trail to eagle prepared by tahquitz district advancement committee california inland empire council...

Trail to Eagle

Prepared byTahquitz District Advancement

CommitteeCalifornia Inland Empire Council

Adapted from a Presentation byGoose 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)[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? Be among a group

of famous Americans

A U.S. President 33 Astronauts Pulitzer Prize

authors Government leaders Business executives

Being an Eagle Scout identifies you as a LEADER

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3

5

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 Goal Date Actual DateCitizenship in the CommunityCitizenship in the NationCitizenship in the WorldCommunicationsFirst AidEmergency PreparednessLifesavingSwimmingHikingCyclingPersonal ManagementPersonal FitnessCampingEnvironmental ScienceFamily Life

Project Goal Date Actual DateConceptCommunity Agency ApprovalOther Approvals

Troop Committee ApprovalDistrict ApprovalFundingMaterialsSchedulingCompletion

Eagle Process Goal Date Actual DateTroop Scoutmaster ConferenceTroop Board of ReviewEagle Packet to CouncilDistrict Board of ReviewCourt 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.


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


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 (1)

Twelve required merit badges (Silver Borders) First Aid Communications Citizenship in Community Citizenship in Nation Family Life Citizenship in World Personal Fitness Environmental Science Personal Management Camping Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving Swimming or Hiking or Cycling

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

Eligible leadership positions include: patrol leader, SPL, ASPL, troop guide, den chief, junior assistant Scoutmaster and other positions as approved by the Scoutmaster.

Note that Asst. Patrol Leader and Bugler are not on the list

Troop should establish requirements for leadership positions

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.


Places to look for a project City recreation departments Schools Religious organizations Non-profit organizations Locally

Santa Rosa Plateau Lake Skinner Nature Center

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.


•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


Once you know what to do then develop how to do it

What manning will you need Scouts Parents Friends Charter Organization Benefiting Organization


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)


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. District will keep one for Project Binder

Also include: 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


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


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

This will be your Application and Advancement Form presented to you at the end of the Board of Review

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

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)


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


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.”