...For Scout through Life Rank Scouts (and their parents):

These tips, links, and helpful notes are made available for Troop 210 Scouts to assist in preparing for the Eagle rank, usually called "The Trail to Eagle". Step by Step

Welcome to Troop 210's "Trail to Eagle" page

  Eagle-related   Helpful Resources Requirements

You are here with a computer... Congratulations! You have already made your "Trail to Eagle" easier by giving yourself access to the following tips and links. Save yourself TIME and GRIEF... Understanding and Foreknowledge is everything!     Let's get started...

Understand that...

· All aspects of your "Trail to Eagle" must be completed by your 18th birthday.

· You need at least 12 eagle "required" merit badges.

· You must know that the required Eagle merit badges changed as of April 1, 1999.

· You need at least 9 other merit badges, for a total of 21.

· You need to reach the rank of "Life" scout, preferably by age 16.5 or earlier because you need time.

· You need to be a "Life" scout for at least 6 months.

· As a "Life" scout, you must hold a significant Troop position for 6 months.

· You must "plan", "organize", and "administer" an approved Service project.

· There is a lot of paperwork in becoming an Eagle.

· As with other ranks, you need a Scoutmaster Conference.

· You need an Eagle Board of Review, a more involved review than prior ranks.

· You will probably want a formal Eagle Court of Honor.

· All this requires a lot of time!!!!     Why? Because approvals by the Troop Committee, District and Council levels, City Planning Departments, school staffs, etc... TAKE TIME.

So... On a step-by-step basis, what should you do?

Step 0: Keep track of everything you do in scouting: trips, people involved, and the dates... especially the dates merit badge blue cards were signed off. You will need all this information later.

Step 1: Try to reach the "Life" scout rank early, say by age 14.

Step 2: Review and understand the requirements for Eagle.   Requirements

Step 3: Upon reaching the "Life" rank, immediately request a 6 month troop position.   Positions

Step 4: Don't put them off; Get those merit badges (especially for Eagle) done.   Badges   Keep a record of the date each badge was "signed off".

Step 5: Help on other Eagle projects; get to know what works and what projects are nothing but trouble. Show Scout Spirit with the other scouts... they will be helping you with your project.

Step 6: Project: Read and Re-read Randy Smith's "Trail to Eagle" page

Step 7: Get your "Life to Eagle packet" at the Scout store and read it thoroughly. Note that on the Internet and below are various formats for the Eagle Project Workbook. Compare to the packet which Council uses and select a format useable on your computer.

Step 8: Compile a list of project ideas which may interest you. Spend whatever time is necessary getting good ideas... The internet is the place to start. Do not consider a project which you are not interested in or don't want to do, regardless of what someone may push you into. If possible, avoid City Planning Departments; they have time and you don't. They may be legally necessary however.

Step 9: Repeat Step 6.

Step 10: Discuss your list of projects with the Scoutmaster. Also discuss possible project advisors. Your advisor may help or hinder you, so pick someone you trust and with whom you can work. Go outside the troop if necessary. Take your time -- Select your project. You may need additional advisors, such as a carpenter for a project which involves construction.

Step 11: Keep an accurate record of when & what you do, everyone you consult and who helps you & what they do; take before, during, and after pictures... After all, the project is designed to evaluate your "leader" skills, NOT how well you can paint.

Step 12: Repeat Step 6

Step 13: Understand the paperwork and application procedure.

Step 14: OK... Apply for and Do your project. Finish Project write-up, Eagle application, and statement of Life Goals; go over your paperwork with Eagle advisor.

Step 15: Prepare for and participate in your Scout Master Conference. Your paperwork then goes to Council; if accepted, your application then goes to BSA National.

Step 16: Learn all you can about an Eagle Board of Review; Talk to your District Commissioner as well; he's only there to help you... Don't forget the internet.

Step 17: Set up and participate in your Eagle Board of Review. See Application & Questionnaire.

Step 18: Obtain a copy of the "Eagle Court of Honor Handbook"... Don't forget the internet.

Step 19: Good Luck, (Remember: good preparation makes good luck)...

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Eagle Links...

Troop 210’s Eagle Resource Page	Includes “of every 100 Scouts”, plus loads of great Eagle Resources.
Randy Smith's "Trail to Eagle"	Probably the most helpful Service Project guide on the internet.
Eagle Scout.org	Help in becoming an Eagle, (includes ceremonies)... excellent
Eagle Merit Badges	Eagle merit badges complete, before and after April 1, 1999     Troop 210 page
All Merit Badges	The most complete merit badge source site. Learn to use their merit badge "resources".   meritbadge.com
Official BSA site	Limited Eagle Information
Service Project Workbook   .PDF file	Download the Eagle Service Project Workbook in Adobe .pdf format with typeable fields for your computer.
Eagle Application   .PDF file by unknown	Download "fillable" .PDF Eagle Application, Adobe format, provided by Nevada Area Council     requires Adobe Acrobat to fill fields, including merit badge dates.
MacScouter's Eagle Resources	Download the "Eagle Project Handbook" and the "Eagle Court of Honor Handbook"
Courts of Honor	Preparation Guide for Court of Honor ceremonies
Courts of Honor	Examples of Court of Honor ceremonies
Yahoo	Yahoo's search engine, "Eagle projects"
Alta Vista	Alta Vista's search engine, "Eagle projects"

Eagle Scout Requirements: (1999 version)

1. Be active in your troop and patrol for at least 6 months as a Life Scout.
2. Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your everyday life.
3. Earn a total of 21 merit badges or more, including the following:
1. First Aid,
2. Citizenship in the Community,
3. Citizenship in the Nation,
4. Citizenship in the World,
5. Communications,
6. Personal Fitness,
7. Emergency Preparedness "OR" Lifesaving,
8. Environmental Science,
9. Personal Management,
10. Swimming "OR" Hiking "OR" Cycling,
11. Camping, and
12. Family Life.
4. While a Life Scout, serve actively for 6 months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility:

1.  patrol leader,
2.  assistant senior patrol leader,
3.  senior patrol leader,
4.  troop guide,
5.   den chief,
6.  scribe,
7.  librarian,
8.  historian,
9.  quartermaster,
10.  junior assistant Scoutmaster,
11.  chaplain aide,
12.  instructor, or
13.  Venture crew chief. 

5. 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 should benefit an organization other than Scouting.) The project idea must be approved by your Scoutmaster and troop committee and approved by the council or district before you start. You must use the Life to Eagle Packet Workbook, BSA publication No. 18-927A, in meeting this requirement.
6. Take part in a Scoutmaster conference.
7. Complete your board of review.