Eagle Scout Information: Requirements and Responsibilities

1. EAGLE SCOUT INFORMATION, REQUIREMENTS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES District Advancement Committee Choctawhatchee District Gulf Coast Council Boy Scouts of America As of: August 10, 2008

2. Eagle Scout Information The Purpose Of The Eagle Scout Award The Eagle Scout’s Requirements The Unit’s Responsibilities The Unit Leader’s Responsibilities The Unit Committee’s Responsibilities The Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project The Eagle Scout Rank Application TOPICS

3. WHO AM I? • Life Scout • Tiger Cub Leader • Cub Scout Den Leader • Webelos Leader • Troop Committee Member • Assistant Scoutmaster • Scoutmaster • District Advancement Committee Member

4. OLD MEN Boy Scout Eagle Scout

5. Once an Eagle Scout Always an Eagle Scout

6. Eagle Scout Information The Purpose Of The Eagle Scout Award The Eagle Scout’s Requirements The Unit’s Responsibilities The Unit Leader’s Responsibilities The Unit Committee’s Responsibilities The Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project The Eagle Scout Rank Application TOPICS

7. A recipient of the Eagle Scout Award is a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or qualified Venturer* who applies the principles of the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life.  He has achieved the qualities listed below because of determination and persistence through the advancement program: Concern for others Ability to help others through skills he has learned Ability to live and work cooperatively with others by meeting his responsibility to his patrol and troop Concern for self by improving his physical fitness to the limits of his physical resources Capacity for leadership THE PURPOSE OF THEEAGLE SCOUT AWARD *In order for a Venturer to be an Eagle Scout candidate, he must have achieved First Class rank as a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout.

8. Be active in his troop, team, crew, or ship for a period of at six months after the Scout has achieved the rank of Life Scout. Demonstrates that he lives by the principles of the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life. Earn a total of 21 merit badges (required badges are listed on the application). While a Life Scout, serve actively for a period of six months in a position of responsibility. Plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project. Statement of ambitions and life purpose; successfully complete a Scoutmaster’s Conference THE EAGLE SCOUT’SREQUIREMENTS

9. Be active in his troop, team, crew, or ship for a period of at six months after the Scout has achieved the rank of Life Scout. While this may seem as easy as falling off a log, it should be noted the operative part of the requirement, which is to be active. It goes beyond just being registered. It means that the Scout is an active, contributing member of his unit. Maybe the Scout is very active in the Order of the Arrow, attending all functions and even serving in a leadership capacity. The unit leader cannot accept that as meeting Requirement 1. Likewise, the Scout may be serving on camp staff all summer and busy during the fall with the start of school, sports, and/or a job. However, if the Scout is not being a participating member, leader, and an example in his "troop, team, or post", the unit leader cannot accept his performance for this requirement. So what does the Scout do if life has him running a hundred miles an hour? He should talk to his unit leader. He needs to find out what his unit leader sees as acceptable performance. If necessary, the Scout should use those leadership skills he’s developing to negotiate an acceptable arrangement. Also, keep in mind that this time is the Scout’s window to accomplish all the other requirements. He may wish to take more than six months to complete requirements, which is all right as long as he has time prior to him turning eighteen. However, at the very least, it is imperative that he not delay in establishing AND writing down his plan to accomplish all the requirements. REQUIREMENT 1BE ACTIVE

10. The Scout demonstrates that he lives by the principles of the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life. He should list the names of individuals who know him personally and would be willing to provide a recommendation on his behalf. List the names, addresses and phone numbers of people who have personal knowledge of the Scout and who would be willing to provide a recommendation to the Eagle Board of Review. Each individual listed (other than the parents) will receive a confidential questionnaire / recommendation form from the Council Service Center, along with a pre-paid envelope addressed to the Unit Leader in which to return the completed questionnaire / recommendation form.  It is imperative to let these people know they will be getting the questionnaire / recommendation form, and to encourage them to fill it out and return it in the enclosed pre-paid envelope as soon as possible.  The Scout can NOT have an Eagle Board of Review until at least three (3) of these questionnaire / recommendation forms are back in the hands of the Unit Leader. REQUIREMENT 2THE SCOUT OATH & LAW

11. Earn a total of 21 merit badges List the actual merit badges used for Star and Life ranks, as well as the rest needed for Eagle. The 12 required merit badges are mandatory and self-explanatory.  There are some Eagle-required merit badges where the Scout has to select from several acceptable ones (i.e., the Scout can use either Cycling, Hiking, or Swimming merit badge to fulfill that requirement). The remaining 9 merit badges are of the Scout’s choosing, selected from the ones he has earned.  These can include any of the Eagle-required merit badges he earned but didn’t use because he used another Eagle-required merit badge to satisfy that requirement.  Any additional 9 merit badges fulfill this requirement.  If the Scout only has 9 additional merit badges from which to pick, then the exercise is academic. If the Scout has more then 9 merit badges (over and above the 12 required for Eagle), he should pick those that are representative of his entire Scouting career. REQUIREMENT 3MERIT BADGES

12. Citizenship In The Community Citizenship In The Nation Citizenship In The World Communications Camping OR Emergency Preparedness Lifesaving REQUIREMENT 3MERIT BADGES

13. Environmental Science First Aid OR OR Cycling Hiking Swimming Personal Fitness Personal Management Family Life REQUIREMENT 3MERIT BADGES

14. While a Life Scout, serve actively for a period of six months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility. List only those positions served after the Life Scout’s board of review date. Boy Scout Troop: Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Order Of The Arrow Troop Representative, Den Chief, Scribe, Librarian, Quartermaster, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, Chaplain Aide, Instructor, Historian, Venture Patrol Leader. Varsity Scout Team. Captain, Co-captain, Program Manager, Squad Leader, Team Secretary, Librarian, Quartermaster, Chaplain Aide, Instructor, Den Chief, Order Of The Arrow Troop Representative. Venturing Crew/Ship. President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Boatswain, Boatswain's Mate, Yeoman, Purser, Storekeeper. If it is not currently possible for him to be in an elected to an office (for example, unit elections won't be held for a while), the unit leader probably has positions that can be assigned. Don't overlook being a Den Chief. They are always needed, and it's a very rewarding position! REQUIREMENT 4UNIT LEADERSHIP

15. While a Life Scout, plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or his community. The project idea must be approved in writing by the religious institution, school or community representative, the Scoutmaster/ Coach/Advisor, the unit committee, and by the Council or District Advancement Committee before the Scout can start on the actual work of his project. The Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook, BSA Publication number 18-927, latest printing, must be used in meeting this requirement. (MORE ON THIS LATER!!!) REQUIREMENT 5THE EAGLE PROJECT

16. The Scout must attach to this application a statement of his ambitions and life purpose and a listing of positions he has held in his religious institution, school, camp, community, or other organizations during which he demonstrated leadership skills. Include honors and awards received during this service. Take part in a Scoutmaster conference with your unit leader. First, the statement. This is very straight forward, and an excellent opportunity for the Scout to tell members of his board of review what he does outside of Scouting. The statement will reveal who he has become in several ways. Scouts who have been successful in Scouting will find it has spread to other areas of their life. This is especially true of Eagle candidates, since they have actually developed character which demonstrates the Scout Oath and Law in everything they do. He should not be shy about bragging! List it all! Most Scouts don't consider this well enough to remember all the things they do. And it is key to something that will help him all his life - that being establishing a good self-esteem, which, by the way, is to do good things and remember what he did! The Scout should list all the various awards and honors he has achieved along the way. These may be a medal, plaque, or certificate, but could also be a different type of honor. For example, a letter from a principal or volunteer organization recognizing his contributions. Or maybe a letter from an elected official thanking him for being their assistant (like a Page) for a season. Maybe it's a newspaper article mentioning him. If it made him feel honored, it counts! REQUIREMENT 6STATEMENT

17. Next is the Scoutmaster conference. The Scout has been through this drill before, but here, of course, it is more significant. He is applying for the highest honor available from the Boy Scouts of America. He should walk the walk, talk the talk. He should be prepared beyond his unit leader's expectations. Make sure the Scout has completed all the requirements and has everything ready for the unit leader to review. It is a good idea for the Scout to talk to his unit leader ahead of time to see what is expected in the way of documentation when he has the conference (such as, Is he expected to have everything completely written and ready to turn in?) Remember, this conference must occur prior to the Scout’s 18th birthday!! REQUIREMENT 6SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCE

18. The Gulf Coast Council Eagle Advancement Policy recommends “that each unit appoint an adult leader (Unit or Troop Eagle Advisor) within the unit to assist and guide the Life Scout through the processes and procedures of becoming an Eagle Scout”, who “…must be familiar with Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout requirements and Gulf Coast Council policy regarding advancement to the rank of Eagle Scout.” Review and provide advice on the project write-up.  Has the initial say as to whether or not what is proposed qualifies as an Eagle Scout project. Take advantage of District Eagle Advancement Training, when offered. The Gulf Coast Council Eagle Advancement Policy can be found at: http://gulfcoastcouncil.org/forms/Eagle_Advancement_Policy_Final_2008.pdf THE UNIT’SRESPONSIBILITIES

19. Provide the Life Scout with the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook (BSA Publication number 18-927, latest printing) The primary contact in the unit to help with the project. Verify that the Scout has done a complete and quality write-up of the proposal, and that it is ready for the Unit Committee to review. Sign the Unit Leader’s approval block of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook Verify that the Scout has done a complete and quality write-up of the completed project. Sign the Unit Leader’s approval block of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook Conduct a Scoutmaster’s Conference when the Scout has completed all 6 Eagle Scout requirements. This conference must occur prior to the Scout’s 18th birthday!! THE UNIT LEADER’SRESPONSIBILITIES

20. Because the proposed project will in all likelihood involve unit assets (time, material, equipment, manpower, etc.) and be a sanctioned unit function, the Unit Committee - as the unit governing entity - should review the proposal. There should be a convening of, and a formal presentation of the proposed project to the Unit Committee.  This gives the committee a chance to ask you questions about the project, make sure there are not things that might have been forgotten or not thought of and planned for, and make suggestions of how to improve the project or simplify how the Scout could execute the project. Once the Unit Committee is satisfied that "all the bases are covered", the Unit Committee (preferably the Unit Committee Chair) should sign the unit committee member’s approval block of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook. THE UNIT COMMITTEE’SRESPONSIBILITIES

21. QUESTIONS

22. Eagle Scout Information The Purpose Of The Eagle Scout Award The Eagle Scout’s Requirements The Unit’s Responsibilities The Unit Leader’s Responsibilities The Unit Committee’s Responsibilities The Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project The Eagle Scout Rank Application TOPICS

23. EAGLE SCOUT LEADERSHIP SERVICE PROJECT

24. DISCLAIMER Information I provide here is subordinate to Official BSA and/or Council policy.  I make every effort to stay current with the latest BSA information.  However, in the event there are errors or outdated information, the policy, direction and guidance found in Official BSA publications will take precedence.

25. Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook (BSA Publication number 18-927, most current printing) Eagle Scout Rank Application (BSA Publication number 58-728, most current printing) Application For Alternative Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges(BSA Publication number 58-730, most current printing) Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures (BSA Publication number 33088, most current printing) The Boy Scout Handbook (BSA Publication number 33105, most current printing) Gulf Coast Council Eagle Advancement Policy http://gulfcoastcouncil.org/forms/Eagle_Advancement_Policy_Final_2008.pdf BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA PUBLICATIONS

26. As soon as a Scout is awarded the Life Scout rank The Unit gives the new Life Scout the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook There is no minimum age requirement There is a maximum age - 18 There is no requirement or restriction to wait until he has earned all the requisite 21 merit badges to begin or complete his Eagle Scout project. WHEN

27. Be a Life               Scout. The Eagle Scout project is an individualmatter Follow the requirements and format (to the letter) of the latest edition of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook THE "ABSOLUTES" Has the Scout read, and does he understand, all of the Eagle Scout Project Workbook, including "The 12 Steps From Life To Eagle"?  (Back Cover)

28. SOME "NO, NO'S" • Work done by the Scout toward his Eagle Scout project before he officially becomes a Life Scout • Any work done by the Scout toward his Eagle Scout project before his project plan is approved AND signed by the four people who have to preapprove the project: • Religious institution, school or community representative • Scoutmaster / Coach / Advisor • Unit Committee Member • Council or District Advancement Committee Member

29. An Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project will take a significant amount of time for the Scout to plan, write up, obtain approvals, and carry out the project.  The Scout must not make the mistake of waiting until the last minute before his 18th birthday to begin thinking about his project. WARNING!! Procrastination or lack of planning on the Scout’s part DOES NOT constitute an EMERGENCY on anyone else's part!!!

30. THE LEADERSHIP SERVICE PROJECT • Write-up should reflect the work of a potential Eagle Scout. Mediocrity is not acceptable! • Write-up should be grammatically correct - spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, overall "flow" of the paragraphs, etc. • Write-up should be in the "first-person" A poorly thought-out and written report will cast doubt on the quality of the overall project and the Scout’s ability to carry it out.

31. TWO MAIN GOALS • Provide a service project that is helpful to the Scout’s religious institution, school or community • Routine labor (a job or service normally rendered) should not be considered • Work involving BSA Council property or other BSA activities is not permitted • The project may not be performed for a business • The project may not be of a commercial nature • The project may not be a fund-raiser • Fundraising is permitted only for securing materials or supplies needed to carry out the project.  It should not be a majority of the project.

32. Demonstrate Leadership The Eagle Scout service project provides the opportunity for the Eagle Scout candidate to demonstrate the leadership skills he has learned in Scouting. The amount of time spent by the Scout in planning his project and the actual working time spent in carrying out the project should be as much as necessary for him to DEMONSTRATE HIS LEADERSHIP OF OTHERS TWO MAIN GOALS

34. WHAT IS LEADERSHIP? Leadership is the process of influencing the activities of an individual or a group in efforts toward goal advancement in a given situation.  Thus the leadership process is a function of the leader, the follower, the goals, and the situation at the time.  It is active, exerts influence, requires effort, and is related to goals.

35. LEADERSHIP SKILLS • Communicating • Communicate to give and receive information. Say what you mean. • Controlling Group Performance • A group that is out of control will not accomplish its goal. • Counseling (Listening) • Listening is needed for effective counseling or else you are just talking. • Effective Teaching • Teaching is not effective unless something is learned. • Evaluating • Without evaluation, you do not know if you are accomplishing your goal. • Knowing And Using The Resources Of The Group • You must depend on what other members of the group can do as well what you can do in order to accomplish your goal.

36. LEADERSHIP SKILLS • Planning • Without a plan, a group has no direction. • Representing the Group • You represent your group to others, and others to your group. • Setting the Example • What you are and what you do speak louder than what you say. • Sharing Leadership • Without sharing leadership, no one will be trained to take over. • Understanding The Characteristics And Needs Of The Group And Its Members • Different backgrounds, strengths, and weaknesses; all must be understood and considered.

37. "A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS" • "Before" and "After", where applicable • No set number of pictures • "Action" shots of the Scout’s workforce at work • "Action" shots of the Scout leading and directing the work efforts of others • "Action" shots of the Scout actively participating in doing some of the work • Label or identify what each picture depicts

38. Use a computerized, or "electronic", version of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook The actual Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook does not provide enough physical space within its pages on which to write the Eagle Scout project and all its facets. Electronic versions require "typing", which makes the Eagle Scout project write-up easier to read A computer with a good text editor allows the Scout to quality control his typed information through the use of a spell checker, grammar editor and thesaurus.  It also provides for the selection of font sizes, styles and colors, layout of the text on the page, and the importation and use of graphics and photos - all of which will enhance the "aesthetics" of his write-up. ELECTRONIC PREPARATION

39. ELECTRONIC PREPARATION • Just make sure the "electronic" version you use is exactly the same as the current "Official" one, which is BSA Publication number 18-927, most current printing.  Computerized, or "electronic", versions of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook in Microsoft Word (.doc), Rich Text (.rtf), or Adobe (.pdf) format that are the "Official" electronic versions are available from: http://www.nesa.org/trail/manual.html • Computerized or "electronic" versions of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook from any other source are not "Official" versions and therefore are not authorized to be used.

40. ELECTRONIC PREPARATION • Use of a computerized or "electronic" version of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook does not give the Scout license to modify, deviate or otherwise be "creative" with the format of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook.  While the Scout is encouraged to use his own style of writing in filling out the requisite parts of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook, he must strictly adhere to the existing format of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook and provide the information required in each section of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook.

41. "Describe the project you plan to do." Brief synopsis (no more than a paragraph or two) of the project "High-level" overview of what the project is going to be General terms about the present situation and what the Scout proposes to do to correct, improve, or enhance it through his project PROJECT DESCRIPTION

42. "Describe the project you plan to do." Background information on the organization Street or area map of where the project is located Photograph that is representative of the organization PROJECT DESCRIPTION

43. PROJECT DESCRIPTION • "What group will benefit from the project?" • List only the information asked for • Self-explanatory

44. PROJECT DESCRIPTION • "My project will be of benefit to the group because:" • Explain the reasons why the project is of benefit to the organization for whom the Scout is doing the project.

45. PROJECT DESCRIPTION • "The concept was discussed with my unit leader on:" • Date the Scout discussed what he wanted to do with his unit leader • Preferably the Scoutmaster • NOT the date of the Unit Committee’s approval

46. The "heart", or the "meat" of the proposal Describe, in great detail, all the aspects that the Scout can think of that it will take to complete the project Describe the present condition, the method, materials to be used, project helpers, a time schedule for carrying out the project, the estimated cost of the project, and how the needed funds will be obtained. Describe any safety hazards that might be faced, and how you will ensure the safety of those carrying out the project. First-person future tense - "I will...", or "I plan to..." Include the "Before" pictures, where applicable PROJECT DETAILS Note: After completion of his project, a Scout must answer the question "In what ways did you demonstrate leadership of others?"  It may be helpful in meeting this requirement if the Scout discusses how he proposes to "demonstrate leadership of others" in this section of the project workbook.

47. What, Where, When, How and Who Materials, manpower, time frames, sequence of events, alternative plans, etc. It is in this section that the Scout will want to identify who he expects will provide tools or materials, and what specifically it is he expects them to provide. Funding Will the organization be providing the money for the materials, will the Scout will seek material donations from local business, or a combination of both? PROJECT DETAILS

48. PROJECT DETAILS • Workforce • Specify where the Scout will be recruiting them from (fellow Scouts from your unit, Scouts from other units, family members, friends, or relatives) • Specify the number of helpers he will need • Specify the approximate "mix" (adults and youth) • Photographs, layouts, drawings, or other visual aids

49. Approval Signatures (in this order) Religious institution, school or community representative Scoutmaster / Coach / Advisor Unit Committee Member (preferably the Unit Committee Chair) Council or District Advancement Committee Member PROJECT DETAILS

50. Council or District Advancement Committee Will require a formal meeting with the Scout Review and discuss the project with the Scout The Scout should be attired in his complete Scout "Class A" uniform "First impressions" are extremely important Contact Mary Snell, District Advancement Committee Chairman (850-897-0718; snellj2m@aol.com ) to set up a District Advancement Committee panel meeting or to work with a District Advancement Committee Eagle Advisor. PROJECT DETAILS