TRAIL TO EAGLE

Scouts should “Be Prepared” and can begin working on Eagle-required merit badges before earning the Life rank. Some merit badges and other Eagle Scout requirements can take significant time to complete, so planning ahead is important.

The Eagle Scout Service Project can also require several months of planning, approval, fundraising when applicable, and completion. Scouts should review Scouting America’s Guide to Advancement for current policies and detailed guidance.

Scouts with questions about the Eagle Scout Service Project or Eagle Scout Rank Application are encouraged to seek guidance from their unit leaders, Unit Advancement Chair, Eagle mentor, or District Advancement Committee.

Essential Tips

• Review the current Eagle Scout rank requirements and confirm your advancement records in Scoutbook.
• Use Scoutbook to generate your Eagle Scout Rank Application with available information prefilled from your advancement record. Learn more about the Eagle Scout Rank Application in Scoutbook.
• Carefully review your name on the application. This is the name that will appear on your Eagle Scout credentials.
• Complete the application electronically whenever possible and carefully review all information for accuracy before submitting it.

Plan ahead. Scouts should allow sufficient time to complete all Eagle Scout requirements before their 18th birthday. Starting early provides time to address questions, complete requirements, and work through the project and application process without unnecessary pressure.

For current requirements and national advancement policies, visit Scouting America’s Advancement and Awards resources.

Remember to Use the Buddy System

Remember to follow the Buddy System and Scouting America’s Youth Protection policies throughout your journey to Eagle Scout.

Find an Eagle Mentor

Working with an Eagle mentor is highly recommended. Talk with your unit leader about identifying someone who can guide you through the process. An effective Eagle mentor understands the current Eagle Scout requirements, is familiar with local district procedures, and can help you navigate the journey from Life Scout to Eagle Scout.

Essential Tip

Your Eagle mentor is there to advise, encourage, and guide you through the Eagle Scout Service Project process. Your mentor should not do the work or make decisions for you. The planning, leadership, and completion of the project are your responsibility.

Important: All meetings and communications must follow current Scouting America Youth Protection policies, including requirements governing in-person meetings, email, text messages, and other electronic communications.

The Eagle Scout Service Project gives a Scout the opportunity to demonstrate the planning, development, and leadership required by Eagle Scout Requirement 5. The Scout is responsible for leading a service project that benefits an eligible organization while demonstrating their ability to:

• Plan the project
• Develop the project
• Give leadership to others

Eagle Mentor or Project Coach

Working with an Eagle mentor or project coach is highly recommended. They can review your work, answer questions, and provide guidance throughout the process. However, the Scout is responsible for preparing the Proposal, Project Plan, and Project Report. A mentor or coach should guide the Scout—not do the work for them.

The Project

Begin by downloading and reviewing the current Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook. The workbook includes the Eagle Scout Service Project Proposal, Project Plan, and Project Report.

Always use the current version of the workbook available directly from Scouting America. Do not use outdated copies or versions obtained from other sources.

Essential Tips

• Review the entire workbook before beginning so you understand the process and requirements.
• Pay close attention to required signatures, approvals, and instructions identified with the word “must.”

Choosing a Project

Once you understand the process, begin exploring project ideas. Choose something meaningful to you that provides an opportunity to plan, develop, and lead others. If an idea is not a good fit, you can consider another project and discuss your options with your Eagle mentor or project coach.

Projects often fall into broad categories such as conservation, construction, collection, or creative projects. Be resourceful when looking for ideas—talk with unit leaders, Eagle Scouts, schools, community organizations, religious organizations, and other potential beneficiaries.

For additional inspiration, explore NESA’s Eagle Project Idea Generator and Eagle Scout Project Requirements and Resources.

Eagle Scout Service Project Proposal

The next step is to complete the Eagle Scout Service Project Proposal contained in the workbook. Complete each section carefully and provide enough information for reviewers to clearly understand the project, its scope, how it will benefit the beneficiary, and how you plan to provide leadership.

Before work on the project begins, the Proposal must receive all required approvals, including those from the unit leader, unit committee, beneficiary, and the council or district representative designated to provide final approval.

Do not begin work on the Eagle Scout Service Project until all required Proposal approvals have been received.

Eagle Scout Service Project Fundraising Application

If your project requires fundraising or the solicitation of donations, review the fundraising requirements in the current Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook. The fundraising application is used when approval is required for raising funds or obtaining certain donations of materials, supplies, tools, or other project needs.

Some fundraising activities or sources may not require an application under Scouting America or Atlanta Area Council procedures. If you are unsure whether approval is required, consult your Eagle mentor, project coach, or district advancement representative before beginning fundraising or soliciting donations.

Donations may include materials, supplies, tools, or other items provided for the project. If a business or other donor discounts an item purchased for the project, the value of that discount may also be considered a donation.

When a Fundraising Application is required, fundraising or solicitation of applicable donations must not begin until the required approval has been received.

Eagle Scout Service Project Plan

Scouts are strongly encouraged to complete the Project Plan section of the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook. The Plan helps transform the approved Proposal into a detailed roadmap for completing the project successfully.

The Project Plan should address the project from beginning to end, including materials, supplies, work processes, safety considerations, logistics, leadership, and other important details. While the Project Plan does not normally require the same approvals as the Proposal, Scouts should review it with their project coach and share it with the beneficiary as appropriate.

The beneficiary may require additional planning or approval before work begins. Scouts should provide enough detail that another person could understand how the project will be carried out and, if necessary, continue the work using the Plan.

Scouts are also encouraged to bring their completed Project Plan to their Eagle Scout Board of Review.

Eagle Scout Service Project Report

After completing the project, finish the Eagle Scout Service Project Report contained in the workbook. Answer each question thoroughly and explain what happened, how you provided leadership, what changed from the original plan, and what you learned from the experience.

Complete the required signatures and obtain the required approvals from the beneficiary and unit leader.

Before-and-after photographs are encouraged and can help document the project and provide reviewers with a clearer understanding of the work accomplished.

For local project approvals and assistance, find your Atlanta Area Council district contacts.

To keep your materials organized and prevent pages from being lost, consider submitting your completed Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook in a binder along with your Eagle Scout Rank Application and Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose. Plastic sheet protectors are optional but may be helpful for protecting documents and keeping photographs in order.

Eagle Scout Rank Application

The completed and signed Eagle Scout Rank Application must be submitted to the Council Service Center along with the required Eagle Scout materials. Always use the current version of the application available directly from Scouting America.

Information and dates on the application will be verified during the review process. Before submitting your application, review your advancement record in Scoutbook to make sure it is complete and accurate and that the dates match those entered on your Eagle Scout Rank Application. Resolving discrepancies before submission can help prevent delays.

Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose

The Eagle Scout candidate must provide a statement describing their ambitions and life purpose. The statement should also include positions held in a religious institution, school, camp, community, or other organizations in which the Scout demonstrated leadership skills, as well as honors and awards received.

Eagle Scout Letters of Reference

Allow sufficient time before your Eagle Scout Board of Review for references to be contacted or submitted in accordance with Atlanta Area Council and district procedures. References correspond to the individuals identified on the Eagle Scout Rank Application.

Letters of reference are confidential and are intended only for those responsible for reviewing the Eagle Scout candidate. The Eagle Scout candidate should not collect, read, or retain confidential reference letters.

Once the Council Program Center has verified the information on the Eagle Scout Rank Application, the candidate will be referred for an Eagle Scout Board of Review. Boards of Review are typically conducted at the district level, and the candidate will be contacted by the district to arrange a date and time.

After the Board of Review

Following a successful Eagle Scout Board of Review, the council submits the completed application to Scouting America for final processing. Once the application has been processed and approved, the Eagle Scout rank becomes official, and the Eagle Scout credentials are issued.

The Council Program Center will notify the appropriate unit contact when the Eagle Scout certificate and credentials are available. Information regarding pickup or delivery will be provided at that time.

You Deserve to Be Recognized for This Achievement!

An Eagle Scout Court of Honor is a special celebration recognizing a Scout who has earned Scouting America’s highest rank.

Once the Eagle Scout rank has been officially approved and confirmed, the Scout, family, and unit may plan and conduct an Eagle Scout Court of Honor to celebrate this significant achievement.

For ceremony ideas and planning resources, explore Eagle Scout Award Suggested Ceremonies Compiled by NESA.

Congratulations on Completing Your Project!

Take your project beyond the council and share your story with Scouts across the country. Submit your project to Scout Life Magazine’s Eagle Project Showcase to highlight your service, leadership, and impact.

Is Your Eagle Project Award-Winning?

The National Eagle Scout Association established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams Service Project of the Year Award to recognize outstanding Eagle Scout service projects that demonstrate exceptional leadership and provide significant service to a religious institution, school, community, or other eligible organization.

If you believe your project qualifies, review the current requirements and application deadline and apply for the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams Service Project of the Year Award. NESA membership is not required to apply.

A number of organizations, schools, and foundations offer scholarships for Eagle Scouts. Because scholarship opportunities, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines can change, Scouts are encouraged to research available programs regularly.

Explore Scout Scholarship Opportunities

There are many ways you can help support the next generation of Eagle Scouts and ensure future Scouts have the opportunity to reach this important milestone.

You can also explore the Atlanta Area Council’s Ways to Give to discover additional opportunities to support Scouting. Your generosity helps provide the programs, resources, and experiences that prepare today’s Scouts to become tomorrow’s leaders—and future Eagle Scouts.

As a new Eagle Scout, you join a distinguished community of Scouts who have achieved Scouting America’s highest rank. Continue your connection to Scouting, celebrate your accomplishment, and carry forward the traditions of Eagle Scout service and leadership through the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA).

Explore Resources for New Eagle Scouts

Your Scouting journey does not end with earning Eagle. Eagle Scouts, young adults, parents, and other Scouting supporters are invited to stay connected through the Atlanta Area Council’s alumni and Eagle Scout alumni communities. These groups provide opportunities to reconnect, network, volunteer, and help strengthen Scouting for the next generation.

Connect with the Eagle Scout Alumni Community

Eagle Scout Rank Application

Eagle Scout Award Suggested Ceremonies Compiled by NESA

Eagle Scout Project Resources

Eagle Scout Project Showcase

Eagle-Required Merit Badges

Eagle Scout Rank Requirements

Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook

Eagle Scout Store

Contact Your District Advancement Committee

Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams Service Project of the Year Award

Guide to Advancement, No. 33088 (PDF)

Merit Badges | Scouting America

NESA’s Eagle Project Idea Generator

Resources for New Eagle Scouts

NESA Store

Atlanta Area Council Scout Shop