“Trail to Eagle”
A Scout’s Guide to an Eagle Service Project
Eagle Encampment
The Central Florida Council
James Ball
Scoutingislife@cfl.rr.com
Objectives
 Guidance on Choosing a Project
 Explain Role of the Project Coach
 Introduce New 2015 Workbook & Advice


on “How to” fill it out
How to navigate the Approval Process
Explain the Paperwork & How to Prepare
for your Eagle Board of Review
Helpful Tip
Don’t try to capture everything…
Presentation available at Eagle Encampment website:
“Trail to Eagle”
apopkashores.com/EE/
You are about to drink from a “firehose”!
Instead…
 Focus on the discussion,
 Write down observations & key
insights (“light bulb” moments)
under each slide’s “title”,
 AND…above all, ask questions!
The Requirement
“While a Life Scout… (Eagle Requirement #5)
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…such as:
United Way/Give Kids the World
Community/Charity Organization
Metro, State, National Parks
Public/Civic Memorials
Retirement/Nursing/Assisted Living
Public Service Project
Other non-profit organization*
Community Event w/worthwhile Purpose
The Requirement
“While a Life Scout…(Eagle Requirement #5)
…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.”
Eagle Project Tools
“You MUST use the
Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook
in meeting this requirement”
NEW 2015 (#512-927)
Where to obtain:
 Download at:
cflscouting.org
nesa.org
 PDF (edit/print/save)
 Check with your
Scoutmaster
www.cflscouting.org > Boy Scouts > Eagle Forms
Eagle Project Tools
You will find this GUIDE invaluable!
It will answer many of your questions
Eagle Encampment website…24/7/365
The Steps
…to a successful Eagle Service Project
 Life to Eagle SM conference
 Choosing a Project
 Pick a Project Coach
 Research & Planning (Proposal)
 Project Approval
 Final Planning
 Fundraising
 Working your Project
 Paperwork
 Eagle Board of Review
Life To Eagle SM Conference
Your first step: a meeting with your
Scoutmaster…
 Purpose: review Eagle process & reqs.
 Special SM Conference shortly after your
Life Board of Review…You request one if one
is not offered
 Discuss your Eagle Project ideas
 Review use of Eagle Project Workbook
 Should recommend an Eagle “Project Coach”
 Cover Benefiting Organization responsibilities &
relationship as you search for a project
(Workbook, last 2 pages)
 Remind Scout to read & share “Message to
Scouts & Parents or Guardians” (Workbook p.5)
 You should also review…(Indv. History)
 Required Merit Badges (esp. timelines)
 Required Leadership Positions (timelines)
 Verify records & timelines of all required Merit
Badges for Eagle… AGAIN, just to be sure!
The Steps
…to a successful Eagle Service Project
 Life to Eagle SM conference
 Choosing a Project
 Pick a Project Coach
 Research & Planning (Proposal)
 Project Approval
 Final Planning
 Fundraising
 Working your Project
 Paperwork
 Eagle Board of Review
It All Starts With An Idea…
…a “Vision” of what is possible!
You may explore (& discard) a dozen
ideas before one glows with the
promise of success.
Take your time…choosing the “right”
type of project for YOU is an
important key to success!
The “Purpose”
“Project Purpose” (p. 4 Workbook)
“In addition to providing service…the primary
purposes…is to:
 “Learn, Improve, & Demonstrate
…Leadership Skills”
 “Lessons in Project Management”
 “Lessons in Taking Responsibility”
(ie…this is YOUR project, not someone else’s!)
In short…“presents a challenge that
requires leadership”
The “service” provided, while important,
is secondary to the opportunity to demonstrate
your leadership abilities!
The “challenge” part is also important. This is
intended to be a “significant accomplishment”. As
with many things in Scouting, through challenge
comes learning & growth, and an Eagle Service
Project is your ultimate growth opportunity.
The “Rules”
“Choosing a Project”
(p. 4 Workbook)
 Does not have to be original, just “yours”
 Redefined “your community” to include
“community of the world”
 “…an individual in need can affect community”
(need to find & work through a community
partner/representative to provide approvals)
 In addition to Service, a project must
present an “…opportunity for Planning,
Development, & Leadership” (*4 elements)
 New guidance on “canned instructions”
type projects:
 Typically DO NOT provide opportunity for
planning & development (“5 Tests”)
 Suggest: “…something that you can do
with unskilled helpers…within a
reasonable period of time.”
The “Rules”
“Restrictions”
(p. 4 Workbook)
 No minimum size/hours, but… (5 tests)
 Must be sufficient to Demonstrate your
“leadership to others”
 Expanded definition of “routine labor”
 “…routine maintenance job normally done by
the beneficiary”
 Expanded definition of “commercial”
nature of projects
 Not meant to disallow work for community
outreach programs… that would otherwise be
disqualified (ie: for-profit organization)
 Not a Fundraiser in and of itself
 One project = one Eagle credit
 May not be for BSA affiliated properties
* Make sure you read “Message to Scouts & Parents
or Guardians” (p. 5 Workbook)
So…do you have any
project ideas?
Examples of Projects
(all here in Central Florida Council)
 Set up a community study center for
children who need place to do homework
 Built footbridge on trail in National Forest
 Created a video explaining a neurological
disease, distributed nationally
 Refurbished & rededicated the B-52
memorial at Orlando Intern. Airport
 Windermere 9/11 memorial & garden
 Painted a wall mural and built gaming
area for patients at children’s hospital
 Built a Tortoise habitat at Metro Park
 Built & installed Bat Houses for local Park
 More at…. nesa.org
Project “Pop Quiz”
 Does the project have to be original?
 Can project be something you dream up?
 Can the project be something that has
never been done before?
 In addition to “Service”, a project MUST
present an opportunity for:
1) _________________
2) _________________
3) _________________
 Can you do a project which may be
considered “routine labor”?
 Can you do a project where you’re given a
set of “canned instructions”? …Why??
 Can you do a project on private property?
…for an individual??
 Can you & a friend do a project together &
BOTH get Eagle credit?
“Every journey begins with a single step”
Bottom Line…
Qualities of a good project…
 Something “significant…”
Implies investment in Time - both calendar time
& man-hours (100-250 MH typical)
Implies an effort of many people: “…give
Leadership to others” (10-25 helpers typical)
 Something worthwhile…
Implies “real lasting value” to benefiting org.
(will you be proud of your project 30 years from now?)
 Do some homework…
Ask around: Minister/Pastor/Rabbi
School principal
Park Ranger/non-profit Director
Community Leaders
SM, Project Coach, parents
Help with other Scouts Eagle Projects and
observe what goes on.
Talk with Eagle Scouts about their project’s
challenges & experience…especially ask “WHAT
they would do differently!”
“Every journey begins with a single step”
Bottom Line…
The key is to…pick a project YOU
can get excited about, or perhaps,
touches your heart in a special way!
…the “right” type for you
Here’s a tip…
Do your required Merit Badges first
OR your Eagle Project first…but, don’t try to
do both together. Focus on one at a time
so you don’t become overwhelmed.
The Steps
…to a successful Eagle Service Project
 Life to Eagle SM conference
 Choosing a Project
 Pick a Project Coach
 Research & Planning (Proposal)
 Project Approval
 Final Planning
 Fundraising
 Working your Project
 Paperwork
 Eagle Board of Review
Project Coach
What is the most important decision
you will make about your project?
Picking an Eagle
Project Coach!
An Eagle Service Project
is a complex undertaking
few of you will have any prior
experience with. It involves NOT
just “Leadership”, but planning,
development, & project
management skills. Most of you
will have to learn these as you go.
This is going to be a
Learning experience
as much as anything else…so
embrace it, & pick a knowledgeable
“Project Coach” to guide you!
Project Coach
How an Eagle Project Coach helps…
Mentor, Coach, Advisor…
Resource for all kinds of info, assistance,
or resources while planning your project,
Guidance on planning, writing your
Proposal, & navigating approval process,
Assist you with benefiting organization
issues & leadership challenges,
Advice on dealing with obstacles,
problems, & other challenges… the
Project Management process.
Should be someone you trust, but…
subject to district approval
Project Coach
Project Coaches know
the process & will
guide you step-bystep through your
project…
They offer you the
best way to ensure a
“successful outcome”,
& are strongly
encouraged!
You would not try
to learn how to fly
on your own, so…!
The Next Step
Something else to keep in mind…
The average Eagle project takes
almost a year to complete…
(longer if “Zoning” or “Building” permits, or community
Review Boards are involved!)
You are about to eat an elephant…
How do you eat an “elephant”?
OK, you’ve chosen an Eagle Project
and a Project Coach!
What’s the next step?
The Steps
…to a successful Eagle Service Project
 Life to Eagle SM conference
 Choosing a Project
 Pick a Project Coach
 Research & Planning:
the “Proposal”
 Project Approval
 Final Planning
 Fundraising
 Working your Project
 Paperwork
 Eagle Board of Review
Research & Planning
Research is different for each project, but…
1) Start by talking with your Benefiting Org.
representative -- gather info/agree on “scope”
2) Discuss with your Project Coach
3) Use the internet, books on subject, etc.
4) Seek out experts for their knowledge,
advice, & guidance…
 a Contractor or Professional,
 a Teacher, Professor, or “Expert”
 an adult with experience or knowledge
in this subject…a ”subject matter expert”
5) Visit locations with relevant examples
6) Seek advice from other Eagle Scouts who
may have done similar projects
7) ??? Tip: buy a spiral notebook
to capture ALL your thoughts, ideas, &
discussions with others from day one!
(record dates, time spent, contact info, sketches,
meeting notes, random thoughts, everything!)
Planning: New Workbook
“You MUST use the
Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook
in meeting this requirement”
New Version 2015 (#512-927)
New Workbook (4) “Forms”:
I Project Proposal
II Project Plan
III Fundraising
Application
IV Project
(“closeout”)
Report
www. cflscouting.org > Boy Scouts > Eagle Forms
I Project Proposal
•“…an overview, but also the beginnings
of planning.”
•“It must show…you can meet the (5) tests.”
HHH District approval stage HHH
Parts include…
1) Description & Benefit
Lots of BEFORE pics (…tell a story)
Include drawings, sketches, diagrams, details to
help to visualize anything built
Key is to define your project’s “SCOPE of work”!
2) Giving Leadership
“What…will be most difficult about leading them?”
Recommend man hour breakdown showing
WHERE anticipated man hours are needed,
Recommend provide a “Leadership Statement”
describing how you see your leadership role!
I Project Proposal
Description
• Drawings, sketches, details do not have to be
professional…just legible & enough to “tell the story”
• Key is to define your project’s “SCOPE of work”…
Tip: doing preliminary drawings, sketches, plans, will
greatly help your understanding of “scope”!
Bat Box 2
Bat Box 3
I Project Proposal
Knowing what your Project will cost…
3) Materials (parts of…) (Qty.+Unit $)
 Recommend use table format in “Final Plan”
section & fill in first 3-4 columns
4) Supplies (consumables needed…) (Qty.+Unit $)
 Recommend use table format in “Final Plan”
section, fill in first 3-4 columns
5) Tools (…and equipment)
 Recommend use table format in “Final Plan”
section & fill in first 3 columns (scope)
6) Other Needs (fees, food, printing, postage, etc…)
Tip: over estimate your key
materials & supplies! (consider 5-10% typical)
Even though these tables are part of Section II: “Final
Plan”, partially filling them out now will greatly
increase your understanding of the “scope” of your
project, help you estimate your costs & fundraising
needs, & increase your chances for approval!
I Project Proposal
Parts include…
7) Permits* & Permissions
 Work w/benefiting organization & consultants
 Recommend get a “letter of understanding”
from Benefiting Organization for any changes
that alter the property. (protects both parties)
Work w/benefiting organization & consultants
 *Permits are the responsibility of property
owner
8) Preliminary Cost Estimate+Fundraising
expectations (“…where will you get money, Plan B?)
 Breakdown all money & material sources
 Is a Fundraising Application required?
 Fundraising should exceed estimated costs…?
 Include example of any solicitation letter
w/Council-required disclaimer!
I Project Proposal
Central Florida Council requires any
request for solicitation of funds
MUST include this statement…
“The Boy Scouts of America
is not affiliated with…
(benefiting organization)
or this Project, and any
allowable tax deduction
must be taken in the
name of (benefiting
organization) -NOT the Boy Scouts
of America.”
I Project Proposal
Parts include…
9) Project Phases (AKA: a “Work Plan” + process)…
again, part of understanding “scope”
10) Logistics (Transportation, labor, restrooms…)
11) Safety Issues
Recommend include “safety briefing” as part of
your leadership role. (Guide to Safe Scouting)
Read “Risk Management…” NEW (Workbook p.6)
12) Further Planning (Action Steps)
List steps needed to finish your project! (don’t
forget daily work schedules!)
“...enough to show you have a reasonable idea
of how to complete a final plan”
13) Signatures (5 total)
“Scout’s Promise”…”to be the leader”
New explanation of “What” each is agreeing to
Must have ALL (4) other signatures at time of
submittal BEFORE District will sign off on
project approval!
I Project Proposal
NEW
Working with
Benefiting Organizations
Benefiting Organizations…
New info for educating & working
with Beneficiaries…(Workbook last 2 pages)
Covers purpose, fundraising, routine labor, safety,
commercial use, permits, & ongoing maintenance
Discusses sufficient impact, planning & leadership,
& the approval process
Also allows for Final Plan Approval by Beneficiary
Asked to copy/share at 1st Meeting
“Navigating the ESSP, Information for Project
Beneficiaries” (Workbook, separate PDF @ scouting.org)
Read Carefully…understand their role
Be prepared to explain & discuss in detail!
Tip: think about the type of Beneficiary partner
YOU want to work with…before you commit!
This “new” responsibility is also part
of your role in directing (managing) your
project & in demonstrating leadership!
Additional Guidance on
Writing your Proposal
Use NEW 2015 PDF workbook
version: clean & legible… edit/print/save
Answer each section separately, do
not combine sections
Answer EACH question in a section,
do not skip, even if answer the is
“not-applicable”
Include complete “Contact Info”
with your Proposal submittal!
Included throughout: lots of “What types”, “What
kinds”, “Where”, “How”, “Explain”, “Describe”,
“List” type questions -- Take the time to
answer each one thoroughly!
Additional Guidance on
Writing your Proposal
…the “5 tests”
1) Provides significant opportunity to meet
Eagle Scout Service Project
“…must SHOW that planning, development,
& leadership will take place”
2) It appears to be feasible
“…must show project is realistic for YOU to complete”
3) Safety issues will be addressed
“…must SHOW you have an understanding of
what must be done…(scope)”
4) Action steps for further detailed planning
are included
“…must make list of key steps…(to ensure) your final
plan has enough details to be carried out successfully”
5) On right track w/reasonable chance for
positive experience
This is the MOST difficult test for Reviewers to assess
…those who provide the most complete information
will find approval much easier to attain
Additional Guidance on
Writing your Proposal
So… HOW much planning is “enough” for
Proposal approval? …it depends:
0%
Comfort
Zone
100%
Final Plan
Recommend 40-65% range…”sweet spot”
 Enough to ANSWER all major questions:
“How”, “What”, “Where”, “When”, “Who”
and “How much”?
 Enough to SHOW reviewers you pass ALL
“5 tests”
 Enough to ASSURE reviewers you understand your project’s “scope” (3Ms: materials,
methods, money) & have a reasonable chance
for a “successful outcome” (Test #5)
Bottom Line…
The ONLY information the District
reviewers will have to judge your
project on is the info you provide!
Make sure your Proposal is well
thought out and complete enough to
describe your project’s entire…
“SCOPE of the work”
(3Ms: materials, methods, money!)
*** Review in detail with your Project
Coach BEFORE you submit for
approval!
The Steps
…to a successful Eagle Service Project
 Life to Eagle SM conference
 Choosing a Project
 Pick a Project Coach
 Research & Planning (Proposal)
 Project Approval
 Final Planning
 Fundraising
 Working your Project
 Paperwork
 Eagle Board of Review
The Review Process
Signatures required…
I Project Proposal
(Scout’s “Promise” + 4 signatures)
HHH District review & approval required!
Allow 3-4 weeks for process
II Project Plan (“development”)
 Project Coach review & comments - important!
 Review w/ Beneficiary -- they can ask for approval
III Fundraising Application
(Beneficiary, unit leader, council)
HHH Council review & approval required!
IV Project (“closeout”) Report
Scout’s “Promise” + beneficiary, unit leader sigs.
Eagle Board of Review
(read “Evaluating the Project…” Guidance p.6)
HHH Final approval of your project!
Submitting your Proposal
Avoid these common omissions …
Incomplete “Contact Page” info
Insufficient information/drawings
(must define the “Scope” of the work!)
Lack of before pictures
Missing “Permission Letter” from
Benefiting organization (when required)
Insufficient fundraising plans! (plan “B”)
Insufficient “Further Planning” info
Missing signatures (4 required, new B.O.)
Remember…those who provide the most
complete information will find approval
easier to attain!
But…it’s NOT about the volume of info…
it’s about the right type of info!
It’s about “SCOPE” (3Ms: methods, materials, money!)
The Steps
…to a successful Eagle Service Project










Life to Eagle SM conference
Choosing a Project
Pick a Project Coach
Research & Planning (Proposal)
Project Approval
Final Planning
Fundraising
Working your Project
Paperwork
Eagle Board of Review
II Project Plan
• “This is tool for your use, (shows you did req’d.
no one approves* it…”
• However, review with your Project Coach”
planning & development)
(helps you avoid many problems & mistakes)
• Show to your Beneficiary…assures plans agree
with expectations. *(Beneficiary has authority to
require & approve a Final Plan!)
Parts include…
1) Comments from your Proposal Review
2) Description & Benefit - Adds/Changes
3) Present Condition or Situation
4) Project Phases (Changes + more detail)
5) Work Processes (step-by-step, methods)
6) Attachments
additional drawings, details, plans, diagrams,
maps, etc. needed to do the work
7) Permits* & Permissions
II Final Plan
Parts include…
8) Materials (Table refined)
9) Supplies (Table refined)
10) Tools (Table refined)
11) Other Needs (Table refined)
12) Expenses & Revenues (Details + a detailed
Fundraising Plan - including “Plan B”)
13) Giving Leadership
 Recommend you do “workday schedules”
(task/time req./tools/assignments) …this is part
of your leadership role!
14) Logistics (How + How + How…)
15) Safety (safety briefing, Read “Risk Management…”)
16) Contingency Plans
17) Comments - Project Coach
This “Part II” section is very critical to your success
(required), review with your Project Coach. This
will be reviewed at your Eagle BOR!
Bottom Line…
This is your “instruction manual” on
your project. Make sure you go over
every aspect/task/method on paper
first…BEFORE you start.
Important: Work Day Schedule(s) are a
critical tool (often overlooked). Without
them, a recipe for disaster -- mistakes,
forgotten items, & a lot of wasted time
trying to figure out things “on the fly”!
Review in detail with Project Coach!
HHH “Test”: imagine you had to ask
someone to do your project in your
absence & all they had to go on was
your written Final Plan
(“instruction manual”)!
Eagle Project Tools
You will find this GUIDE invaluable!
It will answer many of your questions &
show you how to complete your plan
…in detail!
Eagle Encampment website…24/7/365
The Steps
…to a successful Eagle Service Project










Life to Eagle SM conference
Choosing a Project
Pick a Project Coach
Research & Planning (Proposal)
Project Approval
Final Planning
Fundraising
Working your Project
Paperwork
Eagle Board of Review
III Fundraising Application
• Only required if raising money…
(not required if funded by beneficiary/family/unit)
• READ “Procedures & Limitations”
• “All money left over… goes to beneficiary”
HHH Requires Council approval HHH
Questions to answer include…
1)
2)
3)
4)
“Describe how funds will be raised”
Proposed start of Project
Proposed dates for Fundraising
“How much do you expect to raise?”
Always try to raise MORE than you need!
5) If asking for donations, “how”, “who”
(MUST attach list of prospective donors + sample
solicitation letter)
6) “Any contracts to be signed?”
(include details/copy of contracts) …as a minor, can
you sign a contract??
7) Approvals (Beneficiary, unit leader, council)
Fundraising Tips
Fundraising is an essential component of your
project’s success and takes considerably more time
and effort than you think…
Make sure you do your homework…
a well defined “scope” (define expenses)
Always target fundraising efforts for MORE
than your estimated costs…
Why?
Always have a “Plan B”…
Why?
Always try to offset the cost of materials,
supplies, & tools with donations “in kind”…
Don’t forget to include Council-required
disclaimer in any solicitation letter!
Review with your Project Coach
BEFORE submittal.
HHH And don’t forget to thank all
your contributors!
The Steps
…to a successful Eagle Service Project










Life to Eagle SM conference
Choosing a Project
Pick a Project Coach
Research & Planning (Proposal)
Project Approval
Final Planning
Fundraising
Working your Project
Paperwork
Eagle Board of Review
Working your Project
Make “Workday
Schedules” part of
your planning & let
everyone know the
schedule & objectives
…before you start!
AND don’t forget
to hold a
“Safety Briefing”
…before you start!
Working your Project
It is OK to “hire”
adult experts as
long as YOU direct
their work…
…and let them know
this is a teaching
opportunity.
Working your Project
Take this opportunity to recruit
younger scouts, even cubs & Webelos!
Working your Project
Document, capture
time spent, take lots of
pics, & take pride in
your accomplishments!
IV Project (“Closeout”) Report
Parts include…
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Project Description
Observations
Changes
Leadership (demonstrate, learned)
Materials, Supplies, Tools…(final $$$ tally)
Service Project Data (hours)
ALL time, ALL people…spent on project counts!
(spiral notebook) …log into National database!
7) Funding (specifics)
8) Photos & Other Documentation
9) Candidate Promise (“On my honor…”)
10) Approval sigs. (Beneficiary, unit leader)
The sooner you do this after completion…
the easier it will be to do, the fresher
your memory, the better & more
complete your answers!
A Word about
Risk Management
Risk Management… (Workbook p.6)
This is an “official” Scouting Activity
 Subject to BSA Policies & Procedures
 “Guide to Safe Scouting” applies
 Consult “Sweet 16 of BSA Safety”… planning tool
 Consider Health & Safety implications…
Considered part of a Unit’s Program
 Youth Protection, 2-deep Leadership, etc.
 Unit Leadership oversight responsibility!
 Responsibility… reject projects inherently unsafe!
Insurance… (Workbook p.6)
 BSA “General Liability” Policy covers reg. Leaders
 May include an accident & sickness policy
(Council, Unit, or Charter Partner?)… check it out!
This is NOT a “new” responsibility, but one
often overlooked.
Part of your role in directing (managing)
your project & in demonstrating leadership!
The Steps
…to a successful Eagle Service Project










Life to Eagle SM conference
Choosing a Project
Pick a Project Coach
Research & Planning (Proposal)
Project Approval
Final Planning
Fundraising
Working your Project
Paperwork
Eagle Board of Review
The Paperwork
…to a successful Eagle Service Project
The “elephant” you must eat…
without choking!
Available at Eagle Encampment website…
24/7/365
Paperwork & Submittal
So what’s next after you complete your Project…
 Complete Project Report & obtain final
approval signatures
 Scoutmaster & Benefiting Organization Rep
 Complete your Scoutmaster’s Conference
 Complete “Eagle Scout Rank Application”
(BSA 512-728) …work w/your Advancement Chair
to make sure all your records are accurate!
 Complete “NESA Project Report”
 Submit all the above to the Council office
for “Council Certification” (to Eagle Registrar)
 Work with your Unit Advancement Chair (or
Eagle Coordinator), they should do this for you.
 All this MUST be received (at Council) BEFORE
your 18th birthday!
(you have additional 90 days to complete your Eagle BOR)
Paperwork & Submittal
Eagle Scout Rank Application
(#512-728, NEW 2014 edition, download)
 Req. 2: Letters of Recommendation
(6 total)
(Note: Unit is responsible for contacting these references)
 Req. 4: Position of Responsibility
(w/matching dates)
 Req. 7: “Ambitions & Life Purpose”
statement (essay…Give some thought to this)
www. cflscouting.org > Boy Scouts > Eagle Forms
Paperwork & Submittal
NESA Project Report
 CFC chapter of NESA…
 Description of your Project
 Important why…?
www. cflscouting.org > Boy Scouts > Eagle Forms
Paperwork & Submittal
So, what’s next…
 Council processing & certification takes
about a week±
 Everything will be returned to your Unit
Advancement Chair before they schedule
your Eagle Board of Review…
 Your unit Advancement Chair (or Eagle
Coordinator) will setup your Eagle Board
of Review and send out your “request
letters” for recommendations.
The Steps
…to a successful Eagle Service Project
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Life to Eagle SM conference
Choosing a Project
Pick a Project Coach
Research & Planning (Proposal)
Project Approval
Final Planning
Fundraising
Working your Project
Paperwork
Eagle Board of Review
The Final Hurdle
Eagle Board of Review
 Unlike any BOR you’ve experienced to
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date… thorough, run by your District
Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours
Uniform… important, impeccable!
Don’t just know the Scout Oath, Law,
Outdoor Code…know how to explain it!
Eagle Project details… esp. leadership!
Scouting history (Indv. History report)…
especially leadership positions!
 Relax, be frank & honest, & be on time!
…after EBOR, your Unit will submit necessary
paperwork to BSA for final certification.
Remember…
BSA Certification is required from National Office
BEFORE you are “officially” an Eagle Scout
The Final Hurdle
Eagle Board of Review
Remember, your Eagle BOR is ALSO the Final
Approval of your Eagle Service Project!
Things you should know… (Workbook p. 6)
New Guidelines for Eagle BORs
1) “…(project) evaluated primarily on
impact - the extent of benefit…”
2) “…and on leadership provided by
candidate”
3) “…must also be evidence of planning &
development” (ie. Final Plan)
(“However… must not require more planning &
development than necessary to execute the project.”)
A Final Word
Don’t procrastinate…there is a lot at stake!
College Applications (fall of Senior year)
“…to get in or NOT to get in!”
Don’t wait until you are 17+ to start!
Scholarship Opportunities ($$$)
Eagle Palms (every three months)
Run out of time! (11± months avg.!)
Most Eagle Scouts will tell you…
”The longer you wait to start, the more
difficult it will be to complete”
They also say they…
”grossly underestimated the amount of
time & effort it takes to plan & execute
an Eagle project!”
A Final Word
QuickTime™ and a
H.264 decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Eagle Court of Honor
Traditionally hosted by candidate & his family
Questions
This presentation available at Eagle
Encampment website: “Trail to Eagle”
apopkashores.com/EE/
You are only limited
by your desire &
imagination!
Eagle Encampment
James Ball
Scoutingislife@cfl.rr.com
“Once an Eagle…always an Eagle”