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Path to Eagle!

Becoming an Eagle Scout is one of the most noteworthy accomplishments in a Scout's career. Recent statistics tell us that only about 6% of ALL Scouts ever attain this lofty award. There is much work and dedication required on the part of the aspiring Eagle Scout and those efforts are supported by parents, unit leaders, and members of the community. The process to follow in order to become an Eagle Scout is intentional, and while it may at times seems a bit complex, there are many resources to provide clarity and direction. This site is aimed at providing assistance to the Scout, unit leaders, service project benefactors, and the community in general about this all important Path to Eagle!

Requirements to Attain the Eagle Scout Rank

  • Be active in your unit as a Life Scout for at least six months.

  • Earn a total of 21 merit badges (10 more than required for the Life rank), including these 14 merit badges: (a) First Aid, (b) Citizenship in the Community, (c) Citizenship in the Nation, (d) Citizenship in Society, (e) Citizenship in the World, (f) Communication, (g) Cooking, (h) Personal Fitness, (i) Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, (j) Environmental Science OR Sustainability, (k) Personal Management, (l) Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, (m) Camping, and (n) Family Life. 

  • While a Life Scout, serve actively in your troop for six months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility. Scout troop: Patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, troop guide, Order of the Arrow troop representative, den chief, scribe, librarian, historian, quartermaster, junior assistant Scoutmaster, chaplain aide, instructor, webmaster, or outdoor ethics guide. Venturing crew/Sea Scout ship: President, vice president, secretary, treasurer, quartermaster, historian, den chief, guide, boatswain, boatswain’s mate, yeoman, purser, storekeeper, chaplain aide, outdoor ethics guide, crew leader, media specialist, specialist or webmaster.

  • While a Life Scout, plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or your community. (The project must benefit an organization other than the Boy Scouts of America.) 

  • While a Life Scout, participate in a Scoutmaster conference. 

  • Successfully complete your board of review for the Eagle Scout rank.

Service Project

The Eagle Scout Service Project is simply an actionable step of the Scouting tenent to "give back to our community". Through the successful completion of the Eagle Scout Service Project, the aspiring Eagle is taught to apply the skills of leadership. There are three important components that must be evident within the project: "planning", "developing", and "giving leadership to others".  The "Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook" outlines and provides step-wise directions to guide the aspiring Eagle.

Your First Read!

Provide to Project Benefactor

There are four project forms: (1) proposal; (2) plan; (3) fundraising application. and (4) final report.

Project Proposal

Use the Service Project Workbook as the official guide. Key items to remember.

  • The beneficiary may not be the Boy Scouts of America or any camp or council-owned property.

  • There are no minimum number of hours for a project. No one may tell an aspiring Eagle how many hours must be spent on the project. 

  • The project (as well as all other requirements for Eagle) must be completed before the Scout's 18th birthday. The work toward completion of the Eagle Service project may begin at any time once an aspiring Eagle is a Life Scout but he/she is cautioned not to wait too late to have it all completed if  nearing his/her 18th birthday. 

  • It must be worthy of an Eagle project and satisfy the needs of the project beneficiary.

  • Be sure to provide the document, "Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project" to the project benefactor.

Once the project proposal is completed, it must be approved by: (1) unit leader; (2) unit committee; (3) beneficiary; and (4) Council or District (see contact list below). Use the signature page found in the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook.

Contact List for Council/District Approval

River District:

Mr. Mike Henderson (mhenderson@tuscco.com or 205-752-8718) -OR- Mr. Andy Hill (rah6325@hotmail.com or 205-561-5767)

Mountain District:

Mr. Darren Hix (darren.hix@scouting.org or 205-388-2660)

Prairie District:

Mr. Greg Whitis (whitign@auburn.edu or 334-352-2482

 

Project Plan

The Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook provides tools for the aspiring Eagle to develop a "plan" to effectively carry out the project. It is solely for the use of the aspiring Eagle and is not approved or signed. It is, however, important in showing that the required planning and development was done and should be taken to the final Eagle Scout Board of Review. 

Eagle Scout Service Project Coach

The aspiring Eagle Scout's unit is encouraged to provide an Eagle Scout Service Project Coach to serve as a guide and advisor, however this is not a requirement and the aspiring Eagle Scout is not required to work with a coach. The Eagle Scout Service Project Coach can be a valuable resource in guidance but they do not have the authority to dictate changes or take any other such directive action.  

Fundraising Application

The Eagle Scout Service Project may not be a fundraiser, even for a worthy charity. Fundraising is permitted only for securing materials, etc. and otherwise facilitating a project.  Unless the effort involves contributions only from the beneficiary, the candidate, the candidate's parents or relatives, unit or chartered organization, unit's parents or members, it must be approved by the local council. This is achieved by submitting the Eagle Scout Service Project Fundraising Application (included in workbook) and submitting to the Scout Service Center. This application must be submitted at least two weeks in advance of any fundraising efforts.

There are organizations that accept applications to provide funding for Eagle Scout projects. Be sure to submit the application for council approval before seeking funding from an outside organization. The Holle Family Foundation is one such organization that considers applications periodically - click on their logo for more information. 

Project Approval/Report

Once the project is completed, the "Eagle Scout Service Project Report" (included in the workbook) is completed. It must be approved and signed by the (1) unit leader and (2) project benefactor. 

Eagle Scout Rank Application

Once all requirements for the Eagle Scout Rank are completed, the candidate must complete the "Eagle Scout Rank Application". Once the candidate carefully completes all sections of the application, it is submitted to the unit leader for approval. After signing the application, the unit leader submits the application to the Scout Service Center for certification. The process for local council certification is typically completed within 1-2 business days.  A Board of Review may not be scheduled or held until AFTER the application is certified and returned to the unit leader!

Eagle Scout Board of Review

After a Scout has completed the requirements for any rank (except Scout rank), he or she appears before a board of review. A board of review must be a personal and individual experience. Its purpose is to determine the quality of a Scout’s experience and decide whether the requirements for a rank have been fulfilled.  Because the board of review date becomes the effective advancement date, boards should be scheduled promptly as Scouts are ready, or set up on a regular basis, to assure the Scout is not delayed in beginning time-oriented requirements for the next rank (or, attainment of Eagle palms).” 

The document below details the Board of Review process as approved by the Black Warrior Council Executive Board and also provides sample questions. The unit leader/unit committee are responsible for setting up the Board of Review. At least one of the members must be a representative from the district. The district representative may chair the Board of Review or simply serve as one of its members at the discretion of the unit leader/unit committee.

Contact List to Arrange for a Board of Review District Representative

River District:

Mr. Mike Henderson (mhenderson@tuscco.com or 205-752-8718) -OR- Mr. Andy Hill (rah6325@hotmail.com or 205-561-5767)

Mountain District:

Mr. Darren Hix (darren.hix@scouting.org or 205-388-2660)

Prairie District:

Mr. Greg Whitis (whitign@auburn.edu or 334-352-2482

Quick FAQs: 

  1. While all requirements for the rank of Eagle must be completed BEFORE the Scout's 18th birthday, the Board of Review may be held up to 24 months afterward.

  2. The candidate does not have to remain an active, or registered, member of Scouting to participate in a Board of Review.

  3. While the Scout may be counseled as to his/her readiness for a Board of Review, it may not be delayed if the Scout believes he/she is ready and wishes for it to proceed.

  4. The Scout may not be denied or delayed for a Board of Review due to missing or late letters of recommendation. ​​

At the conclusion of a successful Board of Review, the "Eagle Scout Rank Application" is signed by the (1) chair of the Board of Review and (2) district representative. The completed application is then submitted to the Scout Service Center to be signed by the Scout Executive and submitted to the National Council for final approval. 

The National Council of the B.S.A. will review the Eagle Scout Application and then send credentials back to the Black Warrior Council office. Once the application is sent to the National office, it typically takes about two weeks to receive the credentials.  The Eagle Scout Court of Honor may not be scheduled or held until after these credentials are received.

Eagle Scout Court of Honor

What an exciting time! Presentation of the Eagle Scout Rank to a deserving young Scout is indeed a memorable occasion. There is no set or required presentation format to be followed. Many units have a standard proesentation outline so if ideas are needed, reach out to  a fellow unit leader. A quick search engine search will also result in a multitude of ideas and possible scripts to edit and follow.

The credentials sent from the National office will include an (1) Eagle Scout Certificate and (2) Eagle Scout Pocket Card (at no charge).

Available for purchase from the Scout Shop:

Eagle Scout Award Kit, to include: Eagle Scout Medal, Eagle Scout Badge, Mentor Pin, Dad Pin, & Mom Pin.

Court of Honor Invitations

Court of Honor plates, napkins, and blank program cover with Eagle Scout embossing.

* Most of these items are in stock but should they have to be ordered, please allow a two week timeframe.

Eagle Scout Award Kit.jpg

National Eagle Scout Association (NESA)

NESA logo.jpg

All Eagle Scouts are encouraged to consider joining the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA). There are many opportunities, including scholarships, with membership. Visit the NESA website to learn more!

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