Transcript Trail to Eagle - This Web site coming soon

Trail to Eagle
Prepared by
Tahquitz District Advancement Committee
California Inland Empire Council
Adapted from a Presentation by
Goose Creek District Advancement Committee
National Capital Area Council
Tahquitz District Advancement
Committee





Chairman: Ken Radosevich (951)302-6070
[email protected]
Eagle Projects: Bob Ford (951)676-3969
or (951)232-3257
[email protected]
Eagle Review Boards: Julie Gray (951)698-3250
[email protected]
Life to Eagle: Tony Romero (951)678-5863
[email protected]
Merit Badges: Ray Betts (951)265-9205
[email protected]
Why Become an Eagle?
3

Be among a group of
famous Americans

1




4
6

2
5
A U.S. President
33 Astronauts
Pulitzer Prize authors
Government leaders
Business executives
Being an Eagle Scout
identifies you as a
LEADER
Earning Eagle Scout

Should be a combined effort by the
Scout, the Parents and the Troop
Begin Working Toward Eagle as Soon
as You become a Scout



Should be viewed as an ongoing
process that really begins in earnest
after First Class
Most happens after you make Life Scout
Life Scout to Eagle becomes the biggest
hurdle


More Responsibility on Scout
Bad timing as Scout enters High School
Start Working on Eagle as
Soon as You Earn Life Scout

You can become an Eagle within 6
months of earning Life Scout


You must perform in a listed leadership
position for 6 months
You can do your Eagle Scout Leadership
Service Project anytime after Life Scout
Eagle Scout Mentors





Developing a Troop level Mentor program can
really help keep Scouts on track
Help Scouts set goals and target dates then
follow up with them
Provides someone other than the parent who
Scout may listen to
Scouting sees the value of the Mentor by
putting an award pin in the Eagle
presentation kit
See Sample goal sheet
Eagle Scout Progress Sheet
Life to Eagle Progress
BSA - TROOP 148
Name of Scout:_______________________________
Date Life Scout Earned:
Leadership Position
Desired Position:
Expected Date:
Actual Date:
MERIT BADGES
Merit Badge
Citizenship in the Community
Citizenship in the Nation
Citizenship in the World
Communications
First Aid
Emergency Preparedness
Lifesaving
Swimming
Hiking
Cycling
Personal Management
Personal Fitness
Camping
Environmental Science
Family Life
Goal Date
Actual Date
Project
Concept
Community Agency Approval
Other Approvals
Goal Date
Actual Date
Goal Date
Actual Date
Troop Committee Approval
District Approval
Funding
Materials
Scheduling
Completion
Eagle Process
Troop Scoutmaster Conference
Troop Board of Review
Eagle Packet to Council
District Board of Review
Court of Honor
Requirements for Earning
Eagle Scout Rank




Be active in your troop and patrol for at least six months as
a Life Scout.
Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath (Promise)
and Scout Law in your everyday life.
While a Life Scout, serve actively for a period of six months
in one or more of positions of responsibility.
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.

Take part in a Scoutmaster conference.

Successfully complete an Eagle Scout board of review.
Requirements #1 through 5 must be completed before
the Scout’s 18th birthday.
Requirements for Earning
Eagle Scout Rank
•
•
•
Requirements #1 through 5 must be completed before the
Scout’s 18th birthday.
Eagle Scout District Board of Review must be completed
within 90 days after age 18
Any exceptions to the age requirement must be approved at
the National Headquarters
Requirements for Earning
Eagle Scout Rank

Remember that all but the Project
Approval and Board of Review are
certified by the Troop
#1 Be active in your troop for at
least 6 months as a Life Scout



Troop must establish a definition of what
“active” means
Definition of “active” for leadership positions
has higher requirements
Active should mean more than merely
showing up, and must include Scout Spirit…
#2 Demonstrate Scout Spirit




Scout Spirit is an assessment of whether a Scout is living the
Oath and Law.
Elements of Scout Spirit include:

Attendance at meetings and outings

Enthusiasm and positive attitude

Wearing appropriate uniform

Working effectively with younger Scouts

Demonstrating leadership

Being prepared
Ultimately, decision to recommend a Scout for Eagle rank
should be based on evidence of Scout Spirit
Again, there should be a Troop policy
#3 Earn a total of 21 merit badges

Twelve required merit badges (Silver Borders)
First Aid

Citizenship in Community  Citizenship in Nation

Family Life
Personal Fitness
Personal Management

Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving

Swimming or Hiking or Cycling




 Communications

 Citizenship in World
 Environmental Science
 Camping
Some required merit badges take time to complete and
cannot be delayed until just before a Scout’s 18th
birthday
Merit badges earned beyond the 21 required can be
applied to Eagle Palms.
(1) Italicized merit badges typically require a few months or more to complete.
(1)
#4 While a Life Scout, serve actively
for a period of 6 months in a Position
of Responsibility

Eligible leadership positions include: patrol leader, SPL,
ASPL, troop guide, den chief, junior assistant Scoutmaster
and other positions as approved by the Scoutmaster.


Troop should establish requirements for leadership
positions


Note that Asst. Patrol Leader and Bugler are not on the
list
Definition of what “active” means
Your Leadership position and how the Scout worked at it
may be a topic at the Eagle Board of Review
The Eagle Scout
Leadership Service Project
The Eagle Scout Service Project
Bob Ford



(951)676-3969 or
(951)232-3257
[email protected]
Eagle Project : Understand the
purposes
Leadership: it is about your ability to work with and organize
others to complete a successful project

Service: the project should make a material contribution to a
community-based, non-profit organization

Skills development: the project will test your skills in

–
Planning
–
Communications
–
Project management
–

Managing and dealing with lots of different people and
organizations
Initiative: putting your Scouting skills to work on a project that
you are responsible for from concept to completion
Eagle Project: Pick a project

This step is the biggest stumbling block for Life Scouts

Troop mentoring and parent support at this stage is crucial

What makes for a good Eagle project:
Should be a project that you are enthusiastic about
Must benefit a non-profit group other than Scouting
Leaves something tangible behind which you are proud of
Requires planning and leadership of others to complete




Project scope:

This is the critical aspect that will define a approved project and one
that isn’t
should require about 125 to 250 hours, including






planning
Scout and helpers
All of the work hours should not be the Eagle Scout candidate
Large enough to demonstrate leadership of others
An Eagle Project CANNOT:






Be a job normally done as routine labor;
Be performed for a business or
individual;
Be of a commercial nature;
Be a fund-raiser;
Be shared by another Eagle Candidate;
Be of benefit to any BSA element.
Eagle Project: Pick a project

Places to look for a project

City recreation departments

Schools

Religious organizations

Non-profit organizations

Locally

Santa Rosa Plateau

Lake Skinner Nature Center
Eagle Project: Pick a project


Start by talking with

Your favorite teachers

Volunteer coordinators at non-profits

Your minister or church youth program
leader

Any non-profit organizations that you or
your parents are involved with

Other Scouts who have completed their
projects

www search using “Eagle Project” will lead
to many other ideas
Check in the Tahquitz District Project Binder to
see what other Scouts have accomplished
Eagle Project: Select a time
Decide when you want to get the project completed.


Based on your Target date
–
You can start the project anytime after you become a Life Scout
–
Ideally, you should plan to complete the Eagle project no later
than your sophomore year in high school.
The whole process from start to finish may take 4 to 6 months (not
weeks)

Plan ahead so that you can find a time when the Eagle project can be
balanced with

–
Schoolwork
–
Sports and other commitments
–
Vacation schedules (yours and others)

Set a deadline for completing the project and stick with it.

Your enemy is procrastination.
Eagle Project: Get organized




Get the Eagle Service
Project Worksheet at the
Council Office and read it.
Make sure the form is the
latest version.
Download a “soft copy” of
the Worksheet from
http://www.scouting.org
/boyscouts/eagleproject/
dload.html
Ask your parents to
support you on this
project.
Make the completion of
the project a priority.
Eagle Project: Plan the project



Planning is the most important part of
any successful Eagle project, and it
takes time…
The Workbook provides the format for
planning the project.
Once you have the “OK” from an Eagle
ASM, prepare an initial write-up using a
soft copy of the Workbook.
Eagle Project: Plan the
project
•Take “before” photos of
your planned project,
including narrative
•Include a sketch or
drawing of your project
•What will it look like
•Include measurements
•Conceptual and
technical
Eagle Project: Plan the project
Once you know what to do then develop
how to do it

What manning will you need

Scouts

Parents

Friends

Charter Organization

Benefiting Organization
Eagle Project: Plan the project
A How much will the project cost? How will
it be paid for?


What will materials and tools cost for the
project: have an itemized list with unit costs
(see format on next slide)
If the sponsoring agency will not pay for all
materials, how will you raise the money?
(Parents cannot be the principal source)
Eagle Project: Plan the project
A completed project plan will address the following:
What is your project plan?


List of tasks and # hours estimated for each through completion

Suggest an Excel spreadsheet with estimated hours (see next slide)

Drawings and designs to show what you intend to do
Project Safety



Adult supervision; need to be “two deep”

Use of power tools by adults only

Tour Permits

Permission Slips

Organization Waivers
Your project plan should convince the reader that the service
project will be successful for everyone involved.
Eagle Project: Get your plan approved
Review your initial write-up; this may take 2 to 3 meetings

Get signatures on two Workbook copies: official BSA form and
word processing copy

Your project must be formally signed off by each of the
following in this order:


Executive at non-profit sponsoring your service project

Scoutmaster

Troop committee Chairman for the Committee

District Project Chairman



Bob Ford
Be prepared: it often takes a few meetings and 4 to 8 weeks
before you have all the approvals to begin.
You cannot start performing the project until you have all
these approvals completed
Eagle Project: Get your plan approved
Troop Involvement in Approval Process is critical


Don’t rubber stamp every project

Don’t set up Scouts for failure at the District level
Scoutmaster


Take a hard look at the project based on the criteria
outlined above before sending it on to the Committee
Committee


Insure the project is a worthy project before you sign
and send the Scout to the District for approval
Eagle Project: Carrying out the project
Don’t wait too long after approval


A lot can change that may affect the project

Set a schedule for completing the project and stick to it

Do a job that you are proud of and reflects well upon Scouting



On time: keep momentum to finish the project, including write-up
On budget: see how your estimates were for both materials and
labor
Quality work: “On my honor I will do my best…”
People are more likely to help on your project if:


You are active in the troop

You help out on other Eagle projects

Non-Scouts are welcome to help out on Eagle projects

Try not to conflict with other Troop Activities

Have fun. You should be able to look at the Eagle project as one of
your most enjoyable experiences in Scouting.
Eagle Project: Keep people up to
date




Keep both the sponsor and the Troop up to
date on your progress.
Ask for help when you hit roadblocks.
(Mentors…)
Avoid the “dead zone” between completing
the project and completing the write-up.
(You should be doing the write-up as you do
the project.)
Procrastination is still your biggest enemy…
Eagle Project: Carrying out the project
Keep detailed, daily record of project and progress





Who worked on project , # of hours (keep track of service hours each
day)
Take photos as the project progresses
Notes of what went well, what didn’t go according to plan, lessons
learned
Maintain records showing actual vs plan for both materials and time
Keep detailed records to answer the following in your final write-up:






In what ways did you demonstrate leadership of others?
Give examples of how you directed the project rather than doing the
work yourself
In what way did the religious institution, school or community group
benefit from the project?
Did the project follow the plan?
If changes to the plan were made, explain why the changes were
necessary.
Eagle Project: Completing the project
Write- up with the same thoroughness as an important term paper

Put in a binder that is labeled and well organized. Organization counts.

Include official BSA “hard-copy” of Workbook with original signatures

Use “soft copy” of Workbook for practice write-up.

Maintain two complete, signed off copies of your Eagle Project book.

Also include:


District will keep one for Project Binder

Planned vs actual materials and explanations for variances

Planned vs. actual hours and explanations for variances

Conclusions from project

“After” photographs with some narrative
Thank you letters to project sponsor and key suppliers
Eagle Project: Completing the project
Write- up with the same thoroughness as an important term paper
Be sure to answer the following in your final write-up:






In what ways did you demonstrate leadership of others?
Give examples of how you directed the project rather than
doing the work yourself
In what way did the religious institution, school or
community group benefit from the project?
Did the project follow the plan?
If changes to the plan were made, explain why the changes
were necessary.
Eagle Project: Obtain signoffs
Project sponsor at non-profit agency: obtain signatures on two
hard copy Workbooks

Troop: this may take several meetings and should include a
review of



Completeness of your write-up

Results of project: on time, on budget, quality

Documentation: photos, lessons learned,…

How well organized is your presentation
Your leadership service project will ultimately be reviewed at
your Eagle Board of Review by the Tahquitz District.
The Eagle Scout Scoutmaster
Conference and District Board of
Review
Julie Gray

 Eagle Board of Review
Coordinator
(951)698-3250
[email protected]


Take part in a Scoutmaster conference:
paperwork to check in advance
Obtain Eagle Scout Rank Application and complete the form
accurately:







Individual History report from Troopmaster database
Suggest a check against printout of your advancement history
from the council records (the Council can print this out for you.)
All dates for advancement, merit badges etc. on Eagle application
must tie to the council records. If the council records are
incorrect, work with the troop advancement chair to get them
corrected.
Blue Cards are your proof of completion so don’t lose them
If you moved from another Council you will need your records
from there too
Note that you are required to supply references who know you
personally and can attest that you live by oath and law.
Application must include a brief summary about Scout’s
ambitions and life’s goals

Make it well written
Use the Current Application
Keep Records Safe


Keep your copy of
merit badge Blue
Cards
Also keep rank and
merit badge
certificates
Assemble Documents in Neat
Order


Use a 3-ring binder
to hold pages in
sheet protectors
Suggested order:



Eagle application
TroopMaster report or
blue cards
Project workbook


Include photos
Statement of
ambitions and life
goals
Take part in a Scoutmaster
conference: Procedure

Scoutmaster conference will be conducted by Troop

May want to include more than one Scoutmaster

Goals of the conference:






Confirm that all requirements for Eagle rank have been
completed other than Scoutmaster conference and board
of review
Review of Scout’s experience in Scouting and knowledge
gained
Assessment of preparedness for Eagle rank
Have Application, Project Workbook and Scout Handbook
and review them for accuracy and completeness
Expect to take time for conference. Scout may be asked to
come back for follow up meeting.
Scouts should prepare as they would for an important final
examination and appear in full class A uniform.
Complete an Eagle Board of Review

Last evaluation of Scout’s worthiness for
Eagle Rank

Requirements



- Project
-Spirit
Suggest a Troop Board of Review before
scheduling a District Board
A prepared Scout has a better chance of
success at District
Complete an Eagle Board of Review

Submit your application to the council


Advancement dates will be checked and references
may be contacted prior to scheduling the board of
review.
The Council Advancement Clerk conducts reviews on
Monday and Tuesday


Suggest you personally take it to Council in case
there are problems
The Council Advancement Clerk will sign for the
Council then you may schedule a Board of Review
Complete an Eagle Board of Review





Eagle boards of review are conducted at the
district level.
Boards are scheduled on the First Tuesday and
the third Thursday of each month
You must contact the District Eagle Board of
Review Coordinator to schedule your Board
You should notify your Scoutmaster once your
Board of Review is scheduled so that one of
them can introduce you to the Board of Review
Parents should also plan to attend
Complete an Eagle Board of Review:
Scheduling

Contact Julie Gray at:




(951)698-3250
[email protected]
At least two weeks in advance
By the day before all Eagle paperwork
must be at Craig Jaeger’s office
 Eagle Application
 Project Workbook (2 Copies)
Complete an Eagle Board of Review:
The Board

Conducted by 3 to 4 people


Advancement Committee member, Scouters, prominent members
of the community
Board will meet 30 min.- 1 hour prior to review all applicants for that
night

Be on Time!

Be in full Uniform!


Reviews are wide ranging and typically encompass:

Review of Scout Oath and Law, their meaning and application in
the Scout’s life

The history of scouting, the scout badge

Proper display and handling of the American flag

The Eagle Leadership Service Project with focus on leadership

Attitudes about Scouting and life in general

How Scouting has affected the Scout and his outlook on life
Typical duration is about 30-45 after which the board meets privately
to decide whether the Scout meets the requirements for Eagle rank.
Decisions must be unanimous.
The Final Steps

Once the board of review is successfully completed, you will be
responsible for submitting your paperwork to the Council
Office



Council will certify and forward to the BSA national office for
final approval, which may take a few weeks.
Process typically takes 2-4 weeks unless there is a problem


This will be your Application and Advancement Form presented to
you at the end of the Board of Review
May be expedited for a $40 fee and returned in around a
week after National gets it
The date of the Eagle Scout Award is the date of the Board of
Review
The Eagle Scout Court of Honor

The Scout and his family decide when and where to have
their court of honor

Units may pay for all or a portion of the expenses

The unit is responsible for the purchase of the award

Families should solicit as much help as possible



Guest list/invitations
Letters of congratulations (Troop responsibility). Should
be done several months in advance
Guest speakers/Agenda/Program/Ceremony (Scout &
parent’s choice)
The Eagle Scout Court of Honor

A reminder that the Scout should conduct the
Court of Honor with the Life Rank on his uniform
since he will be awarded the Eagle Rank
The Eagle Scout Court of Honor


Facility arrangements

Decorations/Displays

Entertainment

Food or refreshments

Photographer

Eagle Scout portraits
Resources


Internet for ceremonies and ideas on Eagle Scout courts of honor
The Eagle Court of Honor Handbook” by Gary Hendra available at the
Scout Shop and other outlets

Experienced Scouters and Eagle Scouts

Scout Shop or party store for party supplies
Concluding comments



The key elements in reaching Eagle rank are your
initiative, active involvement and perseverance.
The troop and your parents can help but ultimately the
achievement and recognition are yours.
Plan on reaching Eagle within two years of achieving
Life Scout rank. Create a plan and:




Remain active in troop and patrol activities
Identify and complete an Eagle Leadership Service
Project
Identify and complete a leadership role that is
interesting to you
Complete your merit badges
A Final Reminder




You now have a responsibility to give back to
Scouting all that it has given you.
This is not the end of the road but the
beginning
You must now be a mentor and example for all
those Scouts looking up to you to reach where
you have
“Once an Eagle Scout, Always an Eagle
Scout.”