1 12/17/2017 Life to Eagle Seminar Golden Eagle District Greater Los Angeles Area Council July 8, 2017
2 Golden Eagle District Martín Cárdenas, District Chair (909) cell Huber Boñgolan, District Eagle Board Chair (562) cell Sal Rodriguez, District Advancement Chair (626) cell Gary Chow, District Finance Chair, Eagle Board Member
3 Agenda Introductions Review Requirements for Eagle Scout RankDiscuss Eagle Scout Service Project Review Eagle Application Process Discuss Eagle Scout Binder Discuss Eagle Board of Review Eagle Candidate interview with the Eagle Board of Review Discuss Eagle Coach, Unit Advisor or Mentor
4 Introductions Tell us: Your name. Troop #. Your position in your unit.Why are you here? We will take any specific questions at the end of the presentation.
5 12/17/2017 Background Boy Scouts of America (BSA) introduced several new changes and information: Boy Scout Handbook, 13th Edition Eagle Scout Project Workbook (2015) Eagle Scout Rank Application # Guide to Advancement #33088 (2017) Eagle Service Project Coach
6 BSA Guide to AdvancementThe Guide to Advancement Boy Scout Requirements are the official Boy Scouts of America sources on Boy Scout advancement procedures. BSA Guide to Advancement #33088 (2017)
7 NO Council, District, Unit or Individual has the authority toBe Aware…… NO Council, District, Unit or Individual has the authority to ADD to or SUBTRACT from any BSA advancement requirement 7
8 Background
9 Eagle Scout Rank Requirements
10 Eagle Scout RequirementsActive as Life Scout * 6 month minimum Scout Spirit (Oath and Law) * and Duty to God. Merit Badges * 21 minimum Leadership Position * 6 month active Eagle Scout Service Project * Scoutmaster Conference * Complete Eagle Board of Review * All requirements, except Board of Review, must be completed before 18th birthday!
11 Eagle Requirements (cont.)Be active in your troop, team, crew, or ship for a period of at least six months after you have achieved the rank of Life Scout. BSA Guide to Advancement Active Participation Three sequential tests used to determine where Active requirement has been met. The first and second are required, along with the third or its alternative. Three tests The Scout is registered. The Scout is in good standing. The Scout meets the unit’s reasonable expectations, or if not, a lesser level of activity is explained. It is appropriate for units to set reasonable expectations; or if not, a lesser level of activity is explained.
12 Test 1 – The Scouts is registeredThe Scout is registered. The youth is registered in his unit for at least the time period indicated in the requirement, and he has indicated in some way, through word or action, that he considers himself a member. If a boy was supposed to have been registered, but for whatever reason was not, discuss with the local council registrar the possibility of back-registering him.
13 Test 2 - The Scout is in good standing.A Scout is considered in “good standing” with his unit as long as he has not been dismissed for disciplinary reasons. He must also be in good standing with the local council and the Boy Scouts of America. (In the rare case he is not, communications will have been delivered.)
14 Test 3- The Scout meets the unit’s reasonable expectations, or if not, a lesser level of activity is explained. If, for the time period required, a Scout or qualifying meets those aspects of his Unit’s pre-established expectations that refer to a level of activity, then he is considered active and the requirement is met. Time counted as “active” need not be consecutive. A boy may piece together any times he has been active and still qualify. If he does not meet his unit’s reasonable expectations, then he must be offered the alternative that follows.
15 Test 3- The Scout meets the unit’s reasonable expectations, or if not, a lesser level of activity is explained. Alternative to the third test if expectations are not met: If a young man has fallen below his unit’s activity oriented expectations, then it must be due to other positive endeavors—in or out of Scouting—or due to noteworthy circumstances that have prevented a higher level of participation.
16 Eagle Requirements (cont.)2. As a Life Scout, demonstrate Scout Spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God, how you have lived the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your everyday life, and how your understanding of the Scout Oath and Scout Law will guide your life in the future. List on your Eagle Scout Rank Application the names of individuals who know you personally and would be willing to provide a recommendation on your behalf, including parents/guardians, religious (if not affiliated with an organized religion, then the parent or guardian provides this reference), educational, employer (if employed), and two other references Evaluating Scout spirit will always be a judgment call, but through getting to know a young man and by asking probing questions…
17 Requirement 2 Scout Spirit continuedDemonstrate that you live by the principles of the Scout Oath and Law in your daily life. This requirement is NOT for how you act in your Unit, but how you live your life!
18 Live by Oath & Law Continued……This is NOT Troop Spirit This is NOT wearing the uniform This IS about abiding by the principles of the Scout Oath and Law in everything that you do.
19 Eagle Requirements (cont.)Earn a total of 21 merit badges (10 more than you already have), including these 13 merit badges: List of merit badges… (a) First Aid, (b) Citizenship in the Community, (c) Citizenship in the Nation, (d) Citizenship in the World, (e) Communication, (f) Cooking, (g) Personal Fitness (h) Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, Environmental Science OR Sustainability, (j) Personal Management, (k) Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, (l) Camping, and (m) Family Life. You must choose only one of the merit badges listed in categories h, i, and k. Several merit badges require extended periods of time to complete!
20 Merit Badges and Scouts with DisabilitiesThere are special exceptions for Scouts with disabilities Contact the District Eagle Board Chair or District Advancement Chair for guidance
21 Eagle Requirements (cont.)While a Life Scout, serve actively for a period of 6 months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility: List of positions… While a Life Scout, serve actively in your troop for six months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility: Boy Scout Troop - Senior Patrol leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Order of the Arrow Troop Representative, Den Chief, Scribe, Librarian, Historian, Quartermaster, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, Chaplain Aide, Instructor, Webmaster, or Outdoor Ethics Guide. When a Scout assumes a position of responsibility, there is an expectation that something must happen.
22 Serve Actively in your Position of ResponsibilityTime carried on the unit records in the position is all that is required. You do not have to hold one position for six (6) months. You do not have to hold the position for six (6) consecutive months. You may meet this requirement any time while a Life Scout.
23 Performance in the Position of ResponsibilityA Scout may not be held to an extraordinary, undefined, or unknown standard of performance. The standard of performance used to measure this requirement shall be the same as that applied to other Star, Life or Eagle Scout candidates.
24 Eagle Requirements (cont.)While a Life Scout, plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or your community. (The project must benefit an organization other than Boy Scouting.) A project proposal must be approved by the organization benefiting from 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, BSA publication No , in meeting this requirement. (To learn more about the Eagle Scout service project, see the Guide to Advancement, topics through ) The key is to “plan, develop, and give leadership”… (More on this later.)
25 Eagle Requirements (cont.)Take part in a Scoutmaster conference. A Scoutmaster conference is a positive experience, the objective of which is to help a Scout evaluate his accomplishments and set new goals. Even goals beyond the rank of Eagle and/or the age of 18. Requirement does not say to “pass” a conference. It is also not required to be the last step before a Board of Review.
26 Scoutmaster Conference - continuedWhen there is a reason to believe that an Eagle candidate will not be qualified to achieve the Eagle Scout award within the six month period prior to his eighteenth birthday, the unit leader is obligated to initiate a counseling session, on a timely basis, so as to give the Eagle candidate every reasonable opportunity to become qualified.
27 Be Aware Remember, NO Council, District, Unit or Individual has the authority to add to or subtract from any advancement requirements. Unfortunately ignorance is no excuse for imposing “old” requirements, self-created requirements, or unit-created requirements.
28 Eagle Requirements (cont.)Successfully complete an Eagle Scout board of review. (This requirement may be met after age 18, in accordance with Guide to Advancement topic ). In preparation of your board of review, prepare and attach to your Eagle Scout Rank Application a 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 skills. Include honors and awards received during this service. Conducted by the Golden Eagle District Advancement Committee. (More on this later.)
29 Eagle Scout Service Project
30 Eagle Scout Service ProjectGuidelines Present opportunity for planning, development, and leadership Projects must benefit a religious institution, school, or community Projects must not be of a commercial nature only routine labor only a fundraiser joint projects – only one Eagle candidate can receive credit for the same project performed for the Boy Scouts of America, councils, districts, units, or its properties
31 Eagle Scout Service Project (cont)Approvals Must use Eagle Scout Project Workbook (Read and understand the entire document before filling-out) Eagle Scout Project Proposal (required) All areas must be addressed – indicate “N/A” where necessary Must include sufficient details to determine project viability Include pictures and sketches/drawings Important Considerations Fundraising Applications – only if needed Time – recommend 3-4 weeks after approval to perform project. Eagle Scout Project Plan (not required, but strongly recommended) Unit Leader is encouraged to review this in order to ensure a successful project
32 Eagle Scout Service Project (cont)Approvals (cont.) Proposals must be approved before starting the project. Unit Leader Unit Committee Member Beneficiary Representative District Representative – District Eagle Board Chair or District Advancement Chair Contact: Mr. Huber Bongolan – Mr. Sal Rodriguez – Eagle Candidates are expected to make a reasonable effort to present themselves in full uniform. (More on this later.)
33 Life to Eagle Signature CycleDiscuss with Unit Leader Scout Reads & Signs Book Get an Idea Meet with Beneficiary OK Beneficiary Signature * Not OK Not OK Start Here Present to Committee Proposal District Approver Signature Prepare Final Plans Do Project District Approver Signature Unit Leader Signature * OK Committee Signature * Not OK Do Project Prepare Final Plans Meet with Beneficiary to review Plans * Beneficiary Signature may be obtained prior to Unit Leader’s or Committee signature District signature MUST be the last to be obtained
34 Eagle Scout Application Process
35 Eagle Scout Application ProcessComplete all requirements Prepare Eagle Scout binder Complete the Eagle Scout Application Obtain required signatures – process for “disputed circumstances” Life Statement (Eagle Application, Requirement #6) Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook Obtain required signatures Other strongly recommended “stuff” Submit entire package to Eagle Board Chair Information is verified Eagle Scout Board of Review is scheduled
36 Eagle Scout Binder
37 District resources
38 Eagle Scout Binder PurposeOrganizes information into logical structure Very easy verification Collects all requested documents Required Eagle Scout Application Life Statement (Eagle Application, Requirement #6) Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook Strongly recommended “stuff” Checklist Resumé Advancement Report Letters of recommendation - * District Chaplain available as an option Merit Badge Blue Cards Scouting/Other Awards
39 Eagle Scout Binder (cont.)Recommendations Three-ring binder Clear-view cover preferred Cover sheet identifying Scout (name, address, phone, troop) Tabbed dividers Clear sheet protectors Trading card holders (3x3) Merit badge blue cards Do a Good Turn! Present the information in a clean, neat, and logical structure.
40 Eagle Scout Binder (cont.)Contents Table of Contents Checklist Eagle Scout Rank Application and Requirement #6 (Ambition and Life Purpose Advancement Report (pre-filled out with Name and Troop Information) Individual History Report (Troopmaster, etc) Check for agreement with council records Strongly encourage using “Internet Advancement” Eagle Resumé or Participation Report (Troopmaster)
41 Eagle Scout Binder (cont.)Contents (cont.) Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook Fill out Project Final Plan (“After” summary), including pictures All signatures in place Merit Badge Cards (Blue Cards) Arranged in same order as shown on Eagle Scout Application Show signature-side up May include green/white advancement cards Scouting/Other awards Letters of Recommendation The binder is the first impression that Eagle Board members have of the Eagle Scout candidate.
42 Eagle Scout Board of Review
43 Eagle Scout Board of ReviewHeld at St. Matthews United Methodist Church Available on Fridays, as needed. Conforms to National and Council policy Determine quality of Scouting experience Not a test! Granted, even if lacking: Reference letters Signatures on application May be cause for “disputed circumstance” Full uniform (see next slide) May be granted after 18th birthday
44 Eagle Scout Board of Review (cont)Uniforming Candidates should dress according to importance of occasion Clean and neat in appearance Full field uniform is expected Correct badge placement In most cases, Scouts can reasonably meet this expectation Accommodations will be made for: Unit uniform variance Any extenuating circumstances Candidates will not be rejected, under any circumstances, for lack of uniform.
45 Eagle Scout Board of Review (cont)Composed of 3-6 members One of which may be a community leader Timeline Review submitted material in Eagle Scout Binder (30-40 min) Interview all parties Unit leader (10-20 min) Parents (10-20 min) Scout (30-45 min) Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan, Outdoor Code, Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem Ice breaker game (Ranks of Scouting) Leadership Service Project Etcetera
46 Eagle Scout Board of Review (cont)Timeline (cont.) BOR Member Discussion (10 min) Conclusion (20-30 min) Notification of decision Events for new Eagle Scouts Photos (be sure to bring a camera) The process takes at least 2 hours!
47 Post - Eagle Scout Board of ReviewEagle BOR date is official date of becoming an Eagle Scout During processing (see below), planning for an Eagle Court of Honor may commence Processing Eagle Board Chair forwards paperwork to Council (in 2-3 days) Council reviews paperwork. If approved, forwards to National. National reviews paperwork. If approved, sends credentials back to Council. Council will call Scout to pickup Eagle Scout credentials (in 4-6 weeks from submittal to council) Should pickup as soon as possible
48 Other Considerations Disputed CircumstancesDuring fulfillment of rank requirements. Convening an Eagle Board or appealing EBOR decision. Time Extensions “If a youth foresees that, due to no fault or choice of his own, he will be unable to complete the Eagle Scout rank requirements before age 18, he may apply for a limited time extension. These are rarely granted and reserved only for work on Eagle.” Special Needs Youth and adults who are developmentally disabled, or youth with severe physical challenges, may be considered for registration beyond the age of eligibility for their program
49 We’ll gladly handle solutions - not just problems.Contacts Contacts Martín Cárdenas, District Chair, Salvador Rodriguez, District Advancement Chair, Huber Boñgolan, District Eagle Board Chair, We’ll gladly handle solutions - not just problems.
50 Questions?
51 (9.0.2.9 Eagle Scout Service Project Coach- Guide to Advancement) and Unit “Advisors” or “Mentors”
52 Appointing Coaches: Where Do They Come From?It is up to the council and/or district to determine: Who may serve as designated project coaches How to organize a pool of willing volunteers How to assign designated coaches to candidates Unit “mentors” or “advisors”: Are not the same as designated coaches Often provide positive contributions Provide support with project planning and execution Prepare Scouts to work with designated coaches The council determines who may serve as designated project coaches. The ability to work well with Scouts, knowledge of applicable policies and procedures, and an understanding of how the project contributes to the aims of Scouting are a few parameters to consider in selecting them. If designated coaches do not take on the day to day mentoring, then each of them should be able to work with a number of Scouts at the same time. Still, depending on the size of the council or the district quite a few coaches may be needed. Organizing a pool of willing and qualified volunteers is the best approach. Ask: How would a council or district go about doing this? Discuss. (Look for: Finding people who have approved project plans in the past, advised Scouts in their unit, served as unit advancement coordinators, or have been members of the council or district advancement committee.) If there are just not enough people available to form a district or council pool, councils may decide to designate coaches from within a Scout's unit. But regardless the source, or a coach's Scouting position, the designated project coach represents the council or district's perspective. As a Scout plans and executes his Eagle Scout service project, his coach must be able to provide the level of guidance that will help the candidate pass his board of review. As proposals are approved, coaches should be designated routinely, and Scouts advised that a coach will be calling soon to set up a first meeting. If a young man suggests he doesn't need a coach, he should be counseled on the benefits a coach can provide and encouraged to at least have that first meeting. Units have often used “mentors" or "advisors” to guide Scouts through the Life to Eagle process, providing that day to day support we’ve discussed. However, it must be understood that "mentors" and "advisors" are not the same as designated coaches. These helpful unit-level volunteers provide a positive contribution, but they have a different perspective. Their efforts should have a focus toward on-going support and encouragement in an effort to prepare a Scout to work with his designated coach. It may also be useful for the "mentor" or "advisor" to touch base now and then with the designated coach to ensure advice given is consistent with council expectations.
53 Qualifications of Eagle CoachesAny contact with Scout must be conducted with Youth Protection Procedures (Applies to Unit Advisor/Mentors) A coach must be a registered member of the BSA In any adult Scouting position Current in Youth Protection training Complete application and be approved A coach must also have a thorough understanding of the official resources previously mentioned, and especially sections 2, 8, and 9 in the Guide to Advancement. Encouraged to complete District Training
54 Eagle Scout Service Project Coach Term of Service and AssociationTerm of Service: From service project proposal approval to completion of the project report. The role of the designated project coach is not intended to require a close, frequent association. Since the Eagle Scout service project coach is designated at the council or district level he does not begin work with a Scout until the project proposal is approved. Service should then continue through completion of the project report. The Eagle Scout service project coach provides guidance, coaching, and consulting to the Scout on how to successfully plan and execute a project that will fulfill requirement 5. The coach should not become a day to day mentor. This limitation allows designated coaches to work with several Eagle Scout candidates simultaneously. Just as units work on a day to day basis in the rest of the advancement program, so should units provide the day to day mentoring to help Scouts through the service project process. Designated coaches, with their expertise and objective perspective, should supplement assistance from the unit. They should not supplant unit efforts.
55 Project Coach A registered Scout Leader from the council, district, or unit level who is knowledgeable and experienced with project approvals. Though it is a Scout’s option, Coaches are highly recommended to help evaluate a plan and discuss its strengths, weaknesses, and risks. Coaches shall not have the authority to dictate changes, withdraw approval, or take any other such directive action. (Same for Unit Mentor or Advisor)
56 Eagle Scout Service Project CoachThe Role of the Designated Coach Different from the Life to Eagle “Mentor” Life to Eagle “Mentor” Eagle Scout Service Project Coach Term: Entire Life to Eagle process From proposal approval through project report Focus: Successful achievement of the Eagle Scout rank. Successful fulfillment of requirement 5 Appointment Usually by the unit By the council or district Relationship: Longer-term Shorter-term Approach: Coaching and mentoring in general Coaching and consulting on the project The position of Life to Eagle “mentor” or "advisor" is not actually an official BSA position, but as we’ve discussed, they can provide a valuable service. In many cases, however, they are confused with the designated Eagle Scout service project coach. We’ve listed a few differences on this slide. Are there other differences? Discuss. (If it doesn't come out in the discussion, explain that these individuals working together can help candidates improve their chances for successfully meeting requirement 5.)
57 The Role of the Eagle CoachAn Eagle coach’s advice is a key to success. Serves as an advisor, consultant, coach. Use the BSA method of positive adult association, logic, and common sense to help the candidate make wise decisions. Is a resource, encouraging the candidate to fully plan his project, secure resources, and to make wise decisions. Uses positive adult association, logic, and common sense to help the candidate to reach a successful outcome. It cannot be said too often. A project coach is the key to success in council or district efforts to guide Scouts through the service project process. And, yes, a coach serves as an advisor and consultant, and helps in other ways, but he does so without directing the Scout. Instead, he must use the BSA method of positive adult association, and also logic and common sense to help the candidate achieve success. (Ask for discussion on how a coach might do this.)
58 Guidelines for CoachesAdheres to the Eagle Scout service project process as described in Guide to Advancement, topic Has no authority to dictate changes, or withdraw approval that was previously granted. Strives to make his or her involvement a positive experience. Encourages a Scout to make the kinds of decisions that will lead to successful outcomes. Topic of the Guide to Advancement provides information and guidance on the intended duties and responsibilities of an Eagle Scout service project coach. A coach's role is to support the Scout and to guide him toward making the kinds of decisions that will help him meet requirement 5. Coaches do not have the authority to dictate changes, withdraw approval previously granted by the district or council, or to take any other directive action. Instead, Eagle Scout service project coaches strive for a positive experience by encouraging Scouts to make wise decisions and follow logical processes as they work through the requirement. In this way we assist the Scout to become successful not just with his project, but we provide an experience that will help him throughout his life.
59 Bringing Scouts and Coaches TogetherA coach should be designated for every Scout whose proposal is approved. The assigned coach contacts the Scout, suggests a first meeting, telephone call, discussion, or video conference. The Scout may choose not to accept the assistance of the coach, but should be counseled on the value a coach can add. Once a Scout’s project proposal is approved, a coach should be designated immediately. Don't ask the Scout if he wants the help of a coach. He has signed that he’s read the workbook so we may assume he knows coaches are not required. If he doesn’t want one, he will tell us. The best practice is to provide the coach's name and tell the Scout to expect a call. The designated coach should make contact as soon as practical after the proposal is approved. Time constraints often create challenges for Scouts to complete their projects by the time they turn 18. The sooner a coach makes contact, the better. A coach’s work with a Scout can be through face-to-face meetings, telephone calls, , or by video conferencing, but face-to-face is preferred. Regardless the method of contact, discussions with the Scout should be relaxed, respectful, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind... Well you get the picture.
60 Unit Mentors or Advisors 9.0.2.9 – Guide to AdvancementMany units have used service project “mentors” or “advisors” through the decades since the Eagle Scout service project came to be. This practice has provided consistent positive contributions and should continue. Any contact with Scout must be conducted with Youth Protection Procedures (Applies to Unit Advisor/Mentors) Unit Eagle Advisors/Mentors must adhere to the Eagle Scout service project process as described in this section of the Guide to Advancement.
61 Unit Mentors or Advisors 9.0.2.9 – Guide to AdvancementUse the BSA method of positive adult association, logic, and common sense to help the candidate make wise decisions. Their efforts, however, should serve to provide ongoing support throughout project planning and execution and to prepare a Scout to work with the council or district designated project coach. Unit Mentors or Advisors do not have approval authority. Instead they serve to encourage—not direct—the young men to make the kinds of decisions that will lead to successful outcomes.
62 Unit Mentors or Advisors– Guide to Advancement It is true a Scout need not accept the assistance of the service project coach. Regardless, it is considered best for the council or district to designate one for every Scout who submits a project proposal for approval.
63 Thank you for coming!