To: Eagle Scout Candidates, Scout Leaders

From: Larry Justiss, District Advancement Committee

Date: January 6, 2003

Plan, organize, and direct a project of significant value to the community.

After working with many Scouts, at both the Troop and District levels, it has become obvious that the expectations of what is required or how a Scout should begin working their Eagle Service Projects are not widely known. This has led to delays and frustration in doing what is required. Since the BSA Eagle Service Project Workbook is vague, the adults helping the Scouts often interpret the requirements differently. These different interpretations have caused difficulties in advising the Scouts and in receiving approval at the District level. In order to facilitate two-way communication and guide candidates in the preparation of quality projects the District Committee will approve projects at its monthly District meetings. Guidelines for projects have not changed but the process for approval has.

The District has read and approved many projects in past years. Many candidates proved they were capable of performing at a high level and were proud of their accomplishment when their projects were complete. The criteria, is simple -- a Scout should conceive and prepare his Project Plan in such detail that, in his absence, another Scout could successfully work the entire project, to everyone's satisfaction, doing only what was written in the original Project Plan. In addition to the Life Scout's planning, organizing and providing leadership, the project should be of significant value to the community. It is with this in mind that we have begun a committee review process to enhance the Eagle process and, if needed, provide feedback valuable to the Eagle Candidate.

The process is as follows:

Submission of the proposed project - Recommendation is that the original write-up be submitted at least 60 days prior to the proposed project date (this allows time for revisions or enhancements, if needed)
Communication back from District Advancement Committee - The committee will respond within one to two weeks to give approval or to ask for any additional information.
Possible revision - If needed, the Eagle candidate would be given the opportunity to revise the existing project providing more detail or possibly revamping the scope of the project. The proposed project would then be resubmitted to the committee.
Review - If necessary the Eagle Candidate could request a formal review of his proposed project wherein he would present the project to the Advancement Committee in person and provide further explanation of his proposed project, which could lead to approval.
Completion of the Project - Once officially approved by the District Advancement Committee, the Eagle Candidate should proceed with his project (Under no circumstances should work on a project begin before final approval is given).

The District Committee hopes this process will enhance the Eagle experience not hinder it. Since leadership is an important quality of Eagle Candidates they are encouraged, but not required, to be present at this review process.