Avoiding Eagle Scout Project Proposal Mistakes

 

“On My Honor I Will Do My Best” is a phase every scout repeats often in the Scouting program. It holds the same weight when preparing to work on their Eagle Scout Service Project.

The Eagle Scout workbook should show that the scouts are wanting to do their best. We want to share some areas that are often missed when filling the Eagle Scout workbook proposal to be reviewed. When these are in place it will help prevent delays and the scouts can get started on their project quicker.

1. The information on the contact page of the workbook will help District and Council reviewers know how to contact scouts and share information with them. If a wrong email is sent or if the scout does not check their email this would cause delays. Phone numbers are another way we contact them if scouts do not reply to the emails sent. Our District is very large and emails have been the most effective way to communicate with the scouts. The questions and suggestions about their project and letters of progress on their Trail to becoming an Eagle Scout are often shared with them.
2. The Scout needs to fill out the contact page completely. This gives important information about leaders who are supporting them in their progress toward the Eagle rank. Life rank is often not listed and will need to be added.
3. We want the scouts to write up their own Eagle Scout project proposal. It is one way the scout is learning leadership in expressing themselves and what their vision for the Eagle Scout project will be. Parents and leaders are not to write up any of the workbook. We highly suggest after writing up a proposal that the scout reads out loud what is written to make sure words are spelled correctly and it expresses what they want to say about the project and how important it is to them.
4. The first signature on the signature page to approve an Eagle Scout Project should be the scout.
5.  The Eagle Scout project should have a clear vision and goal stated. The scout should be able to plan, develop and execute by using leadership skills they have learned in scouting as well as other ones as they work the plan they have laid out. The Council looks for these requirements in each Eagle Scout Project.
6.  The Fundraising application will need to be submitted with the Eagle Scout project if the scout is asking for money donations, materials, or supplies from sources other than the beneficiary, the scout, the charter organization, or the scout's parents.