Excerpts and Summaries From the Guide to Advancement
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Eagle Scout Service Project Coaches
Many units, districts, and councils use Eagle Scout service project “coaches.” They may or may not be part of the proposal
approval. Though it is a Scout’s option, coaches are highly recommended—especially those from the council or district level who
are knowledgeable and experienced with project approvals. Their greatest value comes in the advice they provide after approval of a
proposal as a candidate completes his planning. A coach can help him see that, if a plan is not sufciently developed, then projects
can fail. Assistance can come through evaluating a plan and discussing its strengths, weaknesses, and risks, but coaches shall not
have the authority to dictate changes, withdraw approval, or take any other such directive action. Instead, coaches must use the
BSA method of positive adult association, logic, and common sense to help the candidate make the right decisions.
It is up to the council to determine who may serve as project coaches and how they might be assigned or otherwise provided to
candidates. Coaches must be registered with the BSA (in any position) and have taken BSA Youth Protection training, and may
come from the unit, district, or council level.
What Is Meant by “Give Leadership to Others …”?
“Others” means at least two people in addition to the Scout. Helpers may be involved in Scouting or not, and of any age
appropriate for the work. Councils, districts, and units shall not establish requirements for the number of people led, or their
make-up, or for the time worked on a project. The most important thing here is that the Eagle Scout candidate exhibits leadership.
Evaluating the Project After Completion
Eagle Scout projects must be evaluated primarily on impact—the extent of benet to the religious institution, school, or
community, and on the leadership provided by the candidate. There must also be evidence of planning and development. This is
not only part of the requirement, but relates to practicing our motto to, “Be Prepared.” However, in determining if a project meets
Eagle Scout requirement 5, reviewers must not require more planning and development than necessary to execute the project.
These elements must not overshadow the project itself, as long as the effort was well led, and resulted in otherwise worthy results
acceptable to the beneciary.
There may be instances where upon its completion, the unit leader or project beneciary chooses not to approve a project. One
or the other may determine modications were so material that the extent of service or the impact of the project was insufcient
to warrant approval. The candidate may be requested to do more work or even start over with another project. He may choose to
meet these requests, or he may decide—if he believes his completed project worthy and in compliance—to complete his Eagle
Scout Rank application and submit his project workbook without nal approval. He must be granted a board of review should he
request it. If it is thought a unit board may not provide a fair hearing, a “board of review under disputed circumstances” may be
initiated. See the Guide to Advancement for more information.
Risk Management and Eagle Scout Service Projects
All Eagle Scout service projects constitute ofcial Scouting activity and thus are subject to Boy Scouts of America policies and
procedures. Projects are considered part of a unit’s program and are treated as such with regard to policies, procedures, and
requirements regarding Youth Protection, two-deep leadership, etc. The health and safety of those working on Eagle projects
must be integrated with project execution. As with any Scouting activity, the Guide to Safe Scouting applies. The “Sweet 16 of
BSA Safety” must also be consulted as an appropriate planning tool. It can be found online at “Scouting Safely,” www.scouting.
org/scoutsource/healthandsafety/sweet16.aspx.
At the time of publication of this workbook, changes were being made to the Guide to Safe Scouting that will affect how
service projects are conducted. The changes limit the use of hazardous power tools, machinery, and equipment, and also
such activities as working at heights or on ladders, and driving motor vehicles.
Insurance and Eagle Scout Projects
The Boy Scouts of America General Liability Policy provides general liability insurance coverage for ofcial Scouting activities.
Registered adult leaders are provided primary coverage. Unregistered adults participating in a Scouting activity are provided
coverage in excess of their personal insurance. Every council has the opportunity to participate in the BSA accident and
sickness insurance program. It provides insurance for medical and dental bills arising from Scouting activities. If councils do not
purchase this, then units may contract for it. In some cases, chartered organizations might provide insurance, but this must not
be assumed. Most of these programs provide insurance, but this must not be assumed. Most of these programs provide only
secondary coverage and are limited to registered youth and adults and those interested in becoming members.
512-927
2011 Printing
*The Guide to Advancement is available in
Scout shops or from www.scoutstuff.org.