With BSA’s release of the new Guide to Advancement in October 2011, we are retiring the Trail to Eagle Guide previously published by the council advancement committee. In the final months of 2011, the council will make a transition from the former advancement publication to the new Guide to Advancement. After January 1, 2012 the new guide will be consulted for all advancement procedures. 

Our aim is to make pertinent forms and information available at this site for the Eagle Scout candidate.   Much of the content is related to the Eagle Scout service project.  We strongly encourage each Scout and his unit leaders to utilize this resource to better understand the process.  Too often a candidate will wait too long to begin the process of developing and obtaining approval of a project proposal.   To increase the probability of successfully completing the service project requirement for the rank of Eagle Scout, we recommend that the Scout plan to have his project proposal approved at least 6 months before his 18^th birthday.    As we update the local processes, we will update the website.  Please check back to the advancement committee pages on the council website.

CHANGES TO RANK REQUIREMENTS.  Effective as of the release of the new guide, Eagle Scout requirement 5 was changed to:

 “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 Boy Scouting.)  A project proposal must be approved by the organization benefitting from the effort, your unit leader and unit committee, and the council or district before you start.  You must use the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, No. 512-927, in meeting this requirement.”  (Emphasis added)

This requirement formerly read, “The project plan must be approved …”   Scouts working on project plans at the time of release may choose to use either the changed, or previous, wording. The 2012 Boy Scout Requirements book will be updated accordingly.

Until January 1, 2012, Eagle Scout candidates may choose to use either the new Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook or the one we have been using, which is called the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook.  The new workbook must be used, however, if the necessary project proposal approvals are not obtained and recorded in the workbook by December 31, 2011.

The proposal must be approved before the Scout starts any fundraising or work on the project.   If the Scout jumps the gun, typically he will be asked to select a different project.

HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS.  All Eagle Scout service projects constitute official Scouting activity and thus are subject to Boy Scouts of America policies and procedures. Projects are considered part of a unit’s program and are treated as such with regard to policies, procedures, and requirements regarding Youth Protection, two-deep leadership, etc. The health and safety of those working on Eagle projects must be integrated into project execution. As with any Scouting activity, the Guide to Safe Scouting applies.  And the “Sweet 16 of BSA Safety” must also be consulted as an appropriate planning tool. In April of 2012, National issued Age Guidelines for tool Use and Work at Elevations or Excavations, and Service Project Planning Guidelines. (The latter will be included in future revisions of the workbook.)

Changes are being made to the Guide to Safe Scouting that will affect how service projects are conducted.   The changes limit the use of hazardous power tools, machinery, and equipment, and also such activities as working at heights or on ladders, and driving motor vehicles.8 CEMENT 2011

Anyone under 18 who uses any power tool of any size must be supervised by a mature adult experienced in the use of the tool.   As a rule, Scouting activities may not include activities for youth that, by law, they would not be allowed to do in a workplace. It is important also to obey restrictions manufacturers impose or suggest for the use of their tools or other products, or potentially hazardous chemicals such as paints, stains, lacquers, etc.

GOOD TURN FOR AMERCIA REPORTING.    Units are required to submit information about each Eagle Scout service project via the Good Turn for America (GTFA) website.   The GTFA reporting certificates printed after the data has been submitted should be provided to the candidate by the unit and submitted with the Eagle Scout Service Workbook.

KEY DATES for EAGLE SCOUT CANDIDATES

PRIOR TO THE SCOUT’S 18^TH BIRTHDAY all requirements for the Eagle Scout rank, except the board of review, must be completed (including obtaining all required signatures).

within 3 months after the SCOUT’s 18^TH BIRTHDAY the board of review must be conducted. Although reasonable efforts are made to accommodate a candidate’s schedule, he should be prepared to make himself available at times when the board can convene. Procedures for scheduling boards of review and checking references vary by district. The candidate should contact the district advancement committee for details or he has any questions.

Eagle Scout Alumni Association

Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook (doc)

Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook (pdf)

Eagle Scout Service Project Fundraising Application

Council Fundraising Policy and Instructions

Guide to Safe Scouting

The Sweet 16 of BSA Safety

Age Guidelines for Tool Use and Work at Elevations
or Excavations

Service Project Planning Guidelines

Tour Permit Process

Black River District

Fishawack District

Munsee District

Raritan Valley District

Sussex District

Watchung Mountain District