Trail to Eagle Scout

Earn a total of 21 merit badges (10 more than Life rank).
The merit badges must include:

First Aid
Citizenship in the Community
Citizenship in the Nation
Citizenship in Society
Citizenship in the World
Communication
Cooking
Personal Fitness
Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving
Environmental Science or Sustainability
Personal Management
Swimming or Hiking or Cycling
Camping
Family Life
… and 7 additional merit badges of your choice

While a Life Scout, serve actively in the troop for six months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility (troop may not have all of these positions). If you intend to satisfy the position of responsibility requirement through leadership in a Venturing crew or as a Lone Scout, you must meet certain qualification and registration requirements, and must have your plan approved in advance by your local district or council’s Life to Eagle Coordinator.

• Patrol Leader
• Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
• Senior Patrol Leader
• Troop Guide
• Order of the Arrow Troop Representative
• Den Chief
• Scribe
• Librarian
• Historian
• Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
• Quartermaster
• Chaplain Aide
• Instructor
• Webmaster
• Outdoor Ethics Guide

While meeting with the Life to Eagle mentor is not a required step in the rank advancement process, it can be helpful. As an experienced adult leader, and perhaps an Eagle Scout, the Life to Eagle mentor can give some guidance for the overall process, and provide insight into the lifelong impact of being an Eagle Scout. A Life to Eagle mentor is different from an Eagle project coach. This person can guide you in all of the steps from Life to Eagle, while your project coach might offer expertise and advice for planning and executing your specific project.

Service to others is an important part of the Scout Oath— “…to help other people at all times.” Each year, tens of thousands of youth strive to achieve the coveted Eagle Scout rank by applying character, citizenship, and Scouting values in their daily lives. One of the rank requirements is to 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 Scouts of America. Through this requirement, Scouts practice what they have learned and gain valuable project management and leadership experience.

You must use the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, No. 512-927, in meeting this requirement. A project proposal must be approved by the organization benefiting from the effort, your unit leader and unit committee, and the district before you start.

Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook.

Each Eagle candidate selects or is assigned, a project coach. The coach can provide process or technical expertise to help you execute a successful project and have a positive experience.

So how does a Scout select a project coach?  This depends in part on what guidance the Scout wants and needs. The troop Life to Eagle mentor can direct you in finding an appropriate project coach. The project coach may not be your parent.

Do you want or need expertise in a subject area that is key to your project?

• a conservation area such as animal habitats or forestry?
• a trade skill such as welding or woodworking?
• familiarity with various grades and types of construction materials?
• knowledge of required permits or other approval hurdles to execute the project?
•  

What are the attributes of a good project coach?

• must be a registered BSA adult who has completed Youth Protection training
• must be familiar with the Eagle project workbook and requirements

What type of input might a project coach offer?

• assessment of the project plan strengths and weaknesses
• thoughts on the fundraising process
• advice on health and safety issues
• networking help in finding resources
• review of the final project report
• cautions to develop contingency plans
• encouragement to make sound decisions for a positive outcome

What would a project coach NOT do?

• approve, deny, direct, or dictate changes to a Scout’s project plan
• take over the Scout’s leadership and planning role
• replace the longer term ongoing role between the Scout and Scoutmaster
• contradict guidance from the beneficiary regarding what the organization needs
• reach outside the project scope to other areas of Life to Eagle advancement
• meet with a Scout without following Youth Protection rules

As you are working on a project proposal, visit as frequently as needed with those in your support network: your beneficiary, the troop Life to Eagle Mentor, your Scoutmaster, the troop committee chair, and others who can offer suggestions, resources, guidance, and questions to help you think through what you will do. Some of these adults have experience with many Eagle projects and can help you select a meaningful project and calibrate the project scope to be a suitable challenge that you can successfully complete.

Note that the Eagle Project Workbook advises you do not have to seek the first three approvals in a specific order. However, the recommended sequence for a smooth approval process is listed below. Each of these approval steps involves a discussion, not just a quick signature. Be prepared to talk about your project, listen to constructive input, and take notes.

1. Once you have prepared the project proposal, the first signature required is that of the beneficiary. By obtaining this approval, you are establishing a contract for what you will deliver. You should alert the beneficiary to the possibility that you will get additional guidance as you seek other approvals, and you will return to discuss it further if any substantive changes are called for. When the project is complete, you will return to the beneficiary to review whether you delivered what was agreed, and to get a signature confirming the project is done.
2. The second approval signature you will seek is that of your Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster will ask you to give an overview of your project scope and plan, and also to explain why you have chosen to serve the beneficiary in this way. A good understanding of your beneficiary’s work and needs is essential to delivering a meaningful project.
3. Your troop committee chair is the next stop. Again, you’ll share highlights of your proposed project scope and plan, and discuss how to ensure that your project will meet the five tests of a suitable Eagle project.
4. The last stop is your district Eagle coordinator. When this final approval is obtained, you may begin execution of the project. Any substantive changes in the project scope and deliverables after this approval must be brought back for further discussion and acceptance.

• If the project requires building permits, etc., the Scout needs to identify these in the planning process by speaking with the project beneficiary. However, the organization is responsible for all permitting. This is not a duty for the Scout.
• The project beneficiary must sign any contract.
• If digging is involved, the project beneficiary is responsible for locating, marking and protecting underground utilities as necessary. 

When your project and other requirements for your Eagle rank have been signed off by your Scoutmaster and you sit for an Eagle board of review, you will not be challenged about whether your project scope is appropriate and sufficient, as long as you have delivered what is described in your approved proposal.

Eagle service projects often require fundraising. Donations of money over $500, or any materials, or services, must be pre-approved by the local council unless they are donated by the project beneficiary; by the Scout, their parents, or relatives; or by their troop or its chartered organization. The fundraising form is found in the Eagle project workbook.  The form must be completed and approved by the district executive prior to beginning fundraising.

For additional detail see “Procedures and Limitations on Eagle Scout Service Project Fundraising,” found in the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, No. 512-927.

You may not begin executing your Eagle project, ordering supplies, scheduling work days, and so, on until you have received approval of the project proposal from the district.

Once you’ve gotten that last approval signature, you may begin immediately.

Supervision

To meet the requirement to “give leadership to others,” the Scout must be given every opportunity to succeed independently without direct supervision. The Scout’s troop must provide adults to assist or keep an eye on things, and the project beneficiary should also have someone available. The Scout, however, must provide the leadership necessary for project completion without adult interference.

As with all Scouting activities, two registered adults over 21 must be present at each work session.

Safety

Through the proposal and planning process, the Scout will identify potential hazards and risks, and outline strategies to prevent and handle injuries or emergencies. Scouts, as minors, however, cannot be held responsible for safety. Adults must accept this responsibility. Property owners, for example, are responsible for issues and hazards related to their property or employees, and any other individuals or circumstances they would normally be responsible for controlling.

As you complete the project, you will want to consider contingencies for weather and other factors. You’ll need to be vigilant of safety considerations and seek expert advice in any area where you’re not sure of the requirements. Your Eagle project workbook will help guide you through the project execution steps. An Eagle Project Coach can be a helpful resource as well.

Check in periodically with the beneficiary, the troop Life to Eagle Mentor, your Eagle Project Coach, and your Scoutmaster. Understand that they are all part of your support network and stand ready to support your efforts if you invite them to help.

Once your project has been installed or delivered, you’ve reached a key milestone, but the work is not done. These are the important remaining steps:

1. Complete the project report section of your Eagle Project Workbook. You will submit it as part of your Eagle rank application package.
2. Report the hours of service completed by you and others as part of your project planning and implementation.
3. Obtain final signatures from the project beneficiary representative and your Scoutmaster indicating their agreement that the project objectives have been met. Keep in mind that, even if your beneficiary is in agreement, a substantive change in your project scope must be reviewed by those who originally approved the project, to ensure that it is still acceptable for meeting the requirements for your Eagle rank.
4. Attach to your report all the supporting documentation associated with the project. This includes photos, receipts, letters, thank-you notes, news articles, and any other related items.

An Eagle candidate must complete the Scouting America Eagle Scout rank application form that is current as of the date of the board of review.

Download the Application Here

An Eagle candidate requests references from the five (or six, or if there is an employer) adults listed in requirement 2 of the Eagle Scout rank application.

Download Eagle Scout Candidate Form for References

An Eagle candidate must prepare a binder summarizing Scouting activities that have culminated in candidacy for this highest rank. After the application and attachments have been completed, reviewed, and certified by the candidate, the Scoutmaster, and the troop committee, the binder is submitted to the Crossroads of America Council office. The council Eagle Processor will review dates, ranks, signatures, and other details to ensure candidacy requirements have been met, and will forward the binder to the District Eagle Advancement Chairperson.

The checklist used by the council Eagle Processor may be found here.

Reference forms and letters are to be sent directly to the Council Service Center, not via the candidate.

Items NOT required:
– merit badge blue cards
– rank certificate cards
– unit records or individual history reports
– other certificates, photos, documents

The notebook will be available at the candidate’s board of review, and if successful, will be returned to the candidate after the review. Following  approval of the Scout’s rank application by national BSA, the Scout will be notified via email that he/she has successfully earned the rank. The Eagle certificate and card will be available to be picked up at the council office.

Your Scoutmaster conference is often the last step in your Eagle advancement process in the troop. It must be completed BEFORE you turn age 18.
  
In preparation for the final conference, you should have completed the required merit badges, troop leadership, Eagle project, and all other requirements. Your Eagle candidate application and notebook should be assembled and ready for review and certification by your Scoutmaster.
  
This does not mean that you can’t approach your Scoutmaster for a discussion at any time. It’s not unusual to have several conversations before the final one where your rank requirements, project, and application are signed off. You can also approach the Life to Eagle Mentor or troop committee chair during this time to get a better understanding of requirements, candidate notebook contents, and other details of the process.
  
Your conference is more than just a check of the paperwork. You should be prepared to talk about your journey to this point in Scouting, skills you have learned through your rank progression, your goals, and how to prepare for the board of review. Reaching this point is a culmination of years of work and experience. You will have grown from learning Scouting skills to doing Scouting activities to being a Scout for life. It’s a time to be well prepared and to celebrate.

Ordering Cakes

When ordering a cake for your Scout’s court of honor, the bakery will request a trademark release to use any trademarks of Scouting America (Eagle Scout emblem, Fleur de Lis, etc.). Please contact Gina Sherrill by email or by phone at (317) 813-7065. You will be asked for:

1. Name and address of the bakery
2. Number of cakes being ordered
3. Requested images for the cake
4. Who will be picking up the cake
5. Date cake will be picked up

A number of organizations and schools offer scholarships for Eagle Scouts. Because the available awards and application processes change often, Scouts are encouraged to conduct an internet search for scholarships.

Our local council offers two scholarships each year. The applications can be found here:

Crossroads of America Council Eagle Scout of the Year

Crossroads of America Council Eagle Project of the Year

Information about some scholarships offered by the National Eagle Scout Association .

Extensions of time to complete requirements for Eagle rank are extremely rare.  They can only be granted when – through no fault or choice of the individual, and in a way that could not have been foreseen – a new issue has arisen that interrupted the progress of a Scout who was otherwise active, in good standing, and on a path to successfully complete requirements on time.  In addition, once an unforeseen circumstance arose, the Scout must have exhausted options for resolving the situation in time to complete requirements.  For instance, for a Scout who has successfully progressed to Life rank, being unfamiliar with the Eagle rank requirements, becoming busy with other activities, experiencing a false start on an Eagle service project, coping with a long-term physical, mental, or social challenge, or other issues that could have either been anticipated or resolved, would not qualify a Scout for an extension of time to complete requirements.

Steps in the Eagle extension request process:

1. Confirm that you meet the 3 tests for a time extension. (See page 2 of the form for an explanation of the 3 tests.)
2. Confirm that the Scout’s advancement record with the council (entered through Scoutbook) is completely up to date. Previous ranks and all merit badges required for Eagle must already be reported as complete, or must be referenced in the extension request with the reason more time is needed.
3. Submit the form along with required documentation.
4. Note that a letter providing details on how each of the three tests were met is REQUIRED.  An explanation must be provided of specifically how the new circumstance prevented on-time completion of requirements.
5. If a health-related reason is given, a statement from a medical professional is required.
6. All statements and letters must be dated and signed.
7. Provide the Scout’s name and email address, and the parent’s name and email address.
8. Send the completed request form and attachments to and .
9. Your request will be reviewed and you will receive a response (or a request for more information) within ten business days.

Eagle Extension Request Form