importing pictures and graphics directly into the workbook has been an issue for some scouts. It is acceptable to print and or paste pictures on a separate page(s) and slip them into the workbook in the appropriate sections.
ELECTRONIC PREPARATION Just make sure the "electronic" version you use is exactly the same as the current "Official" one, which is BSA Publication number 512-927, most current printing. Computerized, or "electronic", versions of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook in Microsoft Word (.doc), Rich Text (.rtf), or Adobe (.pdf) format that are the "Official" electronic versions are available from: www.nesa.org You can also find a link to the above version in the Resources section of the Chippewa Valley Council Web Site. Computerized or "electronic" versions of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook from any other source are not "Official" versions and therefore are not authorized to be used.
ELECTRONIC PREPARATION Use of a computerized or "electronic" version of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook does not give the Scout license to modify, deviate or otherwise be "creative" with the format of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook. While the Scout is encouraged to use his own style of writing in filling out the requisite parts of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook, he must strictly adhere to the existing format of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook and provide the information required in each section of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION "Describe the project you plan to do." Brief synopsis (no more than a paragraph or two) of the project "High-level" overview of what the project is going to be General terms about the present situation and what the Scout proposes to do to correct, improve, or enhance it through his project
PROJECT DESCRIPTION "Describe the project you plan to do." Background information on the organization Street or area map of where the project is located Photograph that is representative of the organization
PROJECT DESCRIPTION "What group will benefit from the project?" List only the information asked for Self-explanatory
PROJECT DESCRIPTION "My project will be of benefit to the group because:" Explain the reasons why the project is of benefit to the organization for whom the Scout is doing the project.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION "The concept was discussed with my unit leader on:" Date the Scout discussed what he wanted to do with his unit leader Preferably the Scoutmaster NOT the date of the Unit Committee s approval
PROJECT DETAILS The "heart", or the "meat" of the proposal Describe, in great detail, all the aspects that the Scout can think of that it will take to complete the project Describe the present condition, the method, materials to be used, project helpers, a time schedule for carrying out the project, the estimated cost of the project, and how the needed funds will be obtained. Describe any safety hazards that might be faced, and how you will ensure the safety of those carrying out the project. First-person future tense - "I will...", or "I plan to..." Include the "Before" pictures, where applicable Note: After completion of his project, a Scout must answer the question "In what ways did you demonstrate leadership of others?" It may be helpful in meeting this requirement if the Scout discusses how he proposes to "demonstrate leadership of others" in this section of the project workbook.
PROJECT DETAILS What, Where, When, How and Who Materials, manpower, time frames, sequence of events, alternative plans, etc. Funding It is in this section that the Scout will want to identify who he expects will provide tools or materials, and what specifically it is he expects them to provide. Will the organization be providing the money for the materials, will the Scout seek material donations from local business, or a combination of both?
PROJECT DETAILS Workforce Specify where the Scout will be recruiting them from (fellow Scouts from your unit, Scouts from other units, family members, friends, or relatives) Specify the number of helpers he will need Specify the approximate "mix" (adults and youth) Photographs, layouts, drawings, or other visual aids
PROJECT DETAILS Approval Signatures (in this order) Religious institution, school or community representative This should be the first signature and the date should signify that. Scoutmaster / Coach / Advisor Troop Committee should decide who will be responsible for approving (signing) the Eagle Scout Leadership Project Proposals. This person(s) must have one of the above titles in the Troop and be a registered leader. Unit Committee Member The Troop Unit Committee is responsible for final unit approval of the proposal. It is acceptable for the Committee to designate representative(s) to act on it s behalf. The representative(s) must be a registered leader in the Scout s Troop. Council or District Advancement Committee Eagle Counselor This is always the last signature before the scout can begin his project.
PROJECT DETAILS District Advancement Committee Eagle Counselor Will require a formal meeting with the Scout Review and discuss the project with the Scout The Scout should be encouraged to wear a complete Class A uniform. If no uniform, he should dress up for the occasion. "First impressions" are extremely important Contact your Boy Scout District Advancement Committee Member / Eagle Counselor to set up a Project Proposal Meeting.
ADDITIONAL INFO DO NOT come to the appointment with the District Advancement Committee Eagle Counselor and already have the first workday scheduled for a day or two from that appointment The Eagle Scout Project write-up should reflect the very best effort - Mediocrity is not acceptable! When it comes time for the Eagle Scout Board of Review, at least one District Advancement representative MUST be on the Eagle Scout Board
A NOTE OF CAUTION Although the Scout acquires the four signatures of approval, these signatures are only a "preapproval" to do the project. This preapproval of the project does not mean that the Eagle Board of Review will approve the way the project was carried out, or that the final write-up of how the Scout accomplished his project is sufficient and acceptable. The Eagle Board of Review decides whether or not the completed project meets the standards and is officially accepted and approved as an Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project.
Only when you have ALL four signatures may the Scout actually begin carrying out his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project!
WHILE CARRYING OUT THE PROJECT As the work on the project progresses, keep notes of what happens. Either during or immediately after each work-day, record what progress was made. How many workers showed up? What work was accomplished? What went right? What went wrong? What caused a change in plans? Why? What was done about it? Why? Take lots and lots of pictures.
CARRYING OUT THE PROJECT "Record the progress of your project" The technical side of everything (how and what) that was done to complete the project. The Scout must answer the question "In what ways did you demonstrate leadership of others?" The Scout must give examples of how he directed the project rather than doing the work himself. It may behoove the Scout to create a written narrative that addresses these topics and insert it under this workbook heading. Other options may include, but not be limited to photographic or video documentation that accurately recorded the progress of the project from start to finish. The alternative is to be prepared to discuss these topics, in depth, during the Scout s Eagle Board of Review.
CARRYING OUT THE PROJECT "Hours I Spent Working on the Project" Keep a record of the time THE SCOUT spent on the project. He will need to keep separate track of: How much time THE SCOUT spent "planning" the project. How much time THE SCOUT spent actually working on the project. Add these two times together and it is the total amount of time THE SCOUT spent on the entire project.
CARRYING OUT THE PROJECT "Hours I Spent Working on the Project" Keep a record of the time THE SCOUT spent on the project. He will need to keep separate track of: How much time THE SCOUT spent "planning" the project. How much time THE SCOUT spent actually working on the project. Add these two times together and it is the total amount of time THE SCOUT spent on the entire project.
CARRYING OUT THE PROJECT "Hours Spent by Scouts, Venturers, or Other Individuals Working on the Project" Keep a record of the time others spent helping the Scout on the project. Have a "Sign-In/Sign-Out" log at the project worksite, and ask that the helpers document their time. List the names, dates, and number of hours worked by the helpers in this part of this section.
CARRYING OUT THE PROJECT Grand Total Number Of Hours "Hours I Spent Working on the Project. "Hours Spent by Scouts, Venturers, or Other Individuals Working on the Project. Grand total number of hours it took to complete the project.
CARRYING OUT THE PROJECT "Materials Required to Complete the Project" Keep a record of what materials were used, where the materials came from, and how much each of the materials cost. Some, if not all the material may be donated, but there still needs to be a list the materials and specify "Donation" for the cost.
CARRYING OUT THE PROJECT "Changes" Compare what the Scout thought he was going to do (as specified in the Project Details section) with what he actually did in carrying out the project. The Scout should write a paragraph on each of the changes the Scout had to deal with as opposed to lumping all the changes into one large paragraph.
CARRYING OUT THE PROJECT "Approvals for Completed Project" The "Start" date of the project is the date the Scout got his Scoutmaster/Coach/Advisor s approval to do the initial proposal write-up. The "Completion Date" is the date the Scout completed all the paperwork pertaining to his completed project. Sign and date the completed project. Reverse the listed order of signatures. Religious institution, school or community representative's signature and date. Scoutmaster/Coach/Advisor s signature and date.
YOU RE DONE CONGRATULATIONS!!! The Scout has finished his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project. REMINDER: The Eagle Board of Review decides whether or not the project and associated project documentation meets the standards and is officially accepted and approved as an Eagle Scout Service Project.
QUESTIONS
CONTACT INFORMATION CVC District Advancement Chairpersons: MAIN CONTACTS Blue Hills: Jerry and Pauline Folz h 715-458-4228 jer@chibardun.net Clear Waters: Catherine Keys h 715-831-9079 catherine@murtagh.com w 715-832-6671 cakeys@bsamail.org Glaciers End: Jay Jones h 715-723-5926 Jay_Jones@hilton.com Tall Oaks: Joanna James h 715-505-6554 janna.james@gmail.com
Council Level Advancement Contacts Vern S. Caturia Chippewa Valley Council, Advancement Chairperson E4549 410 th Ave., Menomonie WI 54751 c 715-309-8278 or h 715-233-5659 verncaturia@att.net Catherine Keys Chippewa Valley Council, Office Registrar 710 Hastings Way, Eau Claire WI 54701 w 715-832-6671 cakeys@bsamail.org