Eagle Scout Process

The BSA Guide To Advancement is the final word on the process of becoming an Eagle Scout. Nothing in this guide should be interpreted as contradicting or overriding that document. This document merely summarizes the process as customarily executed in the WD Boyce Council. 

How do I begin?

  1. Arrange your Life to Eagle Coach.
  2. Download the Eagle Scout materials (see instructions at the bottom of this page)
  3. Read through the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook
  4. Set up a time with your Life to Eagle Coach to talk about the process.
  5. Proceed to Phase 1.

Phase 1 – Get the idea approved

  1. Choose a project.
    • Do not do any detailed planning in this phase!
    • Utilize others as necessary (troop leaders, troop committee, Life to Eagle Coach, parents, etc.).
    • Work with your Life to Eagle Coach to identify a project that is a good fit and within the allowable guidelines.
    • Work with your Life to Eagle Coach to define a scope that is appropriate.
  2. Complete the Contact Information and Project Proposal sections of the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook.
  3. Meet with your Life to Eagle Coach to ensure it communicates the agreed project and scope.
    • These are good opportunities to talk about the qualities of a leader that have been or may later be necessary.
  4. Submit the Fundraising Application (if applicable)
  5. Obtain the necessary signatures.
    • First the unit leader, unit committee and beneficiary
    • Then, and after these three, the district/council
  6. Proceed to Phase 2.

Phase 2 – Do the detailed planning

  1. Prepare a detailed plan so that you will be prepared to confidently and successfully lead the project.  It is recommended (but not required) to complete the Project Final Plan section of the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook and review it with your Life to Eagle Coach periodically.
    • These are good opportunities to talk about the qualities of a leader that have been or may later be necessary.
  2. Proceed to Phase 3.

Phase 3 – Execute the project

  1. Execute your project plan.
  2. Proceed to Phase 4.

Phase 4 – Document your experience

  1. Complete the Project Report section of the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook.
  2. Meet with your Life to Eagle Coach to ensure it captures your experience. (optional but recommended)
    • These are good opportunities for a final reflection about the qualities of a leader that have been necessary.
  3. Obtain the necessary signatures.
  4. Proceed to Phase 5.

Phase 5

After all Eagle rank requirements are complete including Scoutmaster conference but excluding the Board of Review:
  1. Complete the Eagle Scout Rank Application.  Here are some important things to pay attention to.
    • Scouts BSA (Boy Scouts) joining date must be correct.  All Eagle requirements must be fulfilled and merit badges earned after joining Scouts BSA (Boy Scouts.)
    • Valid Leadership between Life Scout and Board of Review. The only valid leadership positions are those listed on the current printing of the Eagle Scout Rank Application.
    • Six months leadership between Life Scout and Eagle Board of Review.  The official dates for rank advancement are listed on the advancement forms submitted to the Council Service Center by the unit; the Scout’s unit should have retained a copy.
    • Proper badges should be indicated in merit badges 6 and 9 (Requirement 3 of the Eagle Scout Rank Application). In these areas the Scout should strike thru the merit badges that were not earned.
    • Verify merit badges earned and dates on the application.  It would be helpful to request the dates from our Advancement Coordinator so you enter the correct dates.
    • All required signatures are affixed.  Be sure the Scout, unit leader, and unit committee chair have signed and dated the application.
    • Remember to attach the written statement for Requirement #6.
  2. Take the Eagle Scout Rank Application and the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook (including planning sections) to the WD Boyce Council service center in Peoria. (May also be dropped off at the Bloomington service center.)
    • Turning in the above items is what must be done before the Scout turns 18. 
  3. Mail or deliver your reference letter requests to the individuals you listed on your Eagle Scout Rank Application in Requirement #2.

    Here are some important things to remember:

    • The reference letters are not to be returned to the Scout.
    • The Scout is not allowed to have anything further to do with the reference letters after they are requested.
    • Include a copy of the Eagle Reference Letter form.
    • Include an envelope with the following:
      • The name and address of the reference as the return address
      • The name and address of the intended recipient (This may be a district representative, as determined by the District Advancement Committee.)
      • The words “Eagle reference letter: <followed by the scout’s name>” in the lower-left corner
      • A stamp 
  4. The council service center will verify the application contents and dates and forward both the application and project workbook to the District Advancement Committee.
  5. The Eagle Board of Review will be scheduled after the District Advancement Committee receives the application, workbook, and reference letters. 
  6. After the Board of Review the council service center will return the workbook, securely destroy the reference letters, and send the application to the National Eagle Scout Service.  
  7. After the application is processed the National Eagle Scout Service will send an Eagle Scout certificate to the council service center. 
  8. After this is received the Eagle Court of Honor can be scheduled.

How can I download the Eagle Scout Process materials?

  1. Open the W. D. Boyce Council website: (https://www.wdboyce.org)
  2. Click on Resources > Advancement > Eagle Scout Resources
  3. Download the following:
    • Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook 
    • Eagle Reference Letter (WD Boyce Council Form)
    • Eagle Application 

What about crowdfunding?