Achieving the Prestigious Eagle Scout Rank: A Symbol of Excellence

South Florida Council South Florida Council Everglades edition Everglades edition

So what's the big deal about Eagle, isnt it just another rank? Wellno. Since Arthur Eldred became the first Eagle Scout in 1912, the rank has represented a milestone of accomplishment perhaps without equal that is recognized across the country and even the world. People who have earned the Eagle Scout rank count it among their most treasured possessions. Eagle Scout is not just an award; it is a state of being. Those who earned it as youths continue to earn it every day as adults. That is why an Eagle Scout IS an Eagle Scout not was. And now female Scouts can earn it too.

Earning the Eagle Scout rank is more than just another rank. Before a Scout can earn Eagle they must earn at least 21 merit badges, served their unit in three terms of leadership totaling at least 16 months, camped over 20 nights and given over 18 hours of community service. Plus, they must complete the process of identifying, planning and executing the Eagle Service Project. AND all this must be completed before their 18thbirthday.

Requirements for the Eagle Rank. 1. Be active in your troop, crew, or ship for at least six months as a Life Scout 2. As a Life Scout, demonstrate Scout Spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God, how you have lived the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your everyday life, and how your understanding of the Scout Oath and Scout Law will guide your life in the future. List on your Eagle Scout Rank Application the names of individuals who know you personally and would be willing to provide a recommendation on your behalf, including parents/guardians, religious (if not affiliated with an organized religion, then the parent or guardian provides this reference), educational, employer (if employed), and two other references.

Requirements for the Eagle Rank (contd) 3. Earn a total of 21 merit badges 14 (required) a. Camping h. Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving b. Citizenship in the Community i. Environmental Science or Sustainability c. Citizenship in the Nation j. First Aid d. Citizenship in the Society k. Swimming or Hiking or Cycling e Citizenship in the World l. Personal Management f. Communication m. Personal Fitness g. Cooking n. Family Life

Requirements for the Eagle Rank (contd) 4. While a Life Scout, serve actively in your unit for a period of six months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility: Scout troop. Patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, troop guide, Order of the Arrow troop representative, den chief, scribe, librarian, historian, quartermaster, junior assistant Scoutmaster, chaplain aide, instructor, webmaster, outdoor ethics guide. Venturing crew/Sea Scout ship. President, vice president, secretary, treasurer, quartermaster, historian, den chief, guide, boatswain, boatswain s mate, yeoman, purser, storekeeper, chaplain aide, outdoor ethics guide, crew leader, media, specialist, specialist or webmaster. Lone Scout: Leadership responsibility in your school, religious organization, or club, or elsewhere in your community.

Requirements for the Eagle Rank (contd) 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. (This is your Project) 6. While a Life Scout, participate in a unit leader conference. 7. Successfully complete your board of review for the Eagle Scout rank.

So how can a Scout get the most of their journey to Eagle and how do they get started? Planning and time management Today, most Scouts are juggling school, athletics, extracurricular activities andScouting. It s easy for them to lose sight of their 18th birthday, and time extensions are very rarely granted.

On Time Extensions: Scouts should never embark on the path to Eagle counting on a time extension. Extensions of the 18th birthday deadline are very rarely granted. The extension can only be granted by the National Advancement team and when granted are done so using very specific criteria. (see the Guide to Advancement 2021 section 9.0.4.0.) Time extension can be granted only for work on the Eagle rank requirements and not the preceding rank requirements.

So what is the timeline? To achieve the rank of Eagle, the Scout must have: completed the rank of First class before they are 16 years and 8 months old completed the rank of Star before they are 17 years old completed the rank of Life before they are 17 years 6 months old completed the rank of Eagle before their 18th birthday (the Eagle Board of Review may be completed after his 18th birthday)

Although many Scouts start to think about Eagle after they have reached Life rank, it is clear that they need to start thinking about the Eagle process much sooner. Scouts often reach Life rank in high school, it s not uncommon for them to take a vacation only to scramble to achieve Eagle shortly before their 18th birthday.

So how to start? Gather the resource info and the proper up-to-date Forms Guide to Advancement sections 8 and 9 specifically address Eagle issues.

The most recent version of the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook No. 2021c-v2 (currently January/2021) https://www.scouting.org/programs/scout s-bsa/advancement-and-awards/eagle- scout-workbook/ It is very important to read all the info in the workbook. The Candidate s Promise requires your signature and states I have read this entire workbook.. Read the Message to Scouts and Parents or Guardians ( page 5)

Trail to Eagle is on the South Florida Council website https://sfcbsa.org/path-to-eagle/

Finding a potential Eagle Service Project the project must meet the following criteria: The project benefits a non-profit such as a school, religious organization or your community The project may not benefit Boy Scouts of America 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. 2021c-v2, in meeting this requirement.(Jan 2021)

Finding the Project(cont) Using the Eagle Rank Service Project Workbook as a guide, research the potential project. Meet with the potential beneficiary to discuss potential project, including scope of project, timing and funding. Meet with your unit leader/Scoutmaster and the Eagle mentor/advisor in your unit and discuss your project idea. Write up your project proposal. Find out who in your district is responsible for Eagle project approvals, contact them to make an appointment for project approval. Do not start any fundraising or work on your project before you have received signed approval on your project workbook. Jumping the gun can result in your project not being approved and you may have to find a new project.

Project Workbook The Workbook is divided into 3 sections Proposal This is where you give your initial idea of a project. It is meant to address 5 questions 1. It provides sufficient opportunity to meet the Eagle Scout project requirement 2. It appears to be feasible 3. Safety issues will be addressed 4. Actions steps for further detailed planning included 5. You are on the right track with a reasonable chance for a positive experience Planning Section This is done just before the project where you set up phases, buy materials, and address fundraising. Final Report This is where you report on your project progress and the challenges.

Project Proposal -Contact Page Fill out every line Council Service Center Contact name: Don Durbin Preferred telephone: 305-364-0020 x 237 Address: 15255 NW 82nd Ave, Miami Lakes, FL 33016 Email sfc_eaglecert@scouting.org

Regarding Project Proposal Complete all sections Preliminary costs You do not need exact costs Materials Things that will be left with the project. Supplies Things that will be consumed during the project (food, trash bags, sunscreen, tarps, etc.) Tools Only list cost for tools you rent or buy. Other Things you spend money on that don t fall in the above category.

Regarding Project Proposal Approval Read and sign the Candidate s Promise Get Approval from your Unit Leader, Troop Committee, and Beneficiary Be sure to give the beneficiary a copy of Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project. Information for Project Beneficiaries It s pages 30 and 31 of the workbook

Regarding Project Approvals (North): Troops 7,15,83,127,336,362, and 719 Contact Mr. Jorge Montes via email asking him to be put on the list for project approvals. He will send you a zoom link Scouts should go to the project approval meeting accompanied by their Scoutmaster/Unit Leader or Eagle Mentor. It is assumed that the Scout will be nervous. The adult who is attending offers silent support, and after the meeting they can assist the Scout by reviewing the suggestions from the approval committee.

Regarding Project Approvals (Central): Troops 10,23,300,457,599,711,811G,816,840,868,and 941 Contact Dr. DeCario via email or text (must copy another adult) Send the project approval section of your workbook to evergladesadvancements@gmail.com If fundraising for the project, send the Fundraising application Send a text or call to set up a meeting (305-582-0094) He will call or meet with the Eagle Candidate to review the project.

Regarding Project Approvals (South): Troops 20,51,69,78,248,314,357,418, and 811B Contact Ms. Happell via email or text (must copy another adult) Send the project approval section of your workbook to khappell@bellsouth.net If fundraising for the project, send the Fundraising application Send a text or call to set up a meeting (305-298-5267) She will call or meet with the Eagle Candidate to review the project.

Project Approvals (cont): The district must be the last to approve the project. All other signatures must be obtained before the approval meeting. Fundraising is not a required component of the Eagle Service Project. There is no minimum number of hours for the Eagle Project. Should the project be rejected, the Scout must receive in writing an explanation of why the project was not approved and what if any changes must be made for the project to be approved.

Planning section: Complete the plan before your project. Complete all drawings or sketches Select your firm dates Do your fundraiser Buy everything Make sure you complete all sections

A few words about fundraising: Make sure you understand the rules about fundraising. Absolutely no fundraising may occur before your project is approved by the district. A Fundraising Application (page 23 of the workbook) must be submitted and approved before starting the fundraising process This application may be approved at the district level if it is anticipated that $1000 or less will be raised. Applications for over $1000 must be approved at the Council level by Don Durbin All crowd-funding campaigns, such as GoFundMe, must be approved at the Council level by Don Durbin. This approval must be obtained before the campaign starts and is required regardless of the dollar goal. Scouts and their families should become informed of the costs associated with crowd-funding sites. Failure to comply with the Council fundraising guidelines may result in disapproval of the project or refunding of monies raised before the project can begin.

Fundraising guidelines: The fundraising application is not necessary for contributions from the candidate, the candidate s parents or relatives, unit or chartered organization, unit s parents or members, or the beneficiary. It must be clear to the donors that the money is being raised on behalf of the project beneficiary, not the scout. Any products sold, or fundraising activities conducted, must be in keeping with the ideals and principles of BSA.

The Scout gives leadership to others Others means at least two people besides the Scout. Helpers may be involved in Scouting or not and of any age appropriate for the work. While it is desirable to include the members of the Scout s unit, it is not required.

The next step is to complete the project. Remember: Take lots of before and after photos to document the project. Have sign-in sheets to document your helpers hours for both your project total and their community service hours. Be prepared for the unexpected. Things may not go exactly as you planned, but that s ok. Ensure your helpers health and safety. Communicate with your beneficiary to make sure they are satisfied with the project.

On to the Project Report: What worked and what, if anything, needed modification. Total number of hours worked: include all the Eagle candidate s hours of planning and execution as well as the total hours by helpers. Total costs documented. Signature of beneficiary that the project is finished and they are satisfied.

Eagle Scout Rank Application The Scout needs to review their unverified Eagle application earlyon so that any missing dates and items such as Merit Badges can be addressed early The easiest way to accessed the Eagle Application is via the Scout s personal Scoutbook account Consistent use of Internet Advancement by Scout Units helps ensure that Eagle candidates have accurate records they need. Further explanation on how to obtain a unverified application is explained in the South Florida Council Trail to Eagle packet.

The Draft Eagle Application Once the Scout reaches the Life Rank and is starting to consider an Eagle Service Project, they should review a Draft Copy or Unverified Copy of their Eagle Application. The easiest way for the Scout to obtain a draft Eagle Application is to log into their personal Scoutbook account. Logging into http://scoutbook.com Clicking on my dashboard Clicking on Reports then clicking on Eagle application Should a Scout not have a personal Scoutbook account, their unit Key 3 (Unit Leader, Unit Committee Chairman or Chartering Organization Representative) can log into Scoutbook and obtain a draft Eagle Application for the Scout. See steps below: A unit key 3 member can login to Scoutbook and obtain a draft eagle application by: Logging into http://scoutbook.com Clicking on my dashboard Clicking on the troop Clicking on the troop roster Clicking on the Scout Clicking on Reports then clicking on Eagle application

The Eagle Rank Application: Previously reviewing the unverified Eagle application makes this step easy. Available as a fillable PDF on the Scout s personal Scoutbook account Application can also be obtained here https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-728_WB_fillable.pdf This link has Citizenship in the Society https://www.scouting.org/wp- content/uploads/2022/07/512-72822c-Eagle-Scout-Application_WEB.pdf The Scout carefully completes all info and dates and obtains all required signatures. The Scoutmaster/unit leader conference mustoccur before the Scout s 18th birthday.

The Eagle Rank Application (contd): Requirement 2. Letters of Reference should be requested. The reference form is available on the South Florida Council website Path to Eagle. The reference form and an addressed and stamped envelope should be provided to each reference writer. Please allow time for the reference letters to be completed and mailed. Reference letters are to be mailed directly to the district Advancement or Eagle Board Chairperson. An Eagle Board of Review cannot be withheld because all reference letters have not been received, but the Eagle Candidate should time their request to allow adequate time for the completion and mailing of the letters.

The Eagle Rank Application (contd): The Eagle Applicant should either bring the completed and signed Eagle Application to the Scout Florida Council and request that it be verified by the Council Registrar OR scan and email to sfc_eaglecerts@scouting.org and request that it be verified. The Council does not need to see the Eagle Project notebook to verify the Eagle Scout Application. The Verified Eagle Application will be returned via email to the Applicant. Please do not fax the application; many faxed copies are not legible and cannot be processed.

The Eagle Rank Application (contd): In preparation for your board of review, prepare and attach to your Eagle Scout Rank 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.

The Final Eagle Board of Review: When the Eagle Candidate has completed the Project Report, the Eagle Rank Application, obtained verification, and has requested letters of reference, the Scout then contacts the district Eagle Board Chairperson and requests to be on the Eagle Board calendar. Keep in mind that Eagle Boards generally meet once a month. All Eagle requirements must be completed before the 18th birthday, but the final Eagle Board of Review may occur after the 18th birthday.

The Final Eagle Board of Review: The Eagle Board should consist of at least 3 and no more that 6 members, all at least 21 years. They need not be on an advancement committee or registered with the Boy Scouts of America, but they must have an understanding of the rank and the purpose and importance of the review. Eagle boards generally last 30 minutes or somewhat longer. This is the highest rank a Scout may achieve; there should be a discussion of the Scout s successes, experiences, and future plans, but rarely should one last longer than 45 minutes. An Eagle candidate may have only one board of review (though it may be adjourned and reconvened).

The Final Eagle Board of Review: The Eagle Candidate brings the verified Eagle Rank Application, statement of life goals, and Eagle Project workbook to the Eagle Board. Some districts request that the Project Workbook be provided for review in advance; it is the candidate s responsibility to be aware of this request. The Scoutmaster, Troop Advancement Chairperson, Eagle Mentor or other adult leader (other than his parent) from the Scout s unit should attend the Final Eagle Board of Review to introduce the Scout and to offer silent support.

The Final Eagle Board of Review Appeals: Should the Eagle Board deny the Eagle rank, a written explanation of the denial must be given to the Scout and their unit leadership. The Scout, their parents/guardian, or their unit leadership may appeal the decision of the district Eagle Board. The process is initiated by sending a letter requesting the appeal to the Council Advancement Committee chairperson. All documentation, such as the application and project workbook, should be included in the appeal request. The Council Advancement Committee will research the situation and convene a review committee. The committee may support or overturn the district Eagle Board s decision. Should the Council level review support the district s decision, the Scout, their parents/guardian, or their unit leadership may request an appeal at the national level. This request is sent through the Council.

After the Final Eagle Board of Review: Oncethe Eagle Candidate has completed the Final Eagle Board of Review the board will sign their Eagle Rank Application. The Scout should take the original copy of the signed Eagle Rank Application and his/her Statement of Life Goals and Ambitions to the South Florida Council Service Center OR scan and email to sfc_eaglecerts@scouting.org. The Council will process the application and send all info to the National office in Texas. This is the only way for the Eagle Rank to be recorded. The Eagle kit with the Official Certificate, membership card and Eagle Medal kit should be available within 2-4 weeks. The kit should be picked up at the Council.

Eagle Palms Eagle Palms After successfully completing of the Eagle Scout board of review and being validated as an Eagle Scout by the National Service Center, the Scout will be entitled to receive an Eagle Palm for each additional five merit badges completed before Eagle Scout board of review beyond those required for Eagle. For these Palms only, it will not be necessary for you to complete the requirements stated below.

Eagle Palms Eagle Palms After becoming an Eagle Scout, you may earn additional Palms by completing the following requirements. 1. Be active in the Boy Scouts of America for at least three months after becoming an Eagle Scout or after the last Palm was earned. 2. Since earning the Eagle Scout rank or your last Eagle Palm, demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God and how you have lived the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your everyday life. 3. Continue to set a satisfactory example of accepting responsibility or demonstrating leadership ability. 4. Earn five additional merit badges beyond those required for Eagle or last Palm

Eagle Palms Eagle Palms A board of review is no longer required for Eagle Palms Eagle Palms are reported by the unit leader via Scoutbook/Internet Advancement. A completed advancement report is required for purchase at the Scout Shop.

Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle