1. The ‘Life to Eagle’ Process
Northern Star Council
and Rolling Hills District
Present
The ‘Life to Eagle’ Process
for
Scouts
Scout Leaders
Scout Parents 1

2. Eagle Expo Agenda Why Become an Eagle? How to Get Started
Eagle Project Ideas
Service Project Approval Procedure
Application Procedure
Board of Review
Court of Honor
Questions and Answers

3. 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 3

4. 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. 4

5. How to Get Started 5

6. Active Tenure in Unit WHO? Scout, Scoutmaster, Committee Chair
Advancement 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 ( ) for more information about what “Active” means

7. Leadership Positions
WHO? Scout, Scoutmaster, Asst. Scoutmaster, Advancement Chair
The 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 Webmaster
Den 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.

8. Merit Badges Required 13 from the list of 18 Elective
WHO? Scout, Scoutmaster, Advancement Chair
21 or more Merit Badges must be earned before the Scout’s 18th Birthday
Required
13 from the list of 18
Camping, 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 8

9. 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. 9

13. Eagle Project WHO? 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 , in meeting this requirement.”
This project is entirely different from Star and Life service projects. In previous service, the Scout could be a follower. For Eagle, he must be the leader. His leadership ability is demonstrated by: 13

14. Eagle Scout Service Project
Scouts must use the latest version of the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook.
Available on Northern Star Council’s Advancement pages at
Also available at
scouting.org/filestore/pdf/ _fillable.pdf
Leaders should download the Workbook and have it nearby while reading this Orientation. 14

15. Project 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. 15 15

16. Project Purpose Related to this are important lessons in…
project management
taking responsibility for a significant accomplishment. 16 16

17. The National Standards
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. 17

18. Choosing a Project Your project may be for any religious institution,
any school,
or your community.
“your community” does include the “community of the world.” 18 18

19. Choosing a Project For example:
The 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. 19 19

20. Choosing A Service Project Need in the Community
The variety of service projects performed nationally is amazing. Where to get ideas?
Your Church
Your School
Your City
State Parks
Music
Arts
County Parks and Preserves
Nature Centers
County Libraries
Internet Searches
Scout’s Passion 20 20

21. Choosing a Project Not 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 Project
The project would not meet the guidelines of plan and develop a project. 21 21

22. 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. 22 22

23. Concept Approval
WHO? 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, , or at RoundTable)
Concept Approval should happen before the Scout begins the “Project Proposal” portion of the Workbook (pp 7- 10).
This project is entirely different from Star and Life service projects. In previous service, the Scout could be a follower. For Eagle, he must be the leader. His leadership ability is demonstrated by: 23

24. Concept Approval 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.

25. Project Proposal Standards
WHO? 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 The Scout then works on the Project Proposal, pp
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. 25

26. Parents in the “Life to Eagle” Process
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’s Eagle Coach, but may certainly coach other Scouts in Unit! 26

27. Project National Standards
A project proposal must be approved by
organization benefiting from the effort,
your unit leader or Eagle Coach
unit committee, and
council or district
before you start! 27 27

28. How 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) 28 28

29. WORKBOOK PART 1 THE 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. 29 29

30. 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?” 30 30

31. Project Proposal
WHO? Scout, Benefiting Organization, Eagle Coach, Parent
Elements of the Project Proposal
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 many people will the Scout need, where will he find workers, what instructions might be needed for workers?
Materials: Reasonable idea of needs: lumber, nails, cement, plants...
Expendable Supplies: Tape, glue, food, cleanser, gas...
Tools: Shovels, power tools, gloves...
Permits/Permissions: Permits; who will get? Cost? How long to get?
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

32. Project Proposal
WHO? Scout, Benefiting Organization, Eagle Coach, Parent
Elements of the Project Proposal
Preliminary Cost Estimate:
Approx Cost .
Funds from? - Beneficiary, Chartered Org. - Church - Local Business - Fundraising Event
(see pp : Submit Application to District Advancement Chair)
Logistics: Gathering supplies, transportation, and contingencies for weather, etc.
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: Who will help
Adult Supervision: Power tools, etc.
First Aid Precautions
Further Planning: A list of Action Steps to complete the Final Plan.

33. Approvals
WHO? 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: Accident, weather event, 1-time school event other than sports, family emergency, very close to 18th birthday (within 2-3 months).
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. 33

34. Candidate’s Promise
On 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. 34

35. District Approval Representative
Tim Isom Maple Street
Northfield MN 35 35

36. Fundraising
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. 36 36

37. Fundraising WHO? 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. 37

38. Fundraising
WHO? Scout, Eagle Coach, Troop Treasurer, Parent
For Fundraising events, Scouts need to read p. 20, and fill in the Fundraising Application on p 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 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 in
receipts and be reimbursed.
All remaining funds are donated to
the Beneficiary. 38

39. Fundraising Application
(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 39

40. 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.

41. 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

42. EAGLE SCOUT SERVICE 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. 42 42

43. 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?” 43 43

44. The Final Plan
WHO? 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
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. 44

45. 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 – The Scout should keep track of changes from what was approved in the Proposal.
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 Leadership – A great new segment with more direction to help the Scout figure out how to provide Leadership on his Work Days.
Eagle 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. 45

46. Carrying Out the Project
WHO? 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:
Eagle Coach
Scoutmaster, Unit Advancement Chair
District Advancement 46

47. COMPLETE PROJECT. Lead others in doing the Project,
Fill out Part 3, the Final Report,
Gather the final signatures. 47 47

48. Project Report WHO? 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. 48

49. 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. 49

50. When Questions Arise
If at anytime, you do not understand these steps, please contact:
your Eagle Coach or
One of the District Advancement Committee Members. 50 50

51. 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! 51 51

52. Letters of Recommendation
WHO? 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.
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

53. 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

54. APPLY FOR THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT:
When all requirements have been met,
Fill out the Eagle Scout application
Enclose the completed Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook.
Do not bind the workbook in any way. Use clips or clamps. 54 54

55. Eagle Scout Rank Application
WHO? Scout, Scoutmaster, Eagle Coach
Use latest revision. PDF can be saved to computer. May be completed on computer or handwritten.
Find under Advancement or “Eagle Resources” at or Most Scouts print 2 copies, one for a “sloppy copy,” and the final copy.
If handwritten, please use blue or black pen. 55

56. Rank Application Check-sheets
WHO? Scout, Eagle Coach, Advancement Chair
“Life to Eagle” Packets are available online at
Unit Advancement Chair should print and present to Scout with Life Rank advancement patch.
Pay attention to the “Eagle Scout Application Check Sheet,” and the “Top Ten Errors” sheet to avoid the pitfalls noted. 56

57. Scoutmaster Conference
WHO? Scout, Scoutmaster
The Scoutmaster Conference is the last thing that must 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.

58. 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.

59. Eagle Scout Personal Statement
How to your Personal Statement
What'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.

60. Before or After Age 18 The Eagle Packet
WHO: 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 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. 60

61. The Eagle Board of Review
The Approved Packet Comes Back to the District
The Council Registrar sends a congratulatory to the Troop, the Scout, and the District’s Area Contact. When the Packet is received, the Rolling Hills’ Area Contact calls or s 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.

62. Determining Eagle Rank
The 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. 62

63. 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! 63

64. 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.

65. Contact Us
For more information, please contact Rolling Hills District Advancement:
Chair:
Tim Isom
Eagle Specialist:
Bruce Lieske

66. Questions 66 66