Transcript Trail to Eagle

Trail to Eagle
Prepared by
Troop 1518 Eagle Coaches
Adapted from a Presentation by
Tahquitz District Advancement Committee
California Inland Empire Council
Goose Creek District Advancement Committee
National Capital Area Council
Earning Eagle Scout
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Should be a combined effort by the
Scout, the Parents and the Troop
Begin Working Toward Eagle as Soon
as You become a Scout
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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
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More Responsibility on Scout
Bad timing as Scout enters High School
Start Working on Eagle as
Soon as You Earn Life Scout
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You can become an Eagle within 6
months of earning Life Scout
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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 Coaches
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Developing a Troop level Coach 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
Use the Coach – they are there to help!!
Current Coach(es)
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ASM Romans
Eagle Scout References
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Use the following – the coaches do!
Eagle Scout Procedures Guide – 2013
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http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.ncacbsa.org/resource/group/9e64546e-1b0048b4-bce5-91c1f59f8d5c/life-to-eagle/ncac-eagle-scout-procedures-.pdf
Eagle Service Project Workbook
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http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/Eagl
eWorkbookProcedures.aspx
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Eagle Scout Rank Application (ESRA)
http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-728_WB_fillable.pdf
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From Scoutmaster
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District Eagle Representatives
Troop contacts for workbook
Requirements for Earning
Eagle Scout Rank
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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.
Earn a total of 21 merit badges
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.
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Take part in a Scoutmaster conference.
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Successfully complete an Eagle Scout board of review.
Requirements #1 through 6 must be completed before
the Scout’s 18th birthday.
Requirements for Earning
Eagle Scout Rank
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Requirements #1 through 6 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
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Remember that all but the Final
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
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Registered
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Good standing
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Meets units reasonable expectations
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Definition of “active” for leadership positions
has higher requirements
#2 Demonstrate Scout Spirit
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Scout Spirit is an assessment of whether a Scout is living the
Oath and Law.
Elements of Scout Spirit include:
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Attendance at meetings and outings
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Enthusiasm and positive attitude
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Wearing appropriate uniform
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Working effectively with younger Scouts
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Demonstrating leadership
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Being prepared
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Being an example for other scouts
Ultimately, decision to recommend a Scout for Eagle rank
should be based on evidence of Scout Spirit
#3 Earn a total of 21 merit badges
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Thirteen required merit badges (Silver Borders)
First Aid
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Citizenship in Community  Citizenship in Nation
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Family Life
Personal Fitness
Personal Management
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Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving  Cooking
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Swimming or Hiking or Cycling
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 Communications
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 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.
#4 While a Life Scout, serve actively for a
period of 6 months in a Position of
Responsibility
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Eligible leadership positions include (check handbook):
Patrol leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol
Leader, Venture patrol leader, Troop Guide, Order of the
Arrow Troop Rep, Den Chief, Scribe, Librarian, Historian,
Quartermaster, Junior Asst Scoutmaster, Chaplain Aide,
Instructor, Webmaster, Leave No Trace trainer.
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Note that Asst. Patrol Leader and Bugler are not on the
list
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Troop has established requirements for leadership
positions
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Your Leadership position and how the scout worked at it
may be a topic at the Eagle Board of Review
#5 - The Eagle Scout
Leadership Service Project
Eagle Project: Get organized
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Get the Eagle
Service Project
Workbook and read
it. Make sure the form is
the latest version.
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Ask your parents to
support you on this
project.
Make the completion of
the project a priority.
Eagle Project : Understand the
purposes
Leadership: it is about your ability to work with and organize
others to complete a successful project
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Service: the project should make a material contribution to a
community-based, non-profit organization
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Skills development: the project will test your skills in
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Planning
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Communications
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Project management
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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
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This step is the biggest stumbling block for Life Scouts
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Troop mentoring and parent support at this stage is crucial
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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
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Project scope:
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This is the critical aspect that will define a approved project and
one that isn’t
There is no “hours” requirement, though a project of reasonable
scope will likely take around 100 hours including:
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planning
Scout and helpers
All of the work hours should not be by the Eagle Scout candidate
Large enough to demonstrate leadership of others
An Eagle Project CANNOT:
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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
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Places to look for a project
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City recreation departments
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Schools
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Religious organizations
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Non-profit organizations
Eagle Project: Pick a project
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Start by talking with
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Your favorite teachers
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Volunteer coordinators at non-profits
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Your minister or church youth program
leader
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Any non-profit organizations that you or
your parents are involved with
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Other Scouts who have completed their
projects
 Internet search using “Eagle Project”
will lead to many other ideas
Eagle Project: Get your proposal
approved
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Review your initial write-up; this may take 2 to 3 meetings
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Print the proposal and get signatures:
Your project must be formally signed off by each of the
following in this order:
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Executive at non-profit sponsoring your service project
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Scoutmaster
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Troop Committee Chairman for the Committee
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District Eagle Representative (list from Scoutmaster)
Be prepared: it often takes a few meetings before you have
all the approvals to begin.
You cannot start performing the project until you have all
these approvals completed
Eagle Project: Select a time
Decide when you want to get the project completed.
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Based on your Target date
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You can start the project anytime after you become a Life Scout
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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)
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Plan ahead so that you can find a time when the Eagle project can be
balanced with
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Schoolwork
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Sports and other commitments
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Vacation schedules (yours and others)
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Set a deadline for completing the project and stick with it.
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Your enemy is procrastination.
Eagle Project: Final Planning
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Planning is the most important part of any
successful Eagle project, and it takes time…
The Workbook provides the format for
planning the project.
Final planning does not have to be approved
but Coach review is a good idea (and the
board will want to see what you did)
Use Section 3 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
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What manning will you need
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Scouts
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Parents
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Friends
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Charter Organization
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Benefiting Organization
Eagle Project: Plan the project
How much will the project cost? How will it be paid
for?
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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)
If more than $500 will be required, you may need the
fund raising application. Review this requirement and
do so early!!
Eagle Project: Plan the project
A completed project plan will address the following:
What is your project plan?
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List of tasks and # hours estimated for each through completion
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Suggest an Excel spreadsheet with estimated hours
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Drawings and designs to show what you intend to do
Project Safety
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Adult supervision; needs to be “two deep”
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Use of “dangerous” power tools by adults only (think about this)
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Tour Permits
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Permission Slips
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Organization Waivers
Your project plan should convince the reader that the
service
project will be successful for everyone involved.
Eagle Project: Carrying out the project
Don’t wait too long after approval
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A lot can change that may affect the project
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Set a schedule for completing the project and stick to it
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Do a job that you are proud of and reflects well upon Scouting
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On time: keep momentum to finish the project, including write-up
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On budget: see how your estimates were for both materials and labor
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Quality work: “On my honor I will do my best…”
People are more likely to help on your project if:
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You are active in the troop
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You help out on other Eagle projects
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Non-Scouts are welcome to help out on Eagle projects
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Try not to conflict with other Troop Activities
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Have fun. You should be able to look at the Eagle project as one of your
most enjoyable experiences in Scouting.
Eagle Project: Carrying out the project
Keep detailed, daily record of project and progress
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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:
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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: Keep people up to
date
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Keep both the sponsor and the Troop up to date on
your progress.
Ask for help when you hit roadblocks.
Coach…)
(Eagle
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: 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.
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Also include:
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Planned vs actual materials and explanations for variances
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Planned vs. actual hours and explanations for variances
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Conclusions from project
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“After” photographs with some narrative
Thank you letters to project sponsor and key suppliers
Eagle Project: Completing the project
(cont.)
Be sure to answer the following in your final write-up:
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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 signature
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Troop: this may take several meetings and should include
a review of
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Completeness of your write-up
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Results of project: on time, on budget, quality
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Documentation: photos, lessons learned,…
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How well organized is your presentation
Your leadership service project will ultimately be
reviewed at your Eagle Board of Review by the District.
The Eagle Scout Scoutmaster
Conference and
District Board of Review
Take part in a Scoutmaster conference:
paperwork to check in advance
Obtain Eagle Scout Rank Application and complete the form accurately:
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All dates for advancement, merit badges etc. on Eagle application must
match to the report or blue cards (blue cards override report but must fix
report)
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.
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Get Individual History report from Troopmaster database (Mr. Williams)
Provide names – troop requests recommendations
DO NOT ASK for the references but DO ask them if the troop may
contact them
Application must include a brief summary about Scout’s ambitions and
life’s goals and list of position and awards in other organizations
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Make it well written
Use the Current Application
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New one includes updated
required merit badges
You will find in life that at times
the paperwork has to speak for
you (a lot like your college
applications will).
We insist on perfection on these
documents.
Keep Records Safe
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Keep your copy of
merit badge Blue
Cards
Also keep rank and
merit badge
certificates
Assemble Documents in Neat
Order
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Use a 3-ring binder to
hold pages in sheet
protectors
Required order:
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Eagle application
Statement of ambitions
and life goals
Project workbook
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Include photos
Merit Badge blue cards
History report in front
pocket
Take part in a Scoutmaster
conference: Procedure
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Scoutmaster conference will be conducted by Scoutmaster
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Goals of the conference:
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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
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After SM conference
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Application corrections are complete
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Advancement dates will be checked and references will be
contacted prior to scheduling the board of review.
Application will be submitted to District Eagle Rep for
review
Application then sent to Council - Council Advancement
Clerk conducts reviews
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The Council Advancement Clerk will sign for the
Council and return to the Scoutmaster
Only then we may schedule a Board of Review
Complete an Eagle Board of Review
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Last evaluation of Scout’s worthiness for
Eagle Rank
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Requirements
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- Project
-Spirit
Will be scheduled by Scoutmaster/Troop
Eagle Coordinator based on availability of
District Rep, other members, Scoutmaster,
Eagle candidate
Complete an Eagle Board of Review:
The Board
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Conducted by 3 to 4 people
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District Committee member, 2-3 troop representatives
Board will meet 30 min.- 1 hour prior to review all applicants for
that night
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Be on Time!
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Be in full Uniform!
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Reviews are wide ranging and typically encompass:
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Review of Scout Oath and Law, their meaning and application in
the Scout’s life
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The history of scouting, the scout badge
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Proper display and handling of the American flag
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The Eagle Leadership Service Project with focus on leadership
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Attitudes about Scouting and life in general
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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
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Once the board of review is successfully completed, you will be
responsible for submitting your paperwork to the Council
Office
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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
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The troop typically takes care of this step, but may ask you to do
so
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
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MAY NOT BE SCHEDULED UNTIL NATIONAL
CERTIFICATION IS RETURNED
The Scout and his family decide when and where to
have their court of honor in coordination with the
Scoutmaster
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Units may pay for all or a portion of the expenses
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Families should solicit as much help as possible
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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
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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
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Facility arrangements
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Decorations/Displays
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Entertainment
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Food or refreshments
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Photographer
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Eagle Scout portraits
Resources
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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
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Experienced Scouters and Eagle Scouts
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Scout Shop or party store for party supplies
Concluding comments
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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:
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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
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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.”