TRAIL TO EAGLE

The heart badge was then placed on your uniform. You will never forget your thoughts at that moment. This feeling has been experienced by all Scouts on reaching the ledge of Life Scout: “Now I am close to the Eagle, I will carry on.”  The trail became tougher, but more interesting. The original principles, the Scout Oath and Law, now had a fuller meaning. Your understanding of them was greater.

We watched your character unfold as you became a man.  We watched your leadership expand into a valuable asset.  We have observed your mind develop and your wisdom increase.  We have guided all these things in you and now that you are on the threshold of your goal, we welcome you, for you have done your climbing in a true Scoutlike manner.

The voice of the Eagle

Requirements for the Rank of Eagle

1. Earn 21 merit badges, including 12, which are required.

2. Serve actively in a troop position for a period of 6 months after becoming a Life Scout.

3. Plan, develop, and carry out a service project worthy of an Eagle Scout.

4. Appear before a Board of Review of prominent persons and satisfy them that you have done your best to understand and live up to the Scout Oath and Law and, in all ways, qualify for the Eagle Scout Award.

Eagle Project Process Download Trail to Eagle Process - Checklist

Don't wait, you may begin planning your project immediately following the Rank of Life (DO NOT begin the project until it has been approved by the Eagle Board).

Project Preparation

• Eagle Project Proposal must pose these traits.

  • 1. 1. 1. • Must benefit a non-profit agency.

             • Must be something that you proud of.

             • Must be of significant magnitude to be special & needs to be an improvement.

             • Must be of lasting significance.

             • Should be manageable in size and scope.

Project Application

• • • • • • Download and fill in the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook (follow instructions to download).

            • A successful Form will include these details.

            • Include Unit, Council & Leader information's.

            • Safety Descriptions of procedures & equipment.

            • First Aid Kit supplied. 

            • Proper clothing recommended. 

            • Bring goggles & gloves, etc.

            • Supplying water, drinks & snacks.

            • Diagrams & map of project layout.

            • List materials needed in detail (either purchased or otherwise).

            • Include "Before" Photos of project area.

            • Funding Sources.

              1. • Describe how & where your funds will come from.

                 • Have a back-up plan for funding if "Plan A" fails.
                   
                   
                   

Submit the proposed project, plan & secure approval signatures from:

• • Scoutmaster

  • Troop Committee Represntative

  • Benefiting Organization Representative

  • District Advancement Committee

    • • 1. • 1. • Committee (Eagle Board) Meeting is 2nd Monday of each month (Meets all year long)

                • Must turn in signed project 2 weeks before Eagle Board Meeting to Scoutmaster (will deliver

    project to Eagle Board)

After Completion of the Eagle Project

• • Complete the write-up of the project.

    • • 1. 1. 1. • Include "before, during & after" photos.

                 • Update all sections with final details of the project (be thorough).

Eagle Application Process

Application

• • Request a printed copy of your Individual History Report from the Scoutmaster.

    • • 1. • • Report will detail and remaining needs (if any).

             • Will have information and dates needed for your application.

             • Download & complete the Eagle Scout Rank Application (click on link).

             • Always ask for assistance as needed.

           • Write "Statement of Ambitions & Purpose" (requirement #6 "note" on application).

             • Use a separate page (3 to 5 paragraphs).

           • Request & receive 2 Letters of Recommendation.  Click here for Eagle Scout Reference Letters

Notebook Prep (3 ring binder)

This notebook is the final representation of your hard work on your Trail to Eagle.  It should be neat, clean & professional in appearance.

• • Notebook should be assembled in this order.

    • • 1. • • Eagle Application.

             • Letters of Recommendation.

             • Statement of Ambitions & Purpose.

             • Eagle Project Proposal, write-up & photos

           • Make sure all signatures are on all forms.

             • Benefiting Organization Representative

             • Troop Committee Representative

             • Scoutmaster

           • Turn in Completed Notebook to your Scoutmaster prior to the last * of the month.

             • Eagle Board Meeting is * of each month (meets all year long)

Eagle Board - Board of Review

• • • • 1. • You will receive a letter confirming the date & time of your Board of Review.

           • You are to wear your Class A uniform with merit badge sash to the Board of Review.

           • You are to invite two scout leaders to attend the review with you.

             • • Cannot be your scoutmaster or family member.

           • Upon a successful Review, you will be considered an official Eagle Scout.

           • After 6 weeks, you will be able to plan your Eagle ceremony.

             • • Work with scoutmaster via email after checking your Troop Calendar.

           • If Interested - You may request Congratulatory Letters from Governmental & Prominent people for your ceremony & notebook

THE EAGLE SCOUT CHALLENGE

The foremost responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor. To an Eagle Scout, honor is the foundation of all character. He knows that "A Scout is trustworthy" is the very first point of the Scout Law for a good reason. An Eagle Scout lives honorably, not only because honor is important to him but because of the vital significance of the example he sets for other Scouts. Living honorably reflects credit on his home, his church, his troop, and his community. May the white of the Eagle badge remind you to always live with honor.

The second obligation of an Eagle Scout is loyalty. A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation. His loyalty to his troop and brother Scouts makes him pitch in and carry his share of the load. All of these help to build the loyalty which means devotion to community, to country, to one's own ideals, and to God. Let the blue of the Eagle badge always inspire your loyalty.

The third obligation of an Eagle Scout is to be courageous. Courage has always been a quality by which men measure themselves and others. To a Scout, bravery means not only the courage to face physical danger, but the determination to stand up for the right. Trusting in God, with faith in his fellowman, he looks forward to each day, seeking his share of the world's work to do. Let the red of the Eagle badge remind you always of courage.

The fourth obligation of an Eagle Scout is to be cheerful. To remind the Eagle Scout to always wear a smile, the red, white, and blue ribbon is attached to the scroll of the Second Class Scout award, which has its ends turned up in a smile.

The final responsibility of an Eagle Scout is service. The Eagle Scout extends a helping hand to those who still toil up Scouting's trail, just as others helped him in his climb to the Eagle. The performance of the daily Good Turn takes on a new meaning when he enters a more adult life of continuing service to others. The Eagle stands as protector of the weak and helpless. He aids and comforts the unfortunate and the oppressed. He upholds the rights of others while defending his own. He will always "Be Prepared" to put forth his best.

You deserve much credit for having achieved Scouting's highest award. But wear your award with humility, ever mindful that the Eagle Scout is looked up to as an example. May the Scout Oath and the Scout Law be your guide for tomorrow and onward