I’m a Life Scout, now what?
Congratulations on your rank advancement!
As you work toward your Eagle Scout rank, here are a few reminders
You must spend a MINIMUM of 6 months of time in rank BEFORE applying for the Eagle rank.
Congratulations on your rank advancement!
As you work toward your Eagle Scout rank, here are a few reminders
You must spend a MINIMUM of 6 months of time in rank BEFORE applying for the Eagle rank.
Keep an eye on your dates - you must complete all work before you turn 18 for example. As an award banquet event approaches there may be cut offs to allow sufficient time to process your application and materials, etc.
You can effectively manage that 6 month time by focusing on the following tasks:
1. Review your merit badges – which ones do you still need for Eagle? - Remember there are 13 Required Merit Badges (Cooking was added as of 1/1/2014) all of which must be completed before you can advance.
2. Start thinking about a service project and look for areas where improvements or help in the community is needed.
1. Review your merit badges – which ones do you still need for Eagle? - Remember there are 13 Required Merit Badges (Cooking was added as of 1/1/2014) all of which must be completed before you can advance.
2. Start thinking about a service project and look for areas where improvements or help in the community is needed.
a. Find out who is responsible for those areas.
b. Develop an idea of the cost and effort to improve it and the feasibility.
b. Develop an idea of the cost and effort to improve it and the feasibility.
3. Assemble your list of references for the Letters of Recommendations - remember, you need a total of 5 in all cases, and a 6th depending on employment
In total, you will need
a. Parent
b. Clergy
c. Teacher
d. Two Family Friends and/or Relatives
b. Clergy
c. Teacher
d. Two Family Friends and/or Relatives
e. Employer (If you have an employer)
These letters of reference must be mailed to the Weymouth Heights Club (the clubhouse) - special envelopes are used, which you must obtain from Mr. Chase.
4. Confirm your leadership requirements have been met.
5. Participate ACTIVELY in the troop – attend events, meetings, show Scout Spirit.
6. Continue to show leadership – lead by example, mentor scouts, teach classes.
7. Meet with your Scoutmaster and the Eagle Committee Advisor's as often as you need.
During this time you should be meeting regularly with your Troop Eagle Scout Committee to review remaining merit badges, discuss ideas for your service project, and to assist with the Project Proposal paperwork, and confirm that you are ready for the next steps.
Keep in mind – this rank advancement requires you to show leadership in many ways. It’s YOUR responsibility to manage your time, coordinate with the community, and with the Troop. It’s okay to have help from your parents and family. However this is your project, your award, and you are accountable for it. Do your best and ask for help when you need it. Your Troop Eagle Committee is there to help you succeed.
These letters of reference must be mailed to the Weymouth Heights Club (the clubhouse) - special envelopes are used, which you must obtain from Mr. Chase.
4. Confirm your leadership requirements have been met.
5. Participate ACTIVELY in the troop – attend events, meetings, show Scout Spirit.
6. Continue to show leadership – lead by example, mentor scouts, teach classes.
7. Meet with your Scoutmaster and the Eagle Committee Advisor's as often as you need.
During this time you should be meeting regularly with your Troop Eagle Scout Committee to review remaining merit badges, discuss ideas for your service project, and to assist with the Project Proposal paperwork, and confirm that you are ready for the next steps.
Keep in mind – this rank advancement requires you to show leadership in many ways. It’s YOUR responsibility to manage your time, coordinate with the community, and with the Troop. It’s okay to have help from your parents and family. However this is your project, your award, and you are accountable for it. Do your best and ask for help when you need it. Your Troop Eagle Committee is there to help you succeed.
Ok, I have completed most or all of my badges, and have a project in mind. What happens next?
1. Start keeping count of the hours you and others spend on the planning and execution of your Eagle Project.
2. Once you have a project idea, you must review it with the Scoutmaster and the Eagle Advisor's to confirm it meets the criteria for an Eagle project.
3. Remember, your project must have a concept of “before and after”, must benefit the community, must show your leadership, self-confidence, perseverance, self-sufficiency, good citizenship, and that you care for others and the community, and should be coordinated with members of your Troop participating.
4. If the Scoutmaster accepts the project, you can begin to work on the Project Proposal (not any physical work on the project itself.) You cannot start any physical work on your project until you have written permission from the District Advancement Committee Chairman.
5. Remember all hours that you work on the proposal and the PLANNING are to be counted when you total up your hours. That means when you talk to a material supplier, beneficiary, etc. you count their hours also with yours.
The Project Proposal
Download the application from BSA as a reference point. Be sure to use Workbook Form 912-927 (May-2014 Printing) - available at the link below:
1. Start keeping count of the hours you and others spend on the planning and execution of your Eagle Project.
2. Once you have a project idea, you must review it with the Scoutmaster and the Eagle Advisor's to confirm it meets the criteria for an Eagle project.
3. Remember, your project must have a concept of “before and after”, must benefit the community, must show your leadership, self-confidence, perseverance, self-sufficiency, good citizenship, and that you care for others and the community, and should be coordinated with members of your Troop participating.
4. If the Scoutmaster accepts the project, you can begin to work on the Project Proposal (not any physical work on the project itself.) You cannot start any physical work on your project until you have written permission from the District Advancement Committee Chairman.
5. Remember all hours that you work on the proposal and the PLANNING are to be counted when you total up your hours. That means when you talk to a material supplier, beneficiary, etc. you count their hours also with yours.
The Project Proposal
Download the application from BSA as a reference point. Be sure to use Workbook Form 912-927 (May-2014 Printing) - available at the link below:
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/boyscouts/advancementandawards/eagleworkbookprocedures.aspx
1. You'll need to figure out the following as part of the proposal:
a. Dimension of the work - how many people, how long, how large, cost, materials, etc
b. Source of the items - people, funding, materials, donations, etc.
c. Benefit of the project to the community
d. Ideal timeframe example; outdoor project in the hottest summer or coldest winter, etc
2. Contact the Beneficiary to confirm your proposed idea is feasible and receive (signed) permission.
a. A letter from beneficiary indicating interest and acceptance of proposed community service project, with details and expectations, is best but not required, only signed approval is needed on Proposal Page E.
b. The last two pages in this newest Workbook (dated May 2014) have changed. These pages, titled “Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project” - Information for Project Beneficiaries are included at the back of the PDF.
Please provide the Beneficiary with a copy of these two pages, as required on “Proposal Page E”.
This is required of all new Eagle Scout Candidates
3. Take “before” photos of the area in detail before any work is started.
a. Note – Consider the fact your “after” photos would be best taken from the same viewpoint, if possible.
Fundraising
You cannot start fundraising or work on your project without the proposal approval from a Great Ponds District Co-Chairman. Fundraising requires a special form. If you are getting all your funds from donations you do not need to fill out that special form.
Submitting the Project Proposal/Approval
1. Your Project Proposal requires review & signatures.
a. Once your Proposal is ready for approval at the District Level you need to coordinate with your Eagle Committee on “Proposal Page B” which is the Contact Information sheet for your proposal. The materials will be included with the completed Proposal Pages C, D & E, with proper signatures on page E.
b. The Eagle Committee will help coordinate and set up a time to meet with your local District Representative for approval.
c. When a formal review with your District Representative is completed, a letter of permission to begin the project will be given to you.
d. After District approves your proposal, it is now time to send or hand out your letters of Recommendation. You will need them by the end of your Project. Follow up on them as you need them when you have your book to turn into Council. Find these forms in Scouting.org.
After you’ve received the approval letter from the District Representative, you can begin your project.
Eagle Project Reminders
1. You MUST inform the troop of your project – all work parties, etc – all younger scouts need to complete community service and we expect you will include scouts in your project.
2. Work parties should not conflict with Troop events. It’s YOUR responsibility to keep the Eagle Committee and the Scoutmaster informed of your progress.
3. Work party information should be distributed at the scout meetings, and can be shared on the BLOG or the email blast by contacting troop2weymouth@gmail.com
Tips for a Successful Project
1. Keep the troop informed of your work parties.
2. Keep your Troop Eagle Committee informed of your progress so they know when you need help
3. Take lots of photos before, during and after your project is completed to document the process.
4. You must show people in the “during” photos to prove you actually did the work. A contractor cannot do all the work for you, but they can aid you in the project under your direction (for example: pouring cement, using heavy machinery, etc.)
5. Maintain a strong connection with the beneficiary for your project to assure you’re meeting their expectations.
6. Reminder - Fundraising requires a special form (Fundraising Application Page A & B) and approach for your project. Be sure to follow this closely and keep track of any donations. If a fundraiser is not required and just donations were obtained by you, this form is not required and does not need to be filled out.
7. Use safety glasses, gloves, have a first aid kit available, etc. for obvious reasons….Safety.
8. Be sure to dispose of any rubbish or debris appropriately. Check with the beneficiary for any special arrangements.
9. Keep track of all expenses, your planning and work hours, receipts, and other notes.
10. Let others know you are working on your Eagle project – friends, neighbors, family, the newspaper, etc.
11. Be courteous and cooperative with the neighborhood groups, public, and others who may offer to help.
12. As an Eagle Scout candidate you represent yourself, your troop and the BSA in all interactions – act like a leader.
13. Follow the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.
My Project is Done – What Next?
When you feel you’ve completed the project, you need to review with your troop’s Eagle Committee. This includes a review of your entire project: confirmation that you’ve completed the project, captured project hours and other details, and have the necessary closure letter from the beneficiary of your project thanking you for the work and confirming it has been completed.
Your Troop Eagle Committee will let you know when your project has met the proposal and will help you capture any changes or other items that need to be included in your final book.
Once all your merit badges are complete and all of your Recommendation Letters have been received and if your Project Report is completed, the Troop Eagle Committee will review and sign all papers and submit all required items to Council for their review.
This process may require several meetings with your Troop Eagle Committee to complete all steps.
Be sure to use the correct Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook. Download it onto your computer desktop from www.scouting.org. The boxes will expand to let you type as much as you want, and page numbers increase automatically as you type.
How Do You Apply? What’s the Process?
Your Final Report Book, Application, and 5 or 6 Recommendation letters are delivered to Old Colony Council before your 18th birthday. These items must be submitted at the same time for you to be eligible for consideration to advance to Eagle Scout.
Remember: Recommendation Letters are to be in sealed envelopes and must use the form available from Old Colony Council. (http://www.oldcolonycouncil.org/Documents/EagleReferenceLetter.pdf). Please see Mr. Chase for the correct envelopes to submit your references.
NOTE: Do not have these letters mailed to Council. They are to be in your book when delivered to Council.
Make sure on the Application form to use your full name: First, Middle and Last on page 1 & top of pg 2.
Mr. Chase or a designee will deliver the book to Old Colony Council, who confirm materials received and approves all information, checking the book in to begin the process formally on the COUNCIL side.
Old Colony Council then informs the District Advancement Chairman that the applicant is ready for the Eagle Board of Review (EBR). Once that is completed and the scout has passed, work begins on the BSA side.
At that time the District Advancement Chairman may call you or want to meet with you if any requirements need further refinement.
The District Advancement Chairman sets up the Eagle Board of Review. (In this EBR, you must wear your full uniform with sash. This meeting will include at least 1 or more people from Council. One or two from your Troop may also attend. The EBR consists of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 people.) Your parents should attend the board of review as well.
When your Eagle Board of Review is scheduled, the Troop or the Scout will be notified as to the location and time your Eagle Board will be.
1. You'll need to figure out the following as part of the proposal:
a. Dimension of the work - how many people, how long, how large, cost, materials, etc
b. Source of the items - people, funding, materials, donations, etc.
c. Benefit of the project to the community
d. Ideal timeframe example; outdoor project in the hottest summer or coldest winter, etc
2. Contact the Beneficiary to confirm your proposed idea is feasible and receive (signed) permission.
a. A letter from beneficiary indicating interest and acceptance of proposed community service project, with details and expectations, is best but not required, only signed approval is needed on Proposal Page E.
b. The last two pages in this newest Workbook (dated May 2014) have changed. These pages, titled “Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project” - Information for Project Beneficiaries are included at the back of the PDF.
Please provide the Beneficiary with a copy of these two pages, as required on “Proposal Page E”.
This is required of all new Eagle Scout Candidates
3. Take “before” photos of the area in detail before any work is started.
a. Note – Consider the fact your “after” photos would be best taken from the same viewpoint, if possible.
Fundraising
You cannot start fundraising or work on your project without the proposal approval from a Great Ponds District Co-Chairman. Fundraising requires a special form. If you are getting all your funds from donations you do not need to fill out that special form.
Submitting the Project Proposal/Approval
1. Your Project Proposal requires review & signatures.
a. Once your Proposal is ready for approval at the District Level you need to coordinate with your Eagle Committee on “Proposal Page B” which is the Contact Information sheet for your proposal. The materials will be included with the completed Proposal Pages C, D & E, with proper signatures on page E.
b. The Eagle Committee will help coordinate and set up a time to meet with your local District Representative for approval.
c. When a formal review with your District Representative is completed, a letter of permission to begin the project will be given to you.
d. After District approves your proposal, it is now time to send or hand out your letters of Recommendation. You will need them by the end of your Project. Follow up on them as you need them when you have your book to turn into Council. Find these forms in Scouting.org.
After you’ve received the approval letter from the District Representative, you can begin your project.
Eagle Project Reminders
1. You MUST inform the troop of your project – all work parties, etc – all younger scouts need to complete community service and we expect you will include scouts in your project.
2. Work parties should not conflict with Troop events. It’s YOUR responsibility to keep the Eagle Committee and the Scoutmaster informed of your progress.
3. Work party information should be distributed at the scout meetings, and can be shared on the BLOG or the email blast by contacting troop2weymouth@gmail.com
Tips for a Successful Project
1. Keep the troop informed of your work parties.
2. Keep your Troop Eagle Committee informed of your progress so they know when you need help
3. Take lots of photos before, during and after your project is completed to document the process.
4. You must show people in the “during” photos to prove you actually did the work. A contractor cannot do all the work for you, but they can aid you in the project under your direction (for example: pouring cement, using heavy machinery, etc.)
5. Maintain a strong connection with the beneficiary for your project to assure you’re meeting their expectations.
6. Reminder - Fundraising requires a special form (Fundraising Application Page A & B) and approach for your project. Be sure to follow this closely and keep track of any donations. If a fundraiser is not required and just donations were obtained by you, this form is not required and does not need to be filled out.
7. Use safety glasses, gloves, have a first aid kit available, etc. for obvious reasons….Safety.
8. Be sure to dispose of any rubbish or debris appropriately. Check with the beneficiary for any special arrangements.
9. Keep track of all expenses, your planning and work hours, receipts, and other notes.
10. Let others know you are working on your Eagle project – friends, neighbors, family, the newspaper, etc.
11. Be courteous and cooperative with the neighborhood groups, public, and others who may offer to help.
12. As an Eagle Scout candidate you represent yourself, your troop and the BSA in all interactions – act like a leader.
13. Follow the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.
My Project is Done – What Next?
When you feel you’ve completed the project, you need to review with your troop’s Eagle Committee. This includes a review of your entire project: confirmation that you’ve completed the project, captured project hours and other details, and have the necessary closure letter from the beneficiary of your project thanking you for the work and confirming it has been completed.
Your Troop Eagle Committee will let you know when your project has met the proposal and will help you capture any changes or other items that need to be included in your final book.
Once all your merit badges are complete and all of your Recommendation Letters have been received and if your Project Report is completed, the Troop Eagle Committee will review and sign all papers and submit all required items to Council for their review.
This process may require several meetings with your Troop Eagle Committee to complete all steps.
Be sure to use the correct Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook. Download it onto your computer desktop from www.scouting.org. The boxes will expand to let you type as much as you want, and page numbers increase automatically as you type.
How Do You Apply? What’s the Process?
Your Final Report Book, Application, and 5 or 6 Recommendation letters are delivered to Old Colony Council before your 18th birthday. These items must be submitted at the same time for you to be eligible for consideration to advance to Eagle Scout.
Remember: Recommendation Letters are to be in sealed envelopes and must use the form available from Old Colony Council. (http://www.oldcolonycouncil.org/Documents/EagleReferenceLetter.pdf). Please see Mr. Chase for the correct envelopes to submit your references.
NOTE: Do not have these letters mailed to Council. They are to be in your book when delivered to Council.
Make sure on the Application form to use your full name: First, Middle and Last on page 1 & top of pg 2.
Mr. Chase or a designee will deliver the book to Old Colony Council, who confirm materials received and approves all information, checking the book in to begin the process formally on the COUNCIL side.
Old Colony Council then informs the District Advancement Chairman that the applicant is ready for the Eagle Board of Review (EBR). Once that is completed and the scout has passed, work begins on the BSA side.
At that time the District Advancement Chairman may call you or want to meet with you if any requirements need further refinement.
The District Advancement Chairman sets up the Eagle Board of Review. (In this EBR, you must wear your full uniform with sash. This meeting will include at least 1 or more people from Council. One or two from your Troop may also attend. The EBR consists of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 people.) Your parents should attend the board of review as well.
When your Eagle Board of Review is scheduled, the Troop or the Scout will be notified as to the location and time your Eagle Board will be.
If all goes well, the Candidate passes the Eagle Board of Review and he is then an Eagle Scout.
This process can take several weeks to complete.
I completed my Board of Review – now what?
Troop 2 presents the rank patch at a weekly meeting, with a small reception, and presents ribbon and other honors at annual banquet in May. Information about the banquet will be shared with families two months in advance.
BSA will send you a card in the mail to pick up your book and your badges – please present this to Mr. Chase when it arrives – the Troop takes care of this component on your behalf.
A scout can immediately begin working toward Eagle palms (received after 3 months of active involvement, for every 5 merit badges above 21, until age 18)
You must show active scouting and Scout Spirit at all times to receive these Eagle Palms.
This process can take several weeks to complete.
I completed my Board of Review – now what?
Troop 2 presents the rank patch at a weekly meeting, with a small reception, and presents ribbon and other honors at annual banquet in May. Information about the banquet will be shared with families two months in advance.
BSA will send you a card in the mail to pick up your book and your badges – please present this to Mr. Chase when it arrives – the Troop takes care of this component on your behalf.
A scout can immediately begin working toward Eagle palms (received after 3 months of active involvement, for every 5 merit badges above 21, until age 18)
You must show active scouting and Scout Spirit at all times to receive these Eagle Palms.
