What is an Eagle Project?
According to the Guide to Advancement (GTA §9.0.2.7.) an Eagle Project must meet 5 Tests:
- The project provides sufficient opportunity to meet the requirement.
- The project appears to be feasible.
- Safety issues will be addressed.
- Action steps for further detailed planning are included.
- The Scout is on the right track with a reasonable chance for a positive experience.
These 5 Tests are met and demonstrated through the Proposal Section of the workbook when the Scout presents the project to the Troop Scoutmaster and Committee. The Proposal must be detailed enough to provide a level of confidence for a reviewer that the tests can be met.
Remember:
An Eagle Scout Project MUST show Planning, Development and Leadership! Before approving a project, consider how the Scout will demonstrate this during their project and ultimately their Board of Review.
Eagle Projects are Unit Events:
Eagle Scout Projects Are Unit Events and as such must comply with YPT Guidelines. The beginning of the GTA says: “The Guide to Safe Scouting Applies. Policies and procedures outlined in the Guide to Safe Scouting apply to all Scouting America activities, including those related to advancement and Eagle Scout, Summit, and Quartermaster service projects.”
This means that Eagle Project Workdays must comply with YPT. Two Registered Adult Scouting America (Scouts USA) Leaders must be in attendance. Registered Adults have completed and turned in an Adult Application, completed and passed the YPT Course (valid through the entire year), completed AB506 Training, completed the requisite training for their position and have been fingerprinted.
Where can I refer my Scouts to Find Eagle Projects? Begin with a conversation, find out the Scout’s ideas. The best project will be one that the Scout likes and is passionate about. Finding the right project will take work, research and effort. Encourage the Scout to maximize, yet enjoy, their Scouting journey. Some ideas of Eagle Project locations are:
- Charter Organization – Return service to the Charter Organization and ask them what Eagle Scout Projects are available at their location.
- City – Ask your home city (where Scouts live or go to school) what projects they are in need of.
- The Scout’s Church or Religious Institution will have projects that they can offer.
- Schools – Have the Scout check with their current school, past schools or their siblings schools. What needs do they have that an Eagle Scout Project can be meet?
- Philanthropic Organizations are located all around us. Places like soup kitchens, children centers, assistance leagues, veteran organizations (and so many others) have a need for a variety of Eagle Scout Projects. Reach out and ask.
- NESA, the National Eagle Scout Association, has an “Eagle Project Generator” which will give Scouts ideas as to where to find projects based on their interest. It does not provide specific locations but will give an idea as to where to ask for projects. The ‘Eagle Project Generator’ can be found: https://nesa.org/resources/trail-to-eagle/project-idea-generator/.
Where do I refer my Scouts if they have Questions? A Unit’s first contact would be a conversation with the Scoutmaster and the Troop Life to Eagle Coach. If further information is needed, contact the Canyons Eagle Processor, Mrs. Cheryl Geukens, at canyonseagles23@gmail.com, or the Canyons Advancement Chair, Mrs. Karen Writer, at thewriterfam@gmail.com.