Eagle Scout Service Project and
Workbook
Prepared by: Alan Deter
National Capital Area Council
Advancement and Recognition Committee
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA®
1
Philosophy
• Need to think about this as it relates to BSA’s Mission orientation
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make
ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the
Scout Oath and Scout Law.
• Our business is to generate young men who look in the mirror
one day and are proud of who they are and what they have
accomplished
• We don’t need to ensure success!
• Not intended to be a doctoral thesis
• Remember, advancement is not the end result!
– Eagle is just one rank - it’s a brand - you know it when you see it!
– The project is one requirement for one rank in Scouting
• It’s IMPORTANT, it’s a BIG DEAL, but keep it in perspective
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Project Purpose
• Provide service
• Fulfill part of the Scout Oath, “to help other people at
all times”
• To demonstrate or hone, or to learn and develop,
leadership skills
• Project management and taking responsibility for a
significant accomplishment are important related
skills
ESSPW
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Eagle Scout 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.
This requirement formerly read, “The project plan must be approved …” This
change is effective with the release of the Guide to Advancement and the
2011 revision of the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook.
9.0.2.0
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What is an Eagle Scout Service
Project Coach?
•
Why a “coach”?
– BSA almost considered “advisor”, “mentor”, and “counselor”
– It’s what the adult should actually do - he stays on the sideline, sends out advise,
where the play goes is up to the Scout
•
Many units, districts, and councils currently use Eagle Scout
service project advisors
– As “coaches”, they may or may not be part of proposal approval
•
It is up to the council to determine who may serve as project
coaches and how they might be assigned or otherwise provided to
candidates
– As a member of the NCAC ARC, you have the authority in your District to
determine how this works the best
•
Coaches must be:
– Registered with the BSA (in any position)
– Have taken BSA Youth Protection training (required with registration)
– May come from the unit, district, or council level
9.0.2.9
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Implementing the “Coach” Concept
•
Though it is a Scout’s option, coaches are highly recommended
– Look to those who are knowledgeable and experienced with project approvals
•
Coaches greatest value comes in the advice they provide after
approval of a proposal
– Project content may effect who is the right coach
•
•
Coaches must use the BSA method of positive adult association,
logic, and common sense to help the candidate
Assistance can come through:
– Evaluating a plan, discussing its strengths, weaknesses, and risks
– Helps a Scout see that, if a plan is not sufficiently developed, then the project
can fail
•
The Scout makes the decisions
– On the other hand, adult leaders must bear in mind he is yet a youth
– Expectations must be reasonable and fitting
Coaches Shall Not Have The Authority To Dictate Changes, Withdraw Approval,
Or Take Any Other Such Directive Action
9.0.2.9
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Candidate Expectations (1 of 5)
These are in
the GTA and
Message to
Scouts and
Parents or
Guardians
• Questioning and probing for his understanding of
the project, the proposal, and what must be done,
shall be conducted in a helpful, friendly, courteous,
and kind-hearted manner
• We will respect the Scout’s dignity
• He will be allowed, if he chooses, to have a parent,
unit leader, or other adult present as an observer at
any time he is discussing his proposal or project
with someone who is reviewing it
Not A Major Problem In The NCAC - We Must Be A Good Role Model And
Provide Process Transparency!
9.0.2.1 & ESSPW
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Candidate Expectations (2 of 5)
• Project expectations will match Eagle Scout
requirement 5, and we will not require proposals to
include more than described in the Eagle Scout
Service Project Workbook
Council, district, and unit developed formats for the project plan are
a thing of the past - although if you look at our guide and the new
workbook, you will see many similarities!
The NCAC Eagle Scout Procedures Guide Will Change To
Support This Requirement !
9.0.2.1 & ESSPW
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Candidate Expectations (3 of 5)
• If requested by the Scout or his parent or guardian,
an explanation of a proposal rejection will be
provided in writing, with a copy sent to the council
advancement chair and staff advisor
• The explanation will indicate reasons for rejection
and suggestions concerning what can be done to
achieve approval
Best Practice - Recommend You Document Your Discussions To Facilitate
This Should It Be Necessary
9.0.2.1 & ESSPW
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Candidate Expectations (4 of 5)
• Guidance that maximizes the opportunity for
completion of a worthwhile project will be readily
available and strongly recommended
• The responsibility for success belongs to the Scout,
and final evaluation is left to the board of review
You Can Lead A Horse To Water…..
9.0.2.1 & ESSPW
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Candidate Expectations (5 of 5)
• If the candidate believes he has been mistreated or
his proposal wrongfully rejected, he will be provided
a method of redress
• This will include the opportunity for a second
opinion and approval, either through another
volunteer or professional advancement
administrator, or the Scout executive, as determined
by the council advancement committee or executive
board
The NCAC ARC Will Probably Develop A Process That Works For All, Subject
To Coordination With The Executive Board
9.0.2.1 & ESSPW
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“While a Life Scout, Plan, Develop,
and…”
• The process begins after the Life Scout Board of
Review
– Don’t shutdown an enthusiastic Star Scout from thinking
• Development of a better proposal should lead to a
better plan
– It is inappropriate to expect a Scout to invest the time required
for detailed planning, only to face the prospect of rejection
– A good test - evaluate a projects complexity - elements can be
added so there is a clear demonstration of planning,
development, and leadership
9.0.2.2-9.0.2.3
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“Give Leadership to Others…”
• “Others” means at least two people besides the
Scout
– Helpers may be involved in Scouting and of any age appropriate
for the work
– Satisfaction of a beneficiary may help to determine the “right”
size
• The Eagle Scout service project is an individualized
experience
– Every project must be evaluated, case-by-case, on its merits,
and on lessons that will advance the candidate’s growth
Councils, Districts, And Units Shall Not Establish Requirements For The Number Of
People Led, Or Their Makeup, Or For Time Worked On A Project
9.0.2.4
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“Helpful to Any Religious Institution,
Any School, or Your Community”
• “Any religious institution” and “any school” are
self-explanatory
• How is “your community” defined?
– Scout may work for the ‘world community’ - recently redefined
– Does not normally refer to individuals, although an advancement
committee may consider scenarios where an individual in need can
affect a community
– Source must represent the “community” to provide approval
• Beneficiary need not be a registered non-profit
• Project may not be of a commercial nature or for a
business
– Museums and various service agencies might be acceptable
• Test - Does the project primarily benefit the community
as opposed to the profits of the business?
9.0.2.5 & ESSPW
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“Benefit an Organization Other
Than Boy Scouting”
• Projects may not be performed for the Boy Scouts of
America or its councils, districts, units, camps, and
so forth
• The unit’s chartered organization, however, is
certainly a good candidate, as are other youth
organizations such as the Girl Scouts of the USA
“To Help Other People At All Times” Is A Basic Tenet
9.0.2.6
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Use the Workbook!
• The requirement that Scouts use the Eagle Scout Service
Project Workbook means they must use the official
document as produced by the Boy Scouts of America
• It is acceptable to copy and distribute it, and even to
transfer it to a different software platform or operating
system
– Although tempting, do not change the appearance
– NCAC will not have an MS Word version of the new workbook
• No council, district, unit, or individual has the authority:
– To require additional forms, or
– To add or change requirements, or
– To make any additions, deletions, or changes in the text, outlines,
graphics, or other layout or informational elements of the workbook
9.0.2.8
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“Like A Good Neighbor, the
Workbook is There!”
• Using the workbook is like insurance
–
–
–
–
–
–
It protects candidates and helps avoid pitfalls
If properly used, it very nearly assures success
It shows approvals have been secured
It lists important limitations
It suggests questions for those approving the project, and
It includes outlines for the proposal and the more detailed final
plan that should come next
• The workbook should not, however, become a
source for rejecting candidates based on
“technicalities” that have nothing to do with
requirement intent
9.0.2.8
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“Proposal Must Be Approved…
Before You Start”
•
Even though the proposal is an overview it the beginnings of a plan and
should meet the following tests (found in GTA and ESSP Workbook)
–
The project provides sufficient opportunity to meet the requirement
•
–
The project appears to be feasible
•
–
•
•
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 show the project is realistic for you to complete
Safety issues will be addressed
•
–
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
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
Is he on the right track with a reasonable chance for a positive experience
The detail required for a proposal depends on project complexity
Reviewers must not require more planning and development than
necessary to execute the project
–
These elements must not overshadow the project itself, as long as the effort was well led and
resulted in otherwise worthy results acceptable to the beneficiary
9.0.2.7 & ESSPW
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Proposal Approval
• There are new phrases by each proposal reviewer! (Slide 46)
• The unit committee is responsible for an approval of the
proposal
– Troop, team, crew, or ship committee may designate representative(s) to
act on its behalf
– This is a unit decision
– Neither the district nor the council may institute restrictions, such as how
many committee members are to be involved
• The coach or the District Eagle Representative may contact the
Scout and his parent or guardian and, as appropriate, a
representative of the beneficiary, if
– He or she becomes concerned the project will not meet the requirements, or
– It will not be completed to the satisfaction of the benefiting organization
Final Design Issues Are Ultimately Between The Scout And
The Beneficiary
9.0.2.7
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A Word on Completing the Eagle
Scout Service Project Workbook
• In most cases, a Scout should be required to fully
complete the proposal and project report, and be strongly
encouraged to complete the final plan
• If it is clear the project was completed and approved of,
and meets Eagle Scout requirement 5 as it is written, then
it should be considered
– The exception is, if it will be a hardship, or a poor use of time to fill
in missing information, or
– Obtain a signature of a party who is unavailable or by some other
means known to have approved it, then
– It is appropriate to accept it
• Keep in mind that write-ups and signatures, though
important, are simply supportive - it is a project that the
BSA requires
9.0.2.8
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Jumping the Gun
• Sometimes Scouts will “jump the gun” and begin
fundraising efforts - or even work on the project
itself - before a proposal is approved
• This is counter to the requirements and well covered
in multiple documents, but still it happens
• Normally, a Scout should select a different project
– If circumstances are compelling, however, the Scout can be
allowed to carry on and have his proposal or project approved
after-the-fact
– Lenience can be extended
– A lesson learned without significant detriment to fulfilling the
project’s purpose
9.0.2.7
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Managing Changes
• Allow a level of flexibility in carrying out proposals and
planning action steps
• Essential elements should not be changed without good reason
– If this must occur, the Scout should consult his project coach or unit leader
for advice
– It is appropriate to strongly suggest he share substantive changes with the
project beneficiary, and also with those involved in preapprovals
• If it appears changes will cause results to fall below what is
required, then cautionary advice is in order
• Except under extreme circumstances, it is not acceptable for
unit, or council or district, approval to be withdrawn
• If the young man decides to strike out on his own, this is his
prerogative
– At some point, responsibility must take over
– The board of review decides whether planning was sufficient and if the
requirement was met
9.0.2.7
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Guidance for Fundraising
•
•
•
Projects may not be fundraisers!!!!
Permitted only for securing materials and/or facilitating a project
Council approval is required unless the contributions come from the:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
•
•
•
Beneficiary, or
Candidate, or
Candidate’s parents, or
Candidate’s relatives, or
Candidate’s unit, or
Candidate’s unit chartered organization, or
Parents or members in the candidate’s unit
Project beneficiary is responsible for providing documentation of a gift,
not the BSA
Turn over funds to the beneficiary or the candidate’s unit until needed
Project beneficiary will retain leftover funds
Use The Eagle Scout Service Project Fundraising Application For
Fundraising That Requires Council Approval
9.0.2.10
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Can Routine Labor Qualify?
• Routine labor is not normally considered appropriate
for a project
– Defined as a job or service that a Scout may provide as part of
his daily life, or a routine maintenance job normally done by the
beneficiary
• If “routine labor” is conducted on so large a scale it
requires planning, development, and leadership, it
may have sufficient impact
9.0.2.11 & ESSPW
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Common Misconceptions
• No unit, district, council, or individual shall place any
requirement or other arbitrary standard on the
number of hours spent on a project
• No more than one candidate may receive credit for
working on the same project
• No requirement a project must have lasting value
These Are Persistent, Aren’t They?
9.0.2.12 & ESSPW
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Project Evaluation After
Completion
• Each Eagle Scout Service Project must be evaluated
on the following:
– Primary - the extent of benefit to the beneficiary
– Primary - leadership provided by the candidate
– Secondary - evidence of planning and development
Reviewers must not require more planning and development than
necessary to execute the project. These elements must not overshadow
the project itself, as long as the effort was well led, and resulted in
otherwise worthy outcome acceptable to the beneficiary.
9.0.2.13
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Handling Potential Problems With
The Project
• Rejection would rarely result if:
– There was an approved proposal, and
– Subsequent effort represents planning and development that was
adequate to the project, and
– The project was well led, and
– The project was carried out to the satisfaction of the unit leader and
project beneficiary
• It would have to be clearly established that Eagle Scout
requirement 5 - as written - was not completed
• Under no circumstances may final project approval be
withheld for reasons that have nothing to do with the
project
9.0.2.13
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Risk Management and Eagle
Projects
•
•
•
All Eagle Scout service projects constitute official Scouting
activity and thus are subject to Boy Scouts of America policies
and procedures
Projects are considered part of a unit’s program and are treated as
such
As with any Scouting activity, the Guide to Safe Scouting applies
– The “Sweet 16 of BSA Safety” must also be consulted as an appropriate
planning tool
•
•
Unit leadership should be aware of project plans and schedules,
and council tour plan requirements
The Boy Scouts of America’s General Liability Policy provides
general liability insurance coverage for official Scouting activities
– Registered adult leaders are provided primary coverage
– Unregistered adults participating in a Scouting activity are provided coverage in
excess of their personal insurance
9.0.2.14 & 9.0.2.15
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Contact Information
More Than
Before, But It’s
Consolidated In
One Spot
Repeated for Unit Leader, Committee Chair, Advancement Coordinator, Project Beneficiary, Project
Beneficiary Representative, District Project Approval Representative, Project Coach
ESSPW
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EAGLE SCOUT SERVICE
PROJECT PROPOSAL
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Proposal - Description and Benefit
No Change
Change
No
New
ESSPW
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31
Proposal - Giving Leadership
This Is New, But
They Are
Questions We
Should Already Be
Asking
ESSPW
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32
Proposal - Materials and Supplies
Not a Detailed List, Only A
Reasonable Idea
Neither Are a Big Change From the NCAC Procedures Guide
ESSPW
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33
Proposal - Tools, Permits, and
Permissions
Not a Detailed List, Only A
Reasonable Idea
Shows Forethought and May
Prevent A Major Project Pitfall
Neither Are a Big Change From the NCAC Procedures Guide
ESSPW
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34
Proposal - Preliminary Cost
Estimate
Reviewers Should
Expect A Balance
Between Expenses,
Fundraising, Material,
and Supply Entries
Cells Automatically
Total Inputs
ESSPW
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35
Proposal - Phases
Not To Be
Confused With
Detailed Planning
Steps
ESSPW
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36
Proposal - Logistics and Safety
Reviewers Should
Already Been Asking
These Questions,
But Its Better To Put
It In Writing
ESSPW
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37
Proposal - Further Planning
Don’t Confuse These With Project Phases This Will Help The Candidate Get to Project
Execution
ESSPW
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Proposal - Candidate’s Promise
• The Candidate has never signed the proposal or detailed planning before!
• Consistent with the ESRA, this Candidate’s Promise is in keeping with the Scout
Oath and Scout Law
ESSPW
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Proposal - Approvals
Read And
Appreciate The
Words! Notice How
They Fit With Each
Position’s
Responsibility!
Last To Sign!
ESSPW
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40
EAGLE SCOUT SERVICE
PROJECT FINAL PLAN
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Final Plan - Comments From
Proposal Review
Assumes SM, CC,
and Beneficiary
Suggestions Are
Resolved!
For the Candidate, Coach, Board of Review, and
District Eagle Representative to Use at Various Points
During the Remainder of the Process
ESSPW
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Final Plan - Changes to Description
and Benefit
Also, for the Candidate, Coach, Board of Review, and
District Eagle Representative to Use at Various Points
During the Remainder of the Process
ESSPW
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43
Final Plan - Present Condition or
Situation
Adopted By the BSA From
Numerous Council Guides
ESSPW
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44
Final Plan - Project Phases
An Opportunity For the Candidate to Review
and Improve the Proposal Material - Add More
Detail and Timing
ESSPW
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45
Final Plan - Work Processes
Looks and Smells
Like The Old
Detailed Planning,
but Without The
Adult Approvals!
Purpose: For
The Candidate to
Use and Be
Successful!
ESSPW
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA®
46
Final Plan - Permits and
Permissions
An Opportunity to FollowThrough From The Proposal
Consistent With NCAC Eagle Scout Procedures Guidance
ESSPW
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47
Final Plan - Materials
Cells Automatically
Total Inputs
Consistent With NCAC Eagle Scout Procedures Guidance
ESSPW
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48
Final Plan - Supplies
Cells Automatically
Total Inputs
Consistent With NCAC Eagle Scout Procedures Guidance
ESSPW
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49
Final Plan - Tools
Cells Automatically
Total Inputs
Consistent With NCAC Eagle Scout Procedures Guidance
ESSPW
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50
Final Plan - Expenses, Revenue
Another Opportunity to FollowThrough With More Detail
From The Proposal
ESSPW
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51
Final Plan - Giving Leadership
• Scouts and Coaches
should look for
consistency between
this section and the
work processes
• The questions below
the table make sure
the Scout has a
communications plan
for leading
ESSPW
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA®
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Final Plan - Logistics
More Opportunities to FollowThrough From The Proposal
With More Details
Consistent With NCAC Eagle Scout Procedures Guidance
ESSPW
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Final Plan - Safety
• Encourages the Scout
to be safety conscious
both indoors and
outdoors
• Provides for a safety
briefing and a
communications plan
Consistent With NCAC Eagle Scout Procedures Guidance
ESSPW
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Final Plan - Contingency Plans
Consistent With NCAC Eagle Scout Procedures Guidance
ESSPW
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55
Final Plan - Comments From Your
Project Coach
An Opportunity For the Coach to Provide Positive
Feedback and/or Constructive Comments
ESSPW
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EAGLE SCOUT SERVICE
PROJECT REPORT
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Report - Summary and Changes
No Longer Hidden
In The Workbook
Text, Scouts Have
Two Full Pages to
Summarize Their
Projects
ESSPW
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Report - Leadership
The Leadership
Aspect is Clearly
Crucial in Evaluating
Completion of the
Requirement
ESSPW
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Report - Materials, Supplies, and
Tools
If The Candidate Did
The Detailed
Planning, Input To
This Section Should
Be Minimal
ESSPW
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Report - Service Project Data
Built To
Facilitate Entry
Into Journey to
Excellence
Cells In Both Columns
Automatically Total Inputs
ESSPW
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Report - Funding
Not Previously
Covered in the
Summary This Helps
The Candidate Learn
To Reconcile Funds
ESSPW
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Report - Photos and Other
Documentation
Provides a
Common Place for
All Project
Documentation
ESSPW
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63
Report - Candidate’s Promise and
Completion Approvals
ESSPW
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64
THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!
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