Northwest District Advancement Committee Roundtable Discussion of Changes, Process, And Potential Issues April 20, 2017

District Advancement Committee (DAC) Currently 12 members (District Committee Members) Terry Peterson stepped down in February, 2017 and is now District Vice Chair Phill Lawonn, Chair Phone: (H) 763-780-2799, (C) 612-619-6779 Email: plawonn@q.com

DAC Vice Chairs & Members at Large Cub Scout: Sandy Breen Boy Scout: Lee Steffens Venturing: Dina Boie Eagle Advancement: Karol Smith Merit Badges: Will Sulzbach Recognition: Paul Bartyzal Members at Large: John Hanson, Ray Ralston, David Smith, Mike Stagg, & Bob Walsh

Following the Rules from BSA BSA ‘Guide to Advancement’ Available electronically: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/ GuideToAdvancement.aspx Will answer about 90% of questions Each Unit Leader should have a copy

Council & District Websites Northern Star Council Website: http://www.northernstarbsa.org/ District website has a wealth of information Website: http://northwest.nsbsa.org/ Advancement tab contains information useful for youth in the NW District Life to Eagle process

Life to Eagle Process: Overview Completed prior to 18th birthday: 21 merit badges (13 Eagle required, 8 elective) 6 months as a Life rank Scout 6 months service in a leadership role while Life rank Eagle Scout Service Project (#512-927) Unit Leader (Scoutmaster) conference Completed prior to awarding Eagle Scout rank: Letters of recommendation (3 minimum) Application (#512-728) Board of Review

Life to Eagle: Service Project (Requirement 5 - Handout) Project Concept Discussed with Scoutmaster & Eagle Coach Paragraph answering Who, What, Where, When, and How leadership will be demonstrated for project idea Concept submitted for District approval (Karol Smith) Information instructions sent to candidate (handout) Tangible project work done PRIOR to Concept or Proposal approval will invalidate the Project idea!

Life to Eagle: Project (continued) Project Proposal (development) BSA form #512-927, Proposal pages A-E completely Obtain feedback from Beneficiary, Scoutmaster, Eagle Coach, & Unit Committee Obtain signatures from Scoutmaster, Beneficiary, & Committee prior to Proposal submission to District Submit signature page and Proposal for District review and presentation appointment (Karol Smith)

Life to Eagle: Project (continued) Project Proposal (approval) Finalize feedback from Unit Finalize feedback from District and obtain Proposal presentation appointment (Karol Smith) Present Proposal to District at Roundtable for approval Project (prepare for execution) Incorporate Proposal feedback Complete detailed plan Beneficiary approval of detailed plan Scout is ultimately responsible for the Project

Project Helps & Hints Boy led, but adult advised Ask leading questions – let them figure it out Track time & keep sheets – it adds up! Don’t underestimate time required Candidate: 30-60 hours, Volunteers: 50-100 hours Safety, safety, safety Challenge them to think everything through Keep the Beneficiary informed Assures a great outcome for everyone

Life to Eagle: Application BSA #512-728 – editable .pdf form Merit badge and Rank dates MUST match internet advancement dates from Council Total of 6 months in Leadership role (one position or multiple positions) at Life rank Sign before submitting (Scout, Scoutmaster, & Committee) Statement of Ambitions & Life Purpose

Life to Eagle: Board of Review Scheduled by DAC after Council packet review Composed of 2 or 3 District members & 1 unit member; SM/Eagle Coach may observe Discussion – not an examination! Council approval needed for Boards >90 days after 18th birthday Disputed Boards of Review & Appeals Volunteer to be a Board member

Advancement Recap We are here to serve our youth The ‘Guide to Advancement’ should be your first stop with questions Contact the DAC sooner, as opposed to later Certain issues require Council, or even National approval to resolve Continue to focus on Rank advancement If only 6% earn Eagle Scout, then don’t forget the other 94% of your unit youth