How to start the Eagle Project Process
- When a Scout is ready to start on their Eagle project, he should discuss his idea with one of the Troop’s Project Coaches, Mr. Gross, Mr. Parker or Mr. Parks. This is to see that his project will meet the guidelines of BSA and allows the Scout to show leadership. Then, the Scout should write a short summary of what his project will be and where. Then summit this to one of the coaches. This gives the Troop leadership a better idea of what the project will be. Once this is approved, the Scout can proceed.
- Next step, go to the council website, www.mccscouting.org, and scroll down the lower right under Resource Links and click on “Eagle Scout Info”. Read the information on the page and the listed links. Print the entire Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook: No. 512-927. We recommend using the fillable version. READ it COMPLETELY, TAKE NOTES, THEN READ IT AGAIN.
- When you talk with the project beneficiary representative, provide them with a copy of “Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project, Information for Project Beneficiaries” on the national web page.
- Fill out the Contact Information page of the project workbook COMPLETELY except for the Council or District Project Approval Representative. Select one of your Troop Project Coaches to include on the page. Ask your coach if you have any questions. Complete pages 2-1 through 2-4 of the workbook. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND BENFIT. Be complete and through, DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS. GIVING LEADERSHIP, this means how will you show and do “Leadership”, not how you plan to recruit someone or what you will bring for snacks. PERMITS AND PERMISSIONS, if you are building anything, you may need a Building Permit. DO NOT rely on what someone tells you, FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF. Contact Mr. Scott Westbrook with Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement Dept. to find out. Send him an e-mail with a description of your project, where it will be, etc. to see if you need a permit. If you do, he will give you instructions on what to do. His e-mail is: scott.westbrook@mecklenburgcountync.gov. On the subject line of the e-mail, put, Eagle Scout Project. Once you have an answer from him, print out the email for your documentation and insert it into the project packet. If you do need a permit, make a copy of it and insert it into the project proposal.
- Once you have completed the proposal, review it with your coach and note any changes that may need to be made. When they have given you the OK on your write up, contact Mr. Laster, Troop Committee Chairman, to request to present your project to the Troop Committee. He will let you know when and where to be for the meeting. You need to be in Class A uniform for the meeting. After the meeting, make any changes or additions that are suggested, and then have the Beneficiary sign the form. Present the complete proposal to your coach for review. Upon his approval, have the Scoutmaster and Committee Chairman sign page 2-4. You are then ready to summit your project to the Apache District Project Review Committee. The meeting is on the second Thursday of each month at 5 PM at Providence United Methodist Church at the corner of Providence Rd. and Sharon Amity, Room 118. Send an e-mail to; Apache.Advancement@gmail.com, stating that you will attend to have your project reviewed. This will get your name on the review list, the sooner you send the e-mail, the higher on the review list you will be. If you don’t, when you arrive, you will be put on the list and you will have to wait your turn.
- Once your project is approved, complete the Final Plan on pages 3-1 through 3-6. This is the detailed planning for your project. It provides the outline for executing your project. Share it with the project beneficiary to be sure they agree with it.
- Make sure you read and understand the “Eagle Scout Service Fundraising Application”, procedures and limitations on pages 3-7 and 3-8 of the project workbook.
- As you do your project, take notes, document everything you do, it will help you on your final write up. Stay in touch with you Project Coach on your progress.
- Once you have completed the project, begin your final write up on pages 4-1 through 4-4 of the workbook. REMEMBER, DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS. Get with your Project Coach to go over your write up. He will make sure that you have covered everything, answered questions, etc. This will help avoid questions about your project as it is reviewed for your Eagle Board.
- Once your Project Coach gives you the OK, then get with Mr. Parks to fill out your Eagle Application and get the Scoutmaster and Committee Chairman’s signature on the application. Have your Scoutmaster conference. All requirements except the Eagle Board of Review must be completed by your 18th birthday. Don’t forget to write your letter of ambitions and life purpose as part of requirement #7 on the Eagle application. You will also need five letters of references, six, if you have a job. The letters should be made to BSA, and then mailed to: Dick Parks 7201 Kilcullen Dr. Charlotte, NC 28270. Provide Mr. Parks with the names of who you will be having to write reference letters. You are now ready to turn your application into the Council Office.
For more information on advancement, please visit here.