James Ball • Joe Larkin Scoutingislife@cfl.rr.com Jlarkin@cfl.rr.rom

1. Changes in Eagle Service Project Requirements for 2012 James Ball • Joe Larkin Scoutingislife@cfl.rr.com Jlarkin@cfl.rr.rom

2. Objectives • Highlight Requirement Changes • Introduce New Workbook Structure & How to use it • Role of Project Coach • Explain Changes in the Review Process • Significance for Eagle Service Projects & Scouts

3. 3 New Documents Eagle Scout Rank Application (#512-728) Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook(#512-927) Guide to Advancement 2011 (#614-448) All available from: www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/resources.aspx

4. The Requirement (from p. 4 of the new workbook)… “While a Life Scout… TheProject Proposal must be approved by the organization benefiting for 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.” • New for 2012, optional for rest of 2011

5. Additional Guidelines on Choosing a Project • “Project Purpose” Explanation(New) • “In addition to providing service…” (p. 4) • Leadership Skills: Demonstrate, Hone, Learn, Develop • Lessons in Project Management • Lessons in Taking Responsibility (Welcome & instructive addition)

6. Additional Guidelines on Choosing a Project • “Choosing a Project”(p. 4)(New) • Redefined “your community” to include “community of the world” • Emphasis on “…opportunity for Planning, Development, and Leadership”. (this is a “MUST”!) • New guidance on “canned” instructions type projects.(references “5 Tests” used in the approval process, p.5) (very good addition, long overdue!) • “…presents a challenge that requires leadership”

7. Additional Guidelines on Choosing a Project • “Restrictions”(p. 4)(similar to old) • Expanded definition of “routine labor” • Expanded definition of “commercial” nature of projects Not meant to disallow work for community institutions…that would otherwise be acceptable

8. New Workbook Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook (old) Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook (new) (same #512-927) New Workbook has (4) sections: I Project Proposal II Final Plan (development) III Fundraising Application IV Project (closeout) Report (even though “Leadership” is dropped from title, Leadership is emphasized throughout)

9. New Workbook also includes: • “How to use this workbook”(p. 5)(new) • Good explanation of each section • Overview of what to expect during approval process(“5 tests”) • New “Contact Info” page w/more information requested(p. 6) • “Message to Scouts & Parents or Guardians”(p. 21) (new) • New open communications philosophy let’s everyone know what the “rules” are • Overview of what to expect • Introduces a revised appeals process

10. New Workbook also includes: • “Excerpts & Summaries from Guide to Advancement”(p. 22) (new) • Replaces old “12 Steps…” page • Introduces concept & importance of “Project Coaches” • Expanded definition of “Give Leadership to others…” • Some guidance given for Eagle Boards of Review evaluation(Good, could be more) • Discusses Risk Management & Insurance issues

11. I Project Proposal (pp. 7-10) • “It is an overview, but also the beginnings of planning.” • “…proposal need only be detailed enough to show… you can meet the (5 tests).” • New Council/District approval stage Parts include… • Description & Benefit(old “Project Description” + helpful drawings, sketches, details to visualize) • Giving Leadership(new) “What…will be most difficult about leading them?” • Materials • Supplies(new clarification of terms)(new) • Tools(…and equipment) (new) • Permits & Permissions(new)

12. I Project Proposal (pp. 7-10) Parts include… • Preliminary Cost Estimate (+ Fundraising expectations) • Project Phases (AKA: a “Work Plan”)(new) • Logistics(new) (Transportation, labor, restrooms, etc.) • Safety Issues • Further Planning(Action Steps)(new) • Signatures(significant revisions) • New “Scout’s Promise” • New explanation of “What” each is agreeing to (Very good, long overdue) (Lots of “What types”, “What kinds”, “Where”, “How”, “Explain”, “Describe”, “List” type questions)

13. II Final Plan (Development) (pp. 11-16) • “This is a tool for your use - no one approves it…” • (However) “…you are strongly encouraged to share… with a Project Coach” • (Requirement) “…must also be evidence of planning and development”(“Evaluating” p.22) Parts include… • Comments from your Proposal Review • Description & Benefit - Changes • Present Condition or Situation • Project Phases(Changes + more detail) (new) • Work Processes(Old “Methods”, step-by-step) Attach drawings, diagrams, maps, pictures, etc. • Permits & Permissions(new)

14. II Final Plan (Development) (pp. 11-16) Parts include… • Materials(Table) • Supplies(Table) (new) • Tools(Table) (new) • Expenses & Revenues (Details) • Giving Leadership(new) (Table w/job assignments + leadership role) • Logistics(How + How + How…) (new) • Safety(Hazards, precautions, safety briefing) • Contingency Plans(new) • Comments - Project Coach(new)

15. III Fundraising Application (pp. 17-18) (all new section) • Only required if raising money/donations… (not required if beneficiary/family/unit funded) • “Procedures & Limitations” explanation • “All money left over… goes to beneficiary” • Requires Council/District approval Parts include… • “Describe how funds will be raised” • Proposed start of Project • Proposed dates for Fundraising • “How much do you expect to raise?” • If asking for donations, “how”, “who”(MUST attach list of prospective donors) • “Any contracts to be signed?”(details) • Approvals(Beneficiary, unit leader, council)

16. IV Project (Closeout) Report (pp. 19-20) Parts include… • Summary • Changes • Leadership(demonstrate, experiences) (new) • Materials, Supplies, Tools • Service Project Data(hours) (new) • Funding(specifics) • Photos & Other Documentation • Candidate Promise(“On my honor…”) (new) • Approvals(Beneficiary, unit leader)

17. Project Coaches New formalized position for someone many units, districts, councils already use. Optional, but highly recommended… • …especially those from council/district level who are knowledgeable & experienced. • “Their greatest value comes in the advice they provide… as a candidate completes his planning” • “…does not have authority to dictate changes, withdraw approval, etc.” • Reinforce “method” of positive adult association • “…up to the council(district) to determine who may serve” (selection process to be determined by each council) • must be registered & YPT Project Coaches offer a Scout the best way to ensure a “successful outcome” and should be encouraged!

18. Changes in Review Process Signatures required… I Project Proposal (Scout’s “Promise” + 4 signatures - similar) *** Council/District review at this stage II Final Plan (development) (Project Coach review & comments - optional) (new) III Fundraising Application (Beneficiary, unit leader, council/district) (new) IV Project (closeout) Report (Scout’s “Promise” + beneficiary, unit leader) Eagle Board of Review (similar but MORE responsibility)

19. New explanation of “what” each signatory is agreeing to… (more accountability!)

20. Changes in Review Process New Review Guidelines: “5 tests”(p. 5) • Provides significant opportunity to meet Eagle Scout Service Project (requirement #5) (“…must show that planning. Development, & leadership will take place”) • It appears to be feasible (“…must show project is realistic for you to complete”) • Safety issues will be addressed (“…must show you have an understanding of what must be done…”) • Action steps for further detailed planningare included (“…must make list of key steps…(to ensure) your plan has enough details to be carried out successfully”) • On right track w/reasonable chance for positive experience

21. Changes in Review Process New Guidelines for Eagle BORs(p. 22) • “…evaluated primarily on impact - the extent of benefit” • “…and on leadershipprovided by candidate” • “…must also be evidence of planning & development” (“However… must not require more planning & development than necessary to execute the project.”) In Summary… • Initial approval at Project Proposal stage (new) • Introduces (formalizes) Project Coach role (new) • New signature pages w/explanations of “What” each is agreeing to (more accountability) (new) • Fundraising Appl. processed by Council (new) • More review responsibility for Eagle BORs (equals more time, more knowledged & experienced members!)

22. Changes in Review Process Revised Appeals Process: New open communications philosophy let’s everyone know what the “rules” are. If candidate feels Proposal wrongfully rejected… (p. 21) • Opportunity for 2nd opinion & Approval • Process to be determined by Council If a signatory chooses not to approve a project… (p. 22) • Scout must be granted a Board of Review • Candidate may submit his paperwork & project workbook without final approval and request a BOR • If it is thought a unit board may NOT provide a fair hearing, a “BOR under disputed circumstances” may be initiated. (More detailed info on appeals in the new “Guide to Advancement” sections: 8.0.3 & 8.0.4)

23. Significance & Consequences Good Points… • Expanded Guidance on: • Choosing a Project • Reviewing a Proposal (for unit leaders & district) • Eagle BOR project evaluation • More detailed & comprehensive workbook • Lots more explanations sprinkled throughout • More “opportunity” for oversight • New explanation of “What” each signatory is agreeing to • New emphasis on Project Coaches • New Fundraising oversight/approval • Better appeals/dispute process • equals less potential for unreasonable approval hurdles & abuses (“gatekeepers”)

24. Significance & Consequences What does this all mean for the Scout… • Easier/faster Proposal approval, but: • Although it might appear less detail required up front,Scout still must prepare Proposal with enough detail to convince all parties he has a handle on what is required to execute successfully (reference the 5 “tests”) • Opportunity for 2nd opinion/approval keeps everybody honest & reasonable • More responsibility on Scout to perform • Treats Scout more like an adult, BUT… • Increases potential risk of failure IF unit leaders don’t mentor & support the Scout in his efforts (no Project Coach, little unit support = less oversight) • If Scout submits too close to 18th b-day, may not have time to finish planning & execute project

25. Significance & Consequences What does this all mean for the Eagle Project… • Increased responsibility for Eagle BORs • More to review implies more time, more knowledgeable & experienced members (especially from district/council) • More responsibility to ensure integrity of Eagle Project & process. However, remember… “If an approved proposal and subsequent effort represents planning & developmentthat was adequate to the project, and the project was well lead and carried out to the satisfaction of the unit leader and project beneficiary, only in very rare cases would rejection result.” -- (Guide to Advancement: 9.0.2.13)

26. May all your Scouts become Eagles! James Ball • Joe Larkin Scoutingislife@cfl.rr.com Jlarkin@cfl.rr.rom