Eagle Scout Process

How do I begin?

1. Work with your troop’s leadership to identify your Life to Eagle Coach. Coaches must be registered with the BSA (in any adult position) and be current in BSA Youth Protection training.
2. Download the Eagle Scout materials (see instructions at the bottom of this page)
3. Read through the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook
4. Meet with your Life to Eagle Coach to talk about the process.
5. Proceed to Phase 1.

Phase 1 – Get the idea approved

1. Choosing a project.
   • Do not do any detailed planning in this phase!
   • Utilize others as resources to help you explore ideas (troop leaders, troop committee, Life to Eagle Coach, parents, etc.).
   • Working with your Life to Eagle Coach, identify a project that:
     • Is a good fit for you
     • Has an appropriate and well-defined scope
     • Meets the allowable guidelines
2. Complete the following sections of the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook:
   • Contact Information
   • Project Proposal
3. Meet with your Life to Eagle Coach to ensure your Project Proposal communicates the agreed project and scope.
   • These are good opportunities to talk about the leadership qualities that your project may require.
4. Obtain approval of your project proposal
   • Your unit leader, unit committee chair and a representative of your project beneficiary must sign your project proposal, indicating their approval.
   • Once you have obtained these signatures, submit your proposal (and Fundraising Application, if applicable) to your District Advancement Chair for their approval.
5. Once you have received approval from your District Advancement Chair, 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 periodically review it with your Life to Eagle Coach .
   • These reviews provide more opportunities to talk about the leadership qualities that have been or may later be necessary in the course of your project.
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)
   • This is a good opportunity for final reflections about the leadership qualities that were necessary for the successful completion of your project.
3. Obtain the necessary signatures.
4. Proceed to Phase 5.

Phase 5

1. Complete the Eagle Scout Rank Application.  Here are some important things to pay attention to:
   • Your Scouts BSA joining date must be listed correctly.  All Eagle requirements must be fulfilled and merit badges earned after joining Scouts BSA. 
   • Valid leadership position(s) held between Life Scout and Eagle Boards 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 Boards 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 W. D. Boyce Council service center in Peoria. (May also be dropped off at the Bloomington service center.)
3. Mail or deliver your reference letter requests and return envelopes to the individuals you listed on your Eagle Scout Rank Application in Requirement #2.

   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 or link to the Eagle Reference Letter (W. D. Boyce Council 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 Scout 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 (W. D. Boyce Council form)
   • Eagle Application 

What about fundraising?

• Review the W. D. Boyce Council Eagle and Summit Award Project Fundraising Guidelines, which includes guidance on crowdfunding.