Northern Star Council Northern Star Council and Rolling Hills Districtand Rolling Hills District

Present Present

The ‘Life to Eagle’ The ‘Life to Eagle’ Process Process

for for

ScoutsScouts

Scout LeadersScout Leaders

Scout ParentsScout Parents

Why Become an Eagle? How to Get Started

Eagle Project Ideas

Service Project Approval

Procedure Application ProcedureBoard of Review Court of Honor

Questions and Answers

Eagle Expo Agenda

Why Earn the Rank of Eagle Scout?Did you know that in 2013, 6% of all Boy

Scouts earned the rank of Eagle Scout. 181 NASA astronauts were involved in Scouting, 39

are Eagle Scouts 36.4% of West Point Cadets were involved in Scouting,

16.3% are Eagle Scouts 22.5% of Air Force Academy Cadets were involved in

Scouting, 11.9% are Eagle Scouts 25% of Naval Academy Midshipmen were involved in

Scouting, 11% are Eagle Scouts

Famous Eagle Scouts Neil Armstrong, Apollo 11 Mike Rowe, Host of Dirty Jobs Stephen Spielberg

Is it worth the effort?

You will complete a challenge that less than 6% of all scouts meet.

It helps to gain admission to colleges, universities and military academies.

Service to your communities

You will have lifetime recognition as an Eagle Scout.

You will learn leadership and decision making skills that will benefit you the rest of your life.

How to Get Started

Active Tenure in UnitActive Tenure in Unit

WHO? Scout, Scoutmaster, Committee ChairAdvancement Chair*

A Scout is considered to be “active” in his unit if:

He is Registered

Has good standing

Meets the Unit’s reasonable expectations*

* See “Advancement Guide” [BSA #33088 Rev. 2013]

pp. 25-27 (4.2.3.1) for more information about what “Active”

means

Leadership PositionsLeadership PositionsWHO? Scout, Scoutmaster, Asst. Scoutmaster, Advancement ChairThe Scout must hold a Leadership Position for at least six months as a Life Scout

Eligible Positions Senior Patrol Leader Asst. Senior Patrol Leader Jr. Asst. Scoutmaster Chaplain Aide Order of the Arrow Troop Rep.Instructor Librarian Historian

Troop Guide Scribe WebmasterDen Chief Quartermaster‘Leave no Trace’ Trainer Patrol Leader

Ineligible Positions Asst. Patrol Leader Bugler

If you do not fulfill the leadership requirement. The Scoutmaster must remove and inform you as soon as possible.

Merit BadgesMerit Badges

Required 13 from the list of 18Camping, Cit/Community, Cit/Nation, Cit/World, Communications, Cooking, Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving, Environmental Science or Sustainability, Family Life, First Aid, Swimming or Hiking or Cycling, Personal Management, Personal Fitness

3 have a specific time requirement: Personal Management Family Life Personal Fitness

Elective 8 or more from over 125

For a full list, see “Boy Scout Requirements” booklet, or look in the back of a current Merit Badge booklet, or go to www.meritbadge.org

WHO? Scout, Scoutmaster, Advancement Chair21 or more Merit Badges must be earned beforebefore the Scout’s 18th Birthday

Eagle Scout Workbook

Get the most recent version…Available at Northern Star Council website or scouting.org

Don’t use copies that you find in old files or folders. Get the latest version from the sources indicated above.

Eagle Eagle ProjectProjectWHO? Scout, Scoutmaster, Eagle Coach, Parent

The Scout must demonstrate leadership outside of Scouting.

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.”

Scouts must use the latest version of the Eagle Scout

Service Project Workbook.

Available on Northern Star Council’s Advancement pages

at www.northernstarbsa.org

Also available at scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-927_fillable.pdf

Eagle Scout Service ProjectEagle Scout Service Project

Leaders should download the Workbook and have it nearby while reading this Orientation.

Project PurposeProject Purpose

In addition to providing service and fulfilling the part of the Scout Oath, “to help other people at all times,”one of the primary purposes of the Eagle Scout service project is to demonstrate, hone, or to learn and develop, leadership skills.

Project Purpose

Related to this are important lessons in…project managementtaking responsibility for a

significant accomplishment.

The National The National StandardsStandards

The Project Must:

Provide a significant contribution to the beneficiary

Be special; challenge the skills of the Scout

Demonstrate significant leadership

The Project:

must not benefit the BSA in any way.

the Scout(s) involved may not do work for a business, or conduct a fundraiser.

may not involve routine labor.

There is no requirement for a minimum number of hours.

If a Scout has been told that he must meet a minimum, he may contact District Advancement for help to resolve the issue.

Choosing a ProjectChoosing a Project

Your project may be for any religious institution, any school, or your community.“your community” does include the

“community of the world.”

Choosing a ProjectChoosing a ProjectThe project must present an opportunity for

planning, development, and leadership.

For example:

A Scout chooses to do a blood drive and the blood bank provides a set of “canned” instructions to be implemented with no further planning.

The planning effort would not meet the

test.

To continue with this project, the Scout would need to make modifications to demonstrate planning.

Choosing A Service Project Need in the CommunityNeed in the Community

The variety of service projects performed nationally is amazing.

Where to get ideas? County Parks

and Preserves Nature Centers County Libraries Internet

Searches Scout’s Passion

Your Church Your School Your City State Parks Music Arts

Choosing a ProjectNot an Eagle Project: If the benefiting organization provides:

the plans, the list of materials and tools, Provides the materials and tools

An on-site supervisor

Why is this not an Eagle ProjectThe project would not meet the guidelines of plan and develop a project.

Restrictions A project may not be a

fundraiser It may not be an effort that

primarily collects money, No more than one Eagle Scout

candidate may receive credit for working on the same Eagle Scout service project.

Concept ApprovalWHO? Scout, Beneficiaries, Scoutmaster, Eagle

Coach, Parent Scout researches 2-3 ideas. Thinks about what he

enjoys doing. Calls and/or meets possible Beneficiaries to:

• See what might be needed• Would his idea be a ‘good fit’ (as well as close to

home...?) Discuss ideas with Scoutmaster and/or Eagle

Coach

Contact Rolling Hills District Advancement for Verbal Concept Approval (Via Phone, Email, or at RoundTable)

Concept Approval should happen before the Scout begins the “Project Proposal” portion of the Workbook (pp 7-10).

Important: District Advancement teams know that the Eagle process:

from considering Concept ideas to approval of the Project Proposal and to completion of the Final Plan before actually beginning the work days

commonly takes Scouts 2-4 months, not counting a little procrastination.

Eagle Coaches should help Scouts plan accordingly…. especially if the Scout is between 17 and 18. Completing the Project Report and Eagle Rank Application, gathering people’s addresses for recommendations, etc., commonly takes at least a month.

Concept Approval

Project Proposal StandardsWHO? Scout, Benefiting Organization, Eagle Coach, Parent

After getting approval that the Concept is good, the Scout must read the whole Eagle Workbook, cover to cover. His Eagle Coach and Parents should do the same, especially pp. 2-5 and 21-22. The Scout then works on the Project Proposal,Project Proposal, pp. 7-10.

Standards

The project should provide opportunities for planning, development, leadership, and a positive experience!

The Scout works out how his project will benefit a church, school, or other community location.

The Scout must show that he can complete the project (not too much work, or work that he has no idea how to do…)

Safety issues must be addressed.

His proposal must include Action Steps showing how he will move from the proposal to the Final Plan.

If the Scout will be filling in the Workbook by hand, he must use a blue or black ink pen.

Parents in the “Life to Eagle” Parents in the “Life to Eagle” ProcessProcessParents

Read whole Eagle Packet and Project Workbook (especially pp. 3-6 and 21-22).

Provide moral support, mild cajoling.

Take direction from Scout (!)

Listen to Scoutmaster, Eagle Coach advice.

Drive Scout to meetings, estimating trips.

Help Scout figure out Funding; try not to provide major portion.

May provide food, beverages on Work Days.

Don’t act as son’sson’s Eagle Coach, but may certainly coach other Scouts in Unit!

Project Project National StandardsNational Standards

A project proposal must be approved by

organization benefiting from the effort,

your unit leader or Eagle Coach unit committee, andcouncil or district

before you start!

How to Use This WorkbookHow to Use This Workbook

Contact Information(Page 9)

Preparing the Project Proposal (Pages 10–12)

The Final Plan (Pages 13–18)

The Fundraising Application(Pages 19-20)

The Project Report (Pages 21–25)

WORKBOOK PART 1THE PROPOSAL:

The Workbook must be the newest official version.

Every guided question needs to be answered.

There are usually a couple of changes to the project at this stage.

It is reviewed and approved by the Scoutmaster or Eagle Coach and Troop Committee.

WORKBOOK PART 1, THE PROPOSAL:To judge the thoroughness of the written proposal, The Scoutmaster, Eagle Coach and Troop Committee should ask, “Could anyone take this Project Proposal, create Part 2, the Project Plan, use it as written to lead the volunteers, and successfully complete the project?”

WHO? Scout, Benefiting Organization, Eagle Coach, Parent

Elements of the Project Proposal Project Description and Benefit: Project Description and Benefit: Short description, + present condition of site . How it will help Beneficiary . When to begin . How long to complete . “Before” photos . Proportional layout of the area . Give approximate size

How will Scout “Demonstrate Leadership of Others?”How will Scout “Demonstrate Leadership of Others?” How many people will the Scout need, where will he find workers, what instructions might be needed for workers?

Materials: Materials: Reasonable idea of needs: lumber, nails, cement, plants...

Expendable Supplies:Expendable Supplies: Tape, glue, food, cleanser, gas...

Tools:Tools: Shovels, power tools, gloves...

Permits/Permissions:Permits/Permissions: Permits; who will get? Cost? How long to get?

Project Proposal

Rolling Hills asks that

Scouts work out funding so

families may be asked to donate only small items such as use of

tools, and bringing

refreshments

WHO? Scout, Benefiting Organization, Eagle Coach, Parent

Elements of the Project ProposalPreliminary Cost Estimate:Preliminary Cost Estimate:

Approx Cost .

Funds from? - Beneficiary, Chartered Org. - Church - Local Business - Fundraising Event

(see pp. 17-18: Submit Application to District Advancement Chair)

Logistics:Logistics: Gathering supplies, transportation, and contingencies for weather, etc.

Schedule / Work Day Plans Schedule / Work Day Plans No dates. Need to see – plans for each work day. Would be great to see –idea of hours, helpers, materials, equipment needed.

Workers: Workers: Who will help

Adult Supervision: Adult Supervision: Power tools, etc.

First Aid PrecautionsFirst Aid Precautions

Further Planning: Further Planning: A list of Action Steps to complete the Final Plan. .

Project Proposal

ApprovalsWHO? Scout, Benefiting Organization, Eagle Coach, Scoutmaster, Unit Committee, Parent

Approval must be obtained before Final Plan, Fundraising and/or the work days begin. The Scout signs just above the approvals boxes on p. 10.

In no particular order: Benefiting Organization Scoutmaster Unit Committee

LAST!! District Advancement Committee, usually at District Roundtable We will be happy to schedule a special meeting if necessary* – we never turn a Scout away.

* Necessary:Necessary: Accident, weather event, 1-time school event other than sports, family emergency, very close to 18th birthday (within 2-3 months).

Non-necessary:Non-necessary: school sports, work schedule.

Scouts should “Be Prepared” to take notes at their Proposal

approval meeting, so they may answer

questions posed in the Final

Plan portion of the Workbook.

Candidate’s PromiseOn my honor as a Scout, I have read this entire workbook, including the “Message to Scouts and Parents or Guardians” on p. 5 I promise to be the leader of this project and to do my best to carry it out for the maximum benefit of the religious institution, school or community I have chosen as beneficiary.

District Approval District Approval RepresentativeRepresentative

Tim Isom 507-663-94161021 Maple Street Northfield MN 55057rhadv@mnmars.org

FundraisingFundraising

Eagle Scout service projects may not be fundraisers. In other words, the candidate may not stage an effort that primarily collects money, even if it is for a worthy charity.Fundraising is permitted only for securing materials, and otherwise facilitating a project.

FundraisingWHO? Scout, Eagle Coach, Troop Treasurer, Parent

The Eagle Project is meant to help the Scout gain confidence and show leadership. One of the main ways to do this is at the fundraising stage.

He and his mentors must think of ways to secure the funding. This may be a “mental stretching exercise” for Scouts, but they have already done the basics during their Scouting career: remind them to think about the Troop’s popcorn, wreath, candy, flower sales...

Fundraising is permitted only for securing materials or supplies needed to carry out the project.

Materials may be donated to the project by anyone.Examples: flowers, shrubs, trees, wood & metal scraps, wood chips, paint, cloth, books, food, snacks, and other like materials.

Family members, friends, Unit members, and the Chartered Organization may make donations for Eagle Projects, but should not be the primary source of funds.

Fundraising

For Fundraising events, Scouts need to read p. 20, and fill in the Fundraising Application on p. 19. This must be submitted to the District Advancement Chair for approval. Please do NOT send this to Council, even though that is mentioned in the Workbook. (Northern Star Council has 1 Eagle Registrar who sees between 700-800 Eagle Projects a year – no time to approve funding requests.)

All Eagle Project Funds should be kept in the Unit’s Eagle Account. The Scout should turn inreceipts and be reimbursed.

All remaining funds are donated to the Beneficiary.

WHO? Scout, Eagle Coach, Troop Treasurer, Parent

Fundraising Application(Workbook page 19)(Workbook page 19)

Not required if the Scout’s fundraising effort involves contributions only from the beneficiary or the Scout, his parents or relatives, his unit or its chartered organization, or his parents or members in his unit

Fundraising Application

If the Scout will be obtaining money or materials from any other sources, he must submit a completed application to District Advancement Chair for approval.

Fundraising

Common Funding Sources Benefiting organization has budgeted for project

Letters to area businesses and civic groups to solicit donations of materials, gift cards, etc.

Local Banks and other businesses often have a mandate to help community

Church Members

Community Organizations

Car Wash, Bake Sale, Garage Sale

EAGLE SCOUT SERVICE EAGLE SCOUT SERVICE PROJECT FINAL PLAN:PROJECT FINAL PLAN:

You cannot start the Project until you have completed the Final Plan.

We highly recommend that the Scoutmaster, Eagle Coach, or Unit Committee review the Final Plan.

EAGLE SCOUT SERVICE PROJECT FINAL PLAN

The Scout, Scoutmaster, Eagle coach and Troop Committee should ask,

“Could anyone take this project plan, and use it as written to lead the volunteers, and successfully complete of the project?”

The Final PlanWHO? Scout, Benefiting Organization, Eagle Coach, Parent

The National BSA re-ordered the Eagle process in late 2011, to put less emphasis on the first meeting between District Advancement and the Scout. This places more responsibility for the completion of the Final Plan and the Project Report on the Scout and his Unit. The BEST ways to ensure that the Scout will have a clean Eagle Board of Review:

Work with an Eagle Coach who is not his Scoutmaster or his parents. There are several locations in the Workbook to make notes or gather signatures to show that he is following directions laid out at the beginning of the Workbook.

Move quickly, while the Proposal information and notes from District Advancement are fresh in the Scout’s mind, to complete the Final Plan portion of the Workbook, pp. 13-18.

If Fundraising is needed, read p. 20, complete p. 19, and contact the District Advancement Chair, as it may take a week or so to get this approval.

The Final Plan

WHO? Scout, Benefiting Organization, Eagle Coach, Parent

Changes to this portion of the Workbook will make it easier for the Scouts to visualize and complete this segment. Changes from the Proposal Changes from the Proposal – The Scout should keep track

of changes from what was approved in the Proposal. Project Phases Project Phases – The Scout should copy/paste the Proposal

phases here, and then edit them as he fills in the detail in the Work Processes, Materials, Supplies, Tools, Expenses, Logistics, Safety, and Contingency segments.

Giving LeadershipGiving Leadership – A great new segment with more direction to help the Scout figure out how to provide Leadership on his Work Days.

Eagle Coach CommentsEagle Coach Comments – This segment will provide some great insight to the project at the Eagle Board of Review.

Rolling Hills Advancement is

more than happy to fulfill

the Eagle Coach function for

Units who have no one

designated to work with Eagle

Candidates.

Carrying Out the ProjectWHO? Troop, Friends, Family, School & Church Volunteers, Mentors, anyone who wants to help!

Scout should “clearly demonstrate leadership skills” while carrying out the Work Days.

Scout should follow the approved plan. All modifications should be noted. If the project deviates from the approved proposal so far that it has become unrecognizable, the Scout should access the following “Chain of Command” to ask for help to resolve the problem:

1. Eagle Coach

2. Scoutmaster, Unit Advancement Chair

3. District Advancement

COMPLETE PROJECT. PROJECT.

Lead others in doing the

Project,

Fill out Part 3, the Final

Report,

Gather the final signatures.

Project ReportWHO? Scout, Eagle Coach, Parent

The next step is completing the Project Report. Again, this segment will be much easier for the Scout. It contains prompts to help with gathering information. Reading these later segments in the Workbook before beginning the process will show the Scout what types of info the Board of Review will be looking for.

Summary . Changes . Evidence of Leadership

Materials . Supplies . Tools – Overages, shortages, etc. No estimated and actual cost reports are needed.

Hours: Candidate’s hours to plan and carry out; BSA youth, other youth, BSA adults, and other adults, etc.

Funding: All funds should be managed by the Unit, and any

remainder should be donated to the Beneficiary.

Project Report

WHO? Scout, Eagle Coach, Parent

“After” photos, maps, hand-outs, fundraising letters...

Scout’s signature stating he was the leader of the project.

Benefiting Organization’s signature, and letter of approval (letter is optional but highly encouraged.)

Eagle Coach or Scoutmaster’s signature verifying that the Eagle Project is complete.

When Questions When Questions AriseArise

If at anytime, you do not

understand these steps, please

contact:

your Eagle Coach or

One of the District

Advancement Committee

Members.

BOARD OF REVIEW:

The final decision whether or not this project fulfills the requirement for the rank of Eagle rests with the Eagle Board of Review.

Was there sufficient PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, & LEADERSHIP of Others?

BE PREPARED!

Letters of RecommendationWHO? Scout, Scoutmaster

Candidate gives Scoutmaster information noted on front of Eagle Application for:

Parent or Guardian Religious: anyone at church who knows Scout. (Scout or

Parent may also write statement of Reverence.) Educator Employer (if any). Only letter that is not necessary. Two non-family references who know Scout personally.

1. Scoutmaster may submit Packet to Council Registrar even if all letters are not included. Letter(s) may be added to packet before the Eagle Board of Review.

2. Unit should budget for cost of Eagle Letters of Recommendation

Letters of Recommendation

Scoutmaster may submit Packet to Council Registrar even if all letters are not included. Letter(s) may be added to packet before the Eagle Board of Review.

Unit should budget for cost of Eagle Letters of Recommendation

APPLY FOR THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT:

When all requirements have been met, Fill out the Eagle Scout applicationEnclose the completed Eagle Scout

Service Project Workbook.Do not bind the workbook in any way.

Use clips or clamps.

Use latest revision. PDF can be saved to computer. May be completed on computer or handwritten.

Find under Advancement or “Eagle Resources” at www.bsa.scouting.org or www.northernstarbsa.org

Most Scouts print 2 copies, one for a “sloppy copy,” and the final copy.

If handwritten, please use blue or black pen.

Eagle Scout Rank ApplicationWHO? Scout, Scoutmaster, Eagle Coach

“Life to Eagle” Packets are available online at www.northernstarbsa.org

Unit Advancement Chair should print and present to Scout with Life Life

RankRank advancement patch.

Pay attention to the “Eagle Scout Application Check Sheet,” and the “Top Ten Errors” sheet to avoid the pitfalls noted.

Rank Application Check-sheetsWHO? Scout, Eagle Coach, Advancement Chair

Scoutmaster ConferenceWHO? Scout, Scoutmaster

The Scoutmaster Conference is the last thing that mustmust occur before the Scout’s 18th birthday.

Over and above discussing the usual things like Scouting Spirit, living the Oath and Law daily, etc., the Scoutmaster will make sure all the items of the Eagle Packet are complete.

Troop Committee

After the Scoutmaster Conference, the Scoutmaster will ask the Committee Chair to sign the Eagle Application before submitting it to the Council Registrar.

In the unhappy event that a Scoutmaster or Troop Committee Chair cannot in good faith sign the Scout’s Eagle Application, they should submit a letter with stated reasons. Please contact District Advancement to discuss circumstances.

How to your Personal StatementWhat's This?

Requirement #6 of the Eagle Scout application asks you to write a personal statement. It reads: "Attach to this application a statement of your ambitions and life purpose and a listing of positions held in your religious institution, school, camp, community, or other organizations during which you demonstrated leadership skills. Include honors and awards received during this service.

This is your chance to reflect on your accomplishments and put them to paper.

Eagle Scout Personal Statement

Before or After Age 18Before or After Age 18The Eagle PacketWHO: Scoutmaster, Council Registrar, Dist. Advancement

The Eagle Packet should contain (in loose sheets of paper) Completed and signed Eagle Project Workbook Completed and signed Eagle Application Scout’s Personal Goals and Accomplishments Statement 5+ Letters of Recommendation

Reverence Statement [if no letter obtained from religious leader].

Any Special Needs designations or alternate Merit Badge applications

The Council Registrars check all details. If approved, they send the Packet to District Advancement, and send an email of congratulations to the Scout and Scoutmaster. This process usually takes 1-2 weeks.

If the Packet is not ready to be approved, the Registrar will contact the Scout or Scoutmaster to inform them of what is still needed.

The Approved Packet Comes Back to the District

The Council Registrar sends a congratulatory Email to the Troop, the Scout, and the District’s Area Contact. When the Packet is received, the Rolling Hills’ Area Contact calls or emails the Unit to set up the Board of Review.

The Scout should wear his official uniform, his Merit Badge sash, and bring his BSA Handbook with previous rank advancements noted. Other things to bring: if in OA, his sash, other objects from his years as a Scout, extra photos of his Eagle Project, etc.

The Board of Review will be conducted as a friendly conversation with the Scout. It will be held in a conference room type setting with the Scout seated around the table with between 3 and 6 members of the Board.

The main purpose of the Board of Review is to ascertain whether the Scout accomplished his Eagle Project as proposed. Other topics: Merit Badges, Leadership, Scout spirit, the Unit’s outdoor program, life goals, and the Scout’s future in Scouting.

The Eagle Board of Review

Determining Eagle RankThe Board of Review members’ decision must be unanimous.

If so, the Scout is congratulated! The Unit returns the Application to Council. It will be sent for National BSA approval.

All other paperwork is returned to the Scout, except the Letters of Recommendation, which are not returned to the Scout or the Unit.

If not, the Board of Review may be suspended, or the Board may deny the Scout outright.

If suspended, Board and Candidate will discuss how the remaining requirements may be met. A time limit may be imposed. A letter will be sent from the District to the Scout, confirming the action(s) necessary for advancement. When the issues have been worked out, the Board will be resumed.

If the Board denies the Scout outright, the Scout will need to appeal to the Council Advancement Committee.

The Eagle Court of Honor

The Board of Review’s decision was unanimous!

The Eagle Application is back from National, and the little black box is waiting to be picked up from the Council office!

It’s now time to plan the Scout’s Eagle Court of Honor (COH).

The Eagle Court of Honor should be what the Scout wants it to be.

There are resources galore, in books and online, from complete scripts to skits depicting the Scouting trail, or the 12 points of the Scout Law, etc. The sky is the limit! Hopefully the Scout has attended several COH’s already and has a pretty good idea of what he wants.

There are Eagle COH boxes at the Council that may be checked out for a few days around the date. They contain decorations.

Enjoy!

The Eagle Court of Honor

Please do not forget the Eagle Photo! Find info on the Council Website on the “Life to Eagle” page. Use it for the COH Program, submit it to Council for display in the Service Centers, and most important of all, publish a small article in your local newspaper about the Scout and his Eagle Project.

Contact UsContact Us

For more information, please contact Rolling Hills District Advancement:

Chair:

Tim Isom 507-663-0416

rhadv@mnmars.org

Eagle Specialist:

Bruce Lieske 952-469-3119

bdlieske@charter.net

Questions