Seneca District Roundtable -- 10 November 2016 Boy Scout Split: Eagle Scout Hacks - "Eagle Scout Rank Application" Presenter: Jon Ruth As I've stated before, I don't claim that my hacks are the only way, or even the best way, for a Scout meet the requirements for Eagle. They are presented in the hope that they will make a Scout think about the best way for him to earn Eagle so that he will fulfill the promise he makes every time he recites the first eight words of the Scout Oath: "On my honor I will do my best..." A) Eagle Scout Rank Application 1) Collect all needed information before filling out the application. a) Write it down on paper or save it in a separate computer file. 2) Complete the application as neatly as possible. a) Fill it out on a computer if at all possible. 1) Print final copy after Requirements 1-6 are completed. 3) The Scoutmaster and the Troop Committee should double-check the application for errors before signing it. a) Any corrections should be done as neatly as possible. 1) Best to reprint the application. b) Misspellings, missing information, and incorrect information. 4) Requirements 1-6 must be completed before the Scout's 18th birthday. a) The Scout, Scoutmaster, and Troop Committee Chair may sign the application after the Scout's 18th birthday. (Sec. 9.0.1.4, Guide to Advancement 2015) b) The application may be submitted to the Service Center after the Scout's 18th birthday. (Sec. 9.0.1.5, Guide to Advancement 2015) 5) IMPORTANT: Requirements may be completed in any order. a) The Unit Leader conference does not have be come last. b) Leave a cushion to avoid crashing deadlines. c) IMPORTANT: Record completion dates in the Boy Scout Handbook. B) Rank Advancement and Merit Badges 1) Once the Scout passes his Life board of review, the Troop Committee should check the Scout's online advancement record to see that it is correct and up to date. a) Make it a duty to check the online record for every rank advancement. Eagle Scout Hacks - "Eagle Scout Rank Application" - Page 1 of 4
2) The Scout should check his own advancement records to see if they match the online record. a) Check his Boy Scout Handbook, merit badge blue cards, etc. 1) Save every piece of original advancement paperwork. b) Make sure all dates agree. 3) Pay attention to the details in Requirement 3, merit badges earned. a) "Unit No." is the unit the Scout was registered in when a badge was earned. b) "Multiple Choice" required merit badges (#7, #8, and #10). 1) Cross out by hand all required badges not earned. C) Eagle Candidate Recommendations 1) Five (5) separate recommendations are required, made from the following perspectives: a) Parents/Guardians b) Religious 1) "If not affiliated with an organized religion, then the parent or guardian provides this reference." (Sec. 9.0.1.3, Guide to Advancement 2015) c) Educational d) Two Other References 2) If the Scout is employed, a sixth (6th) recommendation from his employer is required. (Sec. 9.0.1.3, Guide to Advancement 2015) a) Not self-employed. 3) DO NOT ask for more than the five or six references listed on the application. a) Any additional references will not be read or considered. b) IMPORTANT: If there is any doubt that an individual will return a recommendation by the deadline, another individual should be found to provide a recommendation. 4) The Scout chooses who will write his recommendations. a) The Scout should first ask the individuals if they are willing to write a recommendation. b) The Scout should gather all contact information. 1) Full name (and title), address, phone, and e-mail. 5) The Scout may help prepare and deliver the recommendation forms, cover letters, and stamped return envelopes. a) This help "is the limit of his participation. He is not to be responsible for follow-through or any other aspect of" dealing with the recommendations. (Sec. 9.0.1.7, Guide to Advancement 2015) 1) The Scout never sees the recommendations. b) A Troop Committee representative is responsible for dealing with the recommendations. 1) Creating, distributing, and collecting. Eagle Scout Hacks - "Eagle Scout Rank Application" - Page 2 of 4
6) Use the Great Trail Council's "Eagle Candidate Evaluation Form." a) Print a clean, error-free copy. 1) If possible, print double-sided or make double-sided copies. b) See attached copy of form. 7) Include a short cover letter. a) Thank the individual for agreeing to write a recommendation. b) Clearly state the deadline for returning the recommendation. c) Optional: Include a brief explanation of the Scout Law. 1) Help non-scouters understand the Scout Law. d) Optional: Include a link to the "computer fillable" PDF version of the "Eagle Candidate Evaluation Form." 1) <GTCbsa.org/GTC_info/forms.html> 8) Provide an addressed and stamped return envelope. a) Addressed to the Troop Committee representative. b) Include "Eagle Board of Review for Scout's Name, Troop Number" as the first line of the address. 1) Clearly identify the letter as an Eagle recommendation. c) Include the reference's name and return address. 1) Identify the individual. d) See attached example. 9) The Troop Committee representative is responsible for collecting and keeping track of the recommendations. a) Must have a list of the references with contact information. b) Must contact a reference if a recommendation is not received by the deadline. 10) IMPORTANT: Recommendations are to be opened only at the Eagle Board of Review and are to be read only by members of the board. a) Maintains confidentiality. D) Statement of Ambition and Life Purpose and Non-Scouting Leadership 1) In addition to Requirements 1-6, a Scout is also required to: a) Write "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." 2) This requirement can be divided into three parts: a) "a statement of your ambitions and life purpose" 1) Write about your goals and plans for the future. b) "a listing of positions held in... other organizations, during which you demonstrated leadership skills." 1) List leadership positions held in non-scouting groups. c) "Include honors and awards received during this service." 1) List awards received for leadership of non-scouting groups. Eagle Scout Hacks - "Eagle Scout Rank Application" - Page 3 of 4
3) How much should the Scout write? a) Two pages maximum. b) Format it so that it is easy to read. 1) Use a 12 point font. 4) Write clearly. a) Use your own words. 1) Don't just string together Scouting phrases. b) Avoid repetition. c) Minimize the use of abbreviations, acronyms, and jargon. 1) Do not assume everyone reading your statement knows exactly what you know. 5) The key to good writing is rewriting. a) First draft, second draft, final draft. b) Sleep on it, this is not a timed test 1) Do not wait to the last minute. 6) What this requirement is not: a) Not part of a college or scholarship application. b) Not part of a resume or a cover letter. c) Not part of an autobiography. d) Not part of a bucket list. 7) The following are not considered for Eagle, so leave them out: a) G.P.A.-based academic achievements or awards. b) Choices for college. c) Non-leadership participation in Scouting groups, activities or trainings. d) Non-leadership participation in other groups or activities. 8) Since you'll have a much larger audience, save the following for your Eagle Court of Honor: a) Thanking everyone who ever helped you in Scouting. b) What Scouting means to you. c) How Scouting has helped you. d) Your favorite Scouting memories. e) etc., etc., etc. 9) How to approach what you do write about: a) Ambitions and life purpose (a.k.a. goals and plans). 1) Stick to the big picture. 2) Go easy on the details. b) State your reasons briefly. 1) Mention if Scouting influenced your choices. c) When you list leadership positions, just list them. 1) Do the same for any honors and awards received for serving in those leadership positions. Eagle Scout Hacks - "Eagle Scout Rank Application" - Page 4 of 4
Eagle Candidate Personal Evaluation As part of the BSA Eagle Scout Board of Review, Eagle Scout candidate Respectfully requests a personal evaluation from you. The information you provide concerning the candidate s character and integrity is essential for the Board of Review members to make an accurate assessment. Please return this confidential evaluation, (you may attached additional pages) in a sealed envelope to: Committee Chairman, Troop Address: City: State: Zip: Evaluator s Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Relationship (employer, teacher, friend, etc.): Phone: How long have you know the candidate? What do you consider to be the candidate s outstanding talents, skills and characteristics? In your opinion, what experiences and events have prepared the candidate for the Eagle Award? P/Eagles/Eagle Candidate Evaluation Form 1 f 2 / /201
Please rate the candidate in the qualities listed below. EXCELLENT GOOD FAIR POOR UNKNOWN Leadership Skills Application of the Scout Oath Application of the Scout Law Ability to Provide Service Dependability Initiative and Motivation Ability to Get Along with Others Cooperation Interest and Enthusiasm Persistence Additional Comments: THE SCOUT OATH On my honor, I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country, And to obey the Scout Law, To help other people at all times, To keep myself physically strong, Mentally awake and morally straight. THE SCOUT LAW Trustworthy Obedient Loyal Cheerful Helpful Thrifty Friendly Brave Courteous Clean Kind Reverent Do you feel this candidate has demonstrated through his words and actions that He applies the Scout Oath and Scout Law on a daily basis? Yes No I (Do /Do Not ) recommend this applicant for the BSA Eagle Scout Award. Signature Date P/Eagles/Eagle Candidate Evaluation Form f 2 1/7/2013
Eagle Candidate Recommendation Return Envelope Reference's Name Street Address City, State Zip Eagle Board of Review for Scout's Name, Troop Number c/o Troop Committee Representative Street Address City, State Zip 1) Including the Reference's name in the return address helps keep track of which recommendations have been received. 2) Including "Eagle Board of Review for Scout's Name, Troop Number" in the "To" address flags the letter as unique and helps prevent it from being accidentally opened by the recipient.