From Life to Eagle

The Cross Timbers District Advancement Committee, in conjunction with the Longhorn Council, has published guidelines for Scouts, their parents and unit leaders to follow on the trail to Eagle. These guidelines will help you as you prepare for some of the final steps in your youth Scouting career. Any questions regarding these guidelines should be directed to Clyde Gormley, the Advancement Committee Chairman for 2009-2010. For a printable version of this document, click here.

The Eagle process begins when a Scout earns his Life rank. At this point he should review all Eagle rank requirements and develop a timeline for accomplishing them prior to his 18th birthday. All requirements except the Board of Review MUST be completed prior to a Scout's 18th birthday.

There are several areas that require particular attention on the part of the Scout as he finished the last few merit badges and completes the Eagle Rank requirements.

• Be active in your troop, team, crew or ship for a period of at least six (6) months after you have achieved the rank of Life Scout
• Demonstrate that you live by the principles of the Scout Oath and Law in your daily life
• While a Life Scout, serve actively for six (6) months in a position of responsibility
• Fulfill the merit badge requirements. Some may have time requirements.  For example: Personal Management, Personal Fitness and Family Life
  
• Complete an Eagle Leadership Service Project
  

Select an Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project. This should follow the requirements found in the current Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook. If you would like a "general idea" concept approval before starting the planning process, members of the District Advancement Committee will be available at the Boy Scout Roundtable meetings or you can contact the District Advancement Chairman.

The project plan must be reviewed and approved by the beneficiary of the project, your unit leader (Scoutmaster, Varsity Coach, Venturing Crew Advisor), the unit committee and the district advancement committee before carrying out the project.

• What is the project you are planning?
• Who will benefit from the project?
• How will they benefit?
• What representative of the project's beneficiary will be contacted for guidance in planning the project?
• What are the project-planning details?

Remember, the project must be approved before you begin, so make sure all signatures have been secured before you start the project.

Filling Out the Workbook

1. ONLY use the most current Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook.  Use either the gray form from the Longhorn Council office or download the form at http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-927.pdf
2. Follow ALL the directions in the workbook.
3. Do not leave blanks in the workbook.
4. Ask your unit if they can provide you with a mentor to assist you.
5. You may be asked by the beneficiary of the project, your unit leader, the unit committee, or the district advancement committee to enhance your write-up to ensure that it is sufficiently planned.
6. You must have signatures from the beneficiary of the project, your unit leader and the unit committee before you can receive approval from the District Advancement Committee.

1. Members of the District Advancement Committee are available at the Boy Scout Roundtable meetings to review and approve your project plan. Roundtable is held the second Tuesday of the month.
2. If District Approval is required at a time other than roundtable please contact the District Advancement Chairman to make alternative arrangements.
3. If the District finds that changes are required, the Scouts will be instructed on what changes should be made and given contact information on how to submit for second review.
4. It is not required that the Scout be present to obtain district approval, but it is helpful if there are questions/concerns.

Complete the current Eagle Scout Rank Application.  The form can be found at http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-728_web.pdf

• Complete the entire form.  Leave no blanks.
• Ensure the dates of ranks and merit badges are accurate and must include month, day, year and unit number.
• Make sure tenure for Life rank is correct and meets BSA requirements.
• Make sure positions of responsibility are valid and after the Life Rank date.
• Attach your statement of your ambitions and life purpose and a listing of positions held in your religious institution, school, camp, community, or other organizations  during which you demonstrated leadership skils.  Include honors and awards received during this service.
• Get signatures from your Scoutmaster (at the Scoutmaster's Conference) and Committee Chairman.

Council Certification of Application

• An appointment must be made for certification of their Eagle Application.  Candidates should contact the Council Advancement Registrar office at 817-231-8500 for details.  Appointments are made on Tuesday only and can be completed in less than 30 minutes.
• Scouts dropping off their applications without an appointment will be given a receipt.  Applications are usually available for pick-up within three or four business days.  It is highly recommended that you MAKE A COPY BEFORE DROPPING OFF YOUR ORIGINAL APPLICATION.
• Council requires the following items be included with the Application:

1. Blue cards and Rank advancement cards must be included with your application.  If and only if they are not available an Individual History Report provided by your unit with three signatures from the Troop may be provided.
2. The "Approvals for Completed Project" section of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook with three signatures must be submitted for verification.
3. The statement of your ambitions and life purpose must also be attached for verification.

• Eagle Boards of Review (BOR) are scheduled through your Unit Committee.
  • Select and schedule a date with your Unit Committee that is two to three weeks in the future.
  • Your Unit Committee will select the members of your Eagle BOR and arrange for District Advancement Committee attendance.
  • The Board will convene 30 minutes prior to the BOR to review your paperwork and contact your references as needed.
  • You must provide the following items to your Unit Committee prior to your Eagle BOR:
  • Your Complete Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook;
  • Your certified Eagle Scout Rank Application; and
  • Your ambitions and life purpose statement.
  • You must be dressed appropriately and present yourself as an Eagle Scout candidate.
  • Your Scoutmaster should introduce you to the Board and may remain the the room but may not participate in the Eagle BOR.
  • Your Eagle BOR will last approximately 30 minutes.

• You must turn in the original Eagle Scout Rank Application to the Council Service Center
• It is highly recommended that you make copies of your Eagle Scout Rank Application before turning in the original
• It can take several weeks to process the application.  You may schedule your Eagle Court of Honor AFTER you receive your final approval and awards.

Revised August 10, 2009

This Web site was created and maintained by the District Committee for the Cross Timbers District. It is not an official Web site of the Boy Scouts of America. To visit the official council Web site, go to http://www.longhorncouncil.org. To visit the National Web site, click the logo.