Dos and Don’ts

of Choosing an Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project

One of Scouting’s most visible icons is the Eagle Scout service project. The idea behind the Eagle project is for a young man to identify a need in his community, develop a plan to meet it, and lead the project to completion. In other service he may have given, the Scout could be a follower. For Eagle, he must be the leader. The key words that distinguish this project from others are plan, develop, and lead others. That being said, how should a young man go about choosing his Eagle project, and what are some common “dos” and “don’ts” when selecting an appropriate project?

DO:

• Use the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook for signatures, recordkeeping, and write-ups

• Plan the work to be done

• Organize the tasks, tools, and manpower

• Lead and direct the work, involving other people to carry out the project

• Contact people directly

• Make sure the project conforms to the wishes and regulations of the organization being served

• Arrive reliably and promptly to any appointment with the organization being served

• Choose a project that reflects personal interests

• WAIT until attaining Life rank to begin planning the Eagle project

• Wait to begin doing a project or set a date for it until all FOUR of the necessary signatures are in the packet: unit leader, project benefactor, unit committee, and district advancement committee

DON’T:

• Choose a project involving council property or other BSA activities

• Lead a project that will benefi t a business or individual

• Choose as a project a fundraiser or commercial venture

• Attempt to complete a project that may encompass hazardous chemicals or conditions that could endanger volunteer workers

• Choose a project that involves routine labor or a job or service that is already normally rendered to an organization

The variety of projects performed throughout the nation by Scouts earning their Eagle Scout Award is staggering. Only those living in an area can determine the greatest value and need for that area. Determine, therefore, whether the project is big enough, appropriate, and worth doing. For ideas and opportunities, the Scout can consult people such as school administrators, religious leaders, local government department directors, or a United Way agency’s personnel.