Congratulations on becoming a Life Scout.  You are now one step from acquiring your eagle rank.  I know you can do it!  The following is the result of my experiences working with previous scouts that are working on their Eagle requirements or have finished these requirements.  The following is a list of items for consideration for reaching the Rank of Eagle:

        1. Plan your Project:

        a. Allow at least 6 months to finish your Eagle Project after planning is complete.

        b. Keep log of all time spent on your Eagle Project , including  planning, meeting with the beneficiary of your Eagle Project , Scoutmaster, Troop Committee, and District Committee; shopping for materials; acquiring permits, raising funds, etc.

        c. Follow the order in the Eagle Packet:

        i. Discuss your Eagle Project with the organization that benefits from your Eagle Project  ( Church, Township Parks, School, etc.) GET SIGNATURE on the Eagle Packet.

        ii. Discuss your Eagle Project with the Scoutmaster. Allow time to revise and resubmit your Eagle Project. You may have to go back to the beneficiary of your Eagle Project with changes. GET SIGNATURE.

        iii. Present your project to the Troop Committee.  The Troop Committee usually only meets once a month. GET SIGNATURE on the Eagle Packet.

        iv. Present your project to the District Advancement Committee.   The District Advancement usually only meets once a month. GET SIGNATURE on the Eagle Packet.

        v. BE IN PROPER UNIFORM for all meetings for signatures, including having the correct rank (Life) and office badges (SPL, JASM, etc.)

        d. Include the following in your plans before seeing the Scoutmaster!

        i. Schedule of proposed work dates with estimated manpower and man-hours.

        ii. Material and tool lists with costs and funding sources.

        iii. Safety precautions: procedures and equipment such as goggles, tools used only by adults, caution tape, gloves, log pants, work shoes, first aid kit, etc. (You have to decide  what is required.)

        iv. Photos of the existing conditions.

        v. Drawings or sketches of your project as applicable.

        vi. Find out if any building permits or other approvals are required. (Get a letter from a township official if it is not required.) 

        e. DO NOT do any actual work on your project until approval by the Scoutmaster, the Troop Committee, AND the District Committee.  (NOTE: Approval before starting your project is part of the requirement. Any work you do - beside planning - will not be counted for your project!)

        f. Remember the Eagle Project must have a need that is identified by you and the solution is planned and solved by you.

        2. Complete your Eagle Project Include the following in your worksheets:

        a. Continue a log of actual time spent on project, including names of all your helpers, man-hours spent on your project, actual days worked, etc.

        b. Keep track of any changes in your project versus the plans you made before starting.

        c.  Complete the essays regarding what you learned in your project.

        d.  Take photos after the work is completed.

        e. Get a letter from the beneficiary of the project saying the project has been completed to their satisfaction.

        3. Get a Eagle Rank Application from the Scoutmaster. 

        Fill out the front of the application. 

        Determine who will supply you with references.

        Acquire these references in written form.

        Have them sent to the Scoutmaster in sealed in envelopes with you name on each envelope.

        You are not supposed to see the references.

        4. Verify all your merit badges (especially those required for Eagle), Star and Life rank are on file with council (flag Plaza).  Get any discrepancies clarified - especially if you started scouts in another troop. 

        5. Verify your leadership in a troop office is adequate and understand how you have learned and demonstrated leadership in your project and in your troop office. This will be reviewed in steps 6, 7 and 9 below.

        6. Write your “Life’s Ambitions, Honors and Awards” paper for your Scoutmaster’s Conference. 

        a. You should bring all your paperwork including your final Eagle Project Report, (the “Life to Eagle Packet”) the Eagle Application and References, and this paper to the Scoutmaster’s Conference.

        b. GET SIGNATURE  of the Scoutmaster on the Eagle Application.

        c. BE IN PROPER UNIFORM for all meetings for signatures, including having the correct rank (Life) and office badges (SPL, JASM, etc.)

        d. The Scoutmaster will keep your references and make copies for the District Board of Review.

        7. Present all this information to the Troop Committee.  The Troop Committee usually only meets once a month.

        a. You should bring all your paperwork including your final Eagle Project Report, (the “Life to Eagle Packet”) the Eagle Application and References, and the Life’s Ambition Paper to the Troop Committee Meeting.

        b. GET SIGNATURE of the Committee Chairman on the Eagle Application.

        c. BE IN PROPER UNIFORM for all meetings for signatures, including having the correct rank (Life) and office badges (SPL, JASM, etc.)

        8. Take all your materials to Flag Plaza for verification including all your paperwork.  Do not leave until they have let you know everything is in order.  If they inform you that something is missing, contact the Scoutmaster or the Troop Advancement Chairman.

        9. Prepare 8 copies of all your Eagle Project Report, the Eagle Application , and the Life’s Ambition Paper for the Board of Review.  The Scoutmaster will copy your references.

        10. Mentally prepare for you Eagle Board of Review.  Although any question may be asked, the following are some of the items often covered:

        a. Describe your project and how you demonstrated leadership.

        b. What did you learn in Scouts?

        c. What are your ambitions?

        d. How have you lived out your duty to God?

        e. What ways are you going to continue in Scouting and what ways are you going to give back to Scouting?

11. CONGRATULATIONS!  You are now an EAGLE SCOUT.  Your Application will be submitted to National. You your parents and the scoutmaster will plan your EAGLE COURT OF HONOR.