Reif KesslerChairman, Big Lick District Eagle Review Board

Blue Ridge Mountains CouncilMarch 2, 2013

By the end of today’s sessionUnderstand the nature of an Eagle Scout

Service ProjectUnderstand the role of the Eagle Project

CoachUnderstand the process by which Eagle

Service Projects are approvedBe able to evaluate the appropriateness of

projects

What is the purpose of the Eagle Scout Service Project?

ServiceLeadershipLearning Appropriate challengeOrganizational ExperienceAcceptance of ResponsibilityPlanningStretchGrowth

Key Learning“As an adult, you may not remember the

particular experience or challenge of any merit badge,…

… but you will never forget your Eagle Service Project.”

Adult Eagle Scout

The Eagle Project CoachThe Eagle Service Project will be challenging.

The Scout will need an adult to coach and encourage him through the process.

The Scoutmaster (SM) appoints an Eagle Project Coach (EPC), who has completed Eagle Coach Training.

If you do not have sufficient experience ask the District Advancement Committee (DAC) for help.

The Eagle Project Coach (EPC)…Is a role, not a position Is an adult –registered and preferably with

basic training – associated with the unitIs often the Scoutmaster, but need not beCould be a member of the District Advancement

Committee or District Eagle Review BoardIs not self-appointedShould not be the parent of the Eagle candidateShould complete Eagle Project Coach Training

The Responsibilities of the Eagle Project Coach. . .Primary coach for the Scout throughout the

Service projectEnsures that the project meets BSA’s requirementsEnsures that the project offers leadership and

growth potential for the ScoutEncourages the Scout to do thorough and careful

planningInforms appropriate individuals if there are any

special circumstances of which the District Advancement Committee (DAC) should be aware when evaluating the appropriateness of this project?

The Process

Phase I - Project Concept Approval Phase II - Project PlanningPhase III - Executing the Project Plan

Criteria for an Eagle Scout Service Project

Significant contribution of benefit to the community

Sufficient magnitude to be special and challenging

Must require the Eagle Scout candidate to demonstrate significant leadership

Must be realistically achievable

RestrictionsCannot involve council property or any

other BSA activity; the Boy Scouts cannot be the beneficiary in any way.

Cannot be shared with any other Eagle candidate.

Cannot be routine labor or service normally rendered.

Cannot be performed for a business or an individual (with some exceptions)

ExamplesRaised gardening beds for senior housing facility.

Community or church playground upgrades.

Outdoor meeting areas, patios, picnic areas, amphitheaters, meditation gardens.

Nature trails, public access trails, stairs.

Storage facilities for churches, schools, community service facilities.

RestrictionsCannot be of commercial nature.Cannot be a fundraiser. (But fundraising is a

part of most projects.)Cannot be a solo project. The Eagle

Candidate must lead a group of people, most of whom should ideally be youth. (Projects executed by the Eagle Candidate alone do not qualify.)

FundraisingCar washes.

Spaghetti dinners.

Yard sales.

Sponsoring organization funds.

Limited donations, family funds, or personal funds.

No raffles or games of chance.

Fundraising Applications must be submitted and approved. No funds are to be raised until project and fundraising plans are approved.

Phase I - Concept ApprovalThe Eagle Candidate develops one or more

ideas about possible Eagle Service Projects. He discusses his ideas with the EPC to narrow

or prioritize the options.The Eagle Candidate discusses the project with

the benefiting organization and secures their approval.

He finalizes his idea in sufficient detail for presentation to the DAC (Eagle Review Board) for approval.

Phase I - Concept ApprovalDetails required for Concept ApprovalProject description and beneficiaryLeadership – what team is needed, recruiting,Materials, supplies, tools, permits and permissions neededPreliminary cost estimateProject phases and logisticsSafety issuesFuture planning needs

Go to Phase

II

Scout discussesproject with

benefiting organization

Conceptapprovedby EPC

Conceptapproved

by District

NoNo

Yes Yes

Role of the District Advancement Committee

Quality ControlEnsures that the project plan complies with

the criteria and restrictions of an Eagle Service Project.

Ensures that the project is realistically achievable.

Shares their experience regarding successful projects. (The more detailed the proposal concept is the better able they are to provide meaningful help.)

Role of the EPCAttend meetings between the Scout and

the DAC/ERBLet the Scout do the presentation - keep

quietTake notes on comments and concerns of

the DAC/ERBReview the requested changes, if any,

with the DAC/ERB and the Scout; ensure that there is understanding and agreement

What if the District Advancement Committee does not approve the plan?

Heed their advice and input – they are experienced.

Carefully review their recommendations and address in detail all points of concern.

After addressing all points of concern, the Scout and EPC will meet again with the DAC/ERB and review the corrections.

What if the District Advancement Committee approves the plan with comments?

Heed their advice and input – they are experienced.

Carefully review their recommendations and address in detail all points of concern.

There is no need for further approval, but proceed with caution. Failure to properly address concerns could result in disapproval upon project review.

“Be Prepared”The plan describes how the project will be

done and should be written with sufficient and significant detail so that the plan could be given to others to lead the project if the Scout were absent.

The project will be performed by a group of youth under the Scout’s direction. Remember that the “doers” presumably know less about the project than the Scout.

The Project DetailsPresent ConditionMaterials/Supplies/ToolsBudget/Fund RaisersProject HelpersSchedule/Phases/LogisticsSafety HazardsLeadershipContingency

Scout Tests His UnderstandingReview the written proposal with the EPC.

Could another youth use the plan to execute the proposed project in the absence of the Scout?

Have you checked spelling and grammar?Ask people to read the proposal critically

and suggest improvements. Listen to their suggestions.

Module 4 – The Process

Scout plans project and discusses

project details withbenefiting

organization EPC coaches Scout

No

Yes

Scout revisesproject plan;EPC coaches

Project planapproved

by EPC or SM

Go to Phase III

Warning: There is no further review by

DAC/ERB

Summary of RolesThe Eagle Candidate is the owner of the

Eagle Service ProjectThe Eagle Coach guides, coaches, and

encourages the Eagle Candidate through the process.

The District Advancement Committe/Eagle Review Board ensures that the project concept and preliminary plan comply with the criteria and restrictions of an Eagle Service Project and that the scope of the project is appropriate for the Scout.

Eagle Board of ReviewA group of Scouters interested in seeing

Scouts succeed in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in a meaningful way.

A conversation with the Eagle Candidate, not a “grilling”.

Did the Scout undertake the approved project with limited deviations.

Was the Scout the leader of the project.Discussion of the Scout’s scouting experience.Discussion of the values of Scouting and their

meaning to the Scout.

Eagle Court of HonorAn individual ceremony honoring only the Eagle Scout.

No other ceremony in the life of a young man will be focused on just him.

Many in attendance will have never seen an Eagle ceremony.

Ceremonial opening – Color Guard, Pledge of Allegiance, Recitation of Scout Oath and Law.

Review significance of the Eagle rank and its requirements.

Recitation of the Eagle’s scouting career, experience, leadership, and accomplishments.

Can have a religious emphasis if desired. Involvement of family members is appropriate.Celebrate!

ConclusionObtaining the rank of Eagle Scout is a significant event. It should not be cheapened by “easy” projects or by the over-involvement of adults. The Scout must be the developer and leader of a significant project.

But, a Scout will require careful guidance, and each to a different degree.