Understanding the Eagle Scout Rank process 1
What we will discuss How to obtain the Service Project Workbook How to use the Workbook What to do when the project is complete 2
Eagle 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 must benefit an organization other than Boy Scouting.) A project proposal must be approved by the organization benefiting from the effort, your unit leader and unit committee, and the council or district before you start. You must use the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, No. 512-927, in meeting this requirement. 3
Where to get the forms The required forms can be found on the National Scouting website (scouting.org) or on our Troop website in the forms and files section. It is your responsibility to get them and be sure they are the latest versions required! 4
Picking the Project What interests you? Check newspapers and local news media. Ask your Troop leadership District Advancement Chair (after EVERYTHING else has been tried) 5
Project Guidelines Must demonstrate your ability to Lead, Plan, Delegate and Prepare for the unexpected No minimum or maximum time requirements. The project DOES NOT have to involve money or construction and must be unique to you. (two Scouts cannot jointly do a Project) Always reference Guide to Safe Scouting (BSA Supply #34416A) and the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook! It is up to you to ensure all required guidelines are followed, if you are unsure, ASK SOMEONE! 6
The Project Approval Process Using the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, you must select your Eagle service project and have the project proposal approved by your unit leader, your unit committee, and the benefactor of the project. The proposal must also be reviewed and approved by the District Advancement Committee. NOTE: I personally recommend that you use a printed copy of the workbook as a draft. Fill it out with pencil and when you are satisfied, use the fillable pdf and type the info into a the new electronic workbook. Print the required pages in high resolution and bind them in some manner before presenting it to the appropriate people. 7
The Proposal Your proposal must be completed first. It is an overview, but also the beginnings of planning. It shows your unit leader, unit committee, and council or district that the following tests can be met. For your proposal to be approved, it must show the following: It provides sufficient opportunity to meet the Eagle Scout service project requirement. You must show that planning, development, and leadership will take place; and how the three factors will benefit a religious institution, a school, or your community. 8
The Proposal It appears to be feasible. You must show the project is realistic for you to complete. Safety issues will be addressed. You must show you have an understanding of what must be done to guard against injury, and what will be done if someone does get hurt. Action steps for further detailed planning are included. You must make a list of the key steps you will take to make sure your plan has enough details to be carried out successfully. 9
The Proposal You are on the right track with a reasonable chance for a positive experience. Your proposal only needs to be detailed enough to show a reviewer that you can meet the tests just noted. If you find in order to do that, the proposal must be lengthy and complicated, your project might be more complex than necessary. 10
The Proposal If your project does not require materials or supplies, etc., simply mark those spaces not applicable. Remember, do not begin any work or raise any money or obtain any materials until your project proposal has been approved. If you submit your proposal too close to your 18th birthday, it may not be approved in time to finish planning and executing the project. 11
Working with Your Project Beneficiary On the last two pages of the workbook there is an information sheet called, Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project. This is for you to print and give to the entity that will benefit from your efforts. You should do this as part of your first meeting with your beneficiary and use the sheet to help explain how the Eagle Scout service project works. Be sure to read it carefully before you meet so you can explain what it says. 12
Working with Your Project Beneficiary Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project will help you communicate a number of things to your beneficiary. For example, it provides thanks and congratulations for accepting the project; and it gives some background, discusses the requirements, and points out the responsibilities connected with approving your project proposal. It also explains that the beneficiary has the right to review, and also to require changes in your project plan. 13
Working with Your Project Beneficiary I can t stress this enough, be sure to read carefully Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project so you will have a full understanding of the role of your beneficiary and be able to communicate with them during the process. It would be terrible if you finished your project and you find that the beneficiary expected something different. They do not have to sign off if they are not satisfied! 14
The Project Plan Once your proposal is approved, you should begin to prepare your project plan using the form in the workbook. A well thought out and detailed plan increases the likelihood your project will be approved at your Eagle Scout board of review. As you begin preparing it, you should meet with a project coach. Check with the person who handled the approval of your project proposal to learn how coaches are designated in our district. 15
The Project Plan Your designated coach can help you avoid the common pitfalls associated with Eagle Scout service projects and be a big part of your success. You may also want to talk to your unit leader. There may be adults in your troop who are experts in conducting the kind of project you are planning. It's ok for you to work with them as well. The more coaching you get, the better your results will be. 16
Contact Information Fill it out completely and make sure others can read it. This will be of great value during and after the project. 17
The Fundraising Application If your fundraising effort involves contributions only from the beneficiary or you, your parents or relatives, your unit or its chartered organization, or parents or members in your unit, submitting the fundraising application is not necessary. If you will be obtaining money or materials from any other sources, you must submit a completed application to the local council service center. For more information, see Procedures and Limitations on Eagle Scout Service Project Fundraising in the workbook. 18
Beginning Work on Your Project Once your proposal has been fully approved and you have finished your project planning, only then, may you begin work on your project. 19
The Project Report Complete this portion after the project has been finished. Note the space for you to sign (confirming that you led and completed the project), and also the signature lines for the beneficiary and your unit leader s approval that your project met Eagle Scout requirement 5. As with the proposal and final plan, if materials, etc., were not required, mark those spaces not applicable. 20
After The Project Is Completed After the project has been carried out, you will ask for the approval of the beneficiary on your project report. This report will be used in the final review of your qualifications for the Eagle Scout rank. If you have met the reasonable expectations of the beneficiary, they should approve the project. If not, they should ask for corrections so you can meet those expectations. This is not the time, however, to request changes or additions beyond what was originally agreed. 21
Final Submissions What is required? Eagle Scout Rank Application The Project Final Report Letters of recommendation 22
Eagle Board Of Review Once all submitted documents are approved, the District Advancement Committee member will contact you to schedule your BOR. We will discuss what you need to know for the BOR in a future meeting. 23
National Approval Following a Successful Eagle Scout Board of Review: The Service Project Final Report is returned to the Scout. The Eagle Scout Application is signed by the District Advancement Committee member and the Chair of the Board of Review. An advancement form is completed. 24
National Approval The District Advancement Committee member will submit these documents to the Council Service center. The Council Service Center submits the completed application to the National Service Center. Approval is usually returned within 2 weeks. 25
Eagle Court Of Honor After the National Service Center approves the application, the Eagle award is returned to the Council Service Center. I will be contacted and will pick up your award. You will then begin planning your Eagle Court of Honor! This is your choice (and expense mostly). It can be as simple or extravagant as you desire. You will work with me and the facility the COH will be held at, to make it a memorable event. 26
Questions? 27