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The Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook is divided into 3 sections, each serving an important role in the project process:
A. Project Proposal (Initial Approval Required)
Outlines the project concept, beneficiary, leadership plan, and estimated materials.
Must be approved before any work begins.
B. Project Plan
Provides the detailed plan for carrying out the project, including logistics, safety, materials, and leadership steps.
Helps ensure the project is organized and ready for execution.
Fundraising Application (If Needed)
Documents any fundraising efforts to support the project.
Requires approval before collecting funds or donations.
C. Final Project Report (Project Completion Approval)
Summarizes the completed project, leadership provided, hours worked, and final results.
Confirms the project was carried out successfully and meets Eagle Scout requirements.
📌 Important: All required sections must be completed and approved as part of the Scouts BSA Eagle Scout rank requirements.
Download and complete the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook.
This section describes your project idea and must be approved before any work begins.
Download the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook and complete the first 15 pages.
Contact Information
Proposal Section (Page B)
Project Details
Scout
Parent/Guardian
Unit Leader
Unit Committee
Beneficiary Representative
Malik Nathani
EF District Advancement Chair
2717 Club Ridge Drive
Lewisville, TX 75067
đź“§ ElmForkDistrictEagle@gmail.com
Important: Do not begin your project until Proposal Page H has been approved and signed by the District.
1. Header & Contacts
Top Info: Your name, unit type/number (Troop/Crew/Ship), and your BSA District and Council.
Contacts: Fill out the addresses, emails, and phone numbers for the Beneficiary (the organization you are helping), their Representative (your point of contact), and your Unit Leader (Scoutmaster).
2. The Fundraising Plan
How funds will be raised: Write exactly what you are doing (e.g., "Car wash at church" or "Asking local hardware stores for material donations").
Dates: Enter your project start date and fundraising dates. (Fundraising dates must be at least 2 weeks after you submit this form).
How much money: Your estimated total fundraising goal.
How/Who will ask: State who is asking and how (e.g., "I, the candidate, will hand-deliver donation letters to local business managers.").
Note: Attach a list of specific businesses/people you plan to ask.
3. Contracts
Contracts: If you need to rent equipment or a venue, a parent or the beneficiary must sign it (you cannot sign contracts). If no contracts are needed, write "None."
4. Signatures (The Order Matters)
Beneficiary signs first.
Unit Leader signs second.
Council: Submit the form to your local council. Do not start fundraising until Council signs and approves it.
Before touching any paperwork or collecting final signatures, you must bring your project to life and document the entire process.
Take "Before, During, and After" Photos: This is a strict requirement for the Board of Review. Take clear photos of the site before work begins, action shots of your volunteers working under your direction, and final photos of the completed project.
Lead, Don't Just Labor: Your main role during construction is to demonstrate leadership. Direct your teams, assign tasks, ensure safety protocols (like hydration and tool safety) are followed, and solve problems as they arise.
Track Everything in Real-Time: Keep a notebook on-site to log exactly who showed up, what time they arrived, and when they left. You will need these precise volunteer hours for your final report.
Fill out the Project Report section at the back of your Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook. You will need to document how the project went, any changes you made from your original plan, how you demonstrated leadership, and a final breakdown of hours and funding.
Is the Eagle Scout project documentation legible?
Was the Eagle Scout project approved by the district prior to beginningwork?Â
Is the log of participants and hours complete and accurate?
 Is the list of donations received complete and accurate?
Is there a record of changes to the original approved project plan, if any?Â
 Are “after” photographs included?Â
If significant changes were made, did they change the scope of the project? Was the Eagle Scout project completed? (Completion signatures and dates must bepresent.)Â
Did the Eagle Scout candidate adhere completely to all requirements stated in the approvalletter?Â
Before your project is officially complete, you must secure the final block of signatures on the last page of the Project Report. They must be signed in this exact order:
Your Signature: Sign and date the page certifying that you ran the project and acted as the leader.
The Beneficiary Representative: Present your completed project and workbook to the organization you helped. Their signature certifies that they are fully satisfied with the completed work.
The Scoutmaster/Unit Leader: Your Scoutmaster will sign off to verify that the project met all BSA standards and that you successfully demonstrated leadership.
Hold Your Scoutmaster Conference:Before your 18th birthday.
Sit down with your Scoutmaster for your final Eagle Scoutmaster Conference. Once finished, ensure your Scoutmaster and your Unit Committee Chair sign the bottom of your Eagle Application.
🔍 Quick Application Checklist (2026 Form)
👤 1. Personal Info & Milestones
• Name & BSA ID: Write your full legal name and your official BSA ID number.
• Milestones: Your Birthday, First Class, and Life Scout dates must perfectly match your Scoutbook record.
👥 2. References (Req. 2)
• Religious Line: You must list a reference; a parent, guardian, or mentor works if you don't have a formal religious leader.
• Employer Line: Leave blank or write "N/A" if you do not have a job.
🏅 3. Merit Badges (Req. 3)
• Cross Out Options: Cross out the badge you did not earn on lines 7, 8, and 10.
• Troop Numbers: Write 574, unless you earned them with a previous troop.
đź‘” 4. Leadership Roles (Req. 4)
• Active Time: Must total at least 6 months after your Life Board of Review date.
• Approved Positions: Only use official troop positions listed on the form.
🛠️ 5. Service Project (Req. 5)
• Match Details: Copy the project name and beneficiary exactly as written on your workbook cover.
• Total Hours: Enter the exact final number from Page C of your Project Report.
⚠️ Watch Out: Common MistakesÂ
Avoid these common errors that can delay your Board of Review for months:
• No Digital Submissions: You must compile everything into a physical 3-ring binder, not a digital file.
• No Mismatched Hours: The Grand Total Hours on Page 2 of your application must perfectly match the total hours calculated on Page C of your Project Workbook.
• No Electronic References: Confidential letters from your references must be sent on physical paper in a sealed envelope, never via email.
🖋️ Sign-off Order
1st — The Scout: Certifies all work was completed before turning 18.
2nd — The Scoutmaster: Verifies that troop records match your application dates.
3rd — The Committee Chair: Provides the unit's final official endorsement.
Scouting America requires Eagle Scout candidates to request recommendation letters from the references listed on their Eagle Scout Rank Application. Typical references include:
Parent/Guardian
Educational Reference (teacher, counselor, principal)
Religious Reference (if applicable)
Employer (if employed)
Two Additional References
What Should the Letter Include?
The writer should briefly describe:
Their Relationship to the Scout: How they know the Scout and for how long.
Scout Oath & Law: Real-life examples of how the Scout demonstrates values such as trustworthiness, helpfulness, kindness, leadership, or reverence.
Leadership & Character: Comments about the Scout's leadership, work ethic, responsibility, dedication to goals, and overall character.
Submission Process
The Scout contacts each reference and asks if they are willing to write a recommendation letter.
The Scout provides a pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope labeled:
Eagle Board of Review
Recommendation for: [Scout's Full Name]
References place the signed letter in the envelope, seal it, and sign across the back flap.
The sealed envelope is mailed or delivered directly to the Troop Advancement Chair, Life-to-Eagle Coach, or other designated troop leader.
The Scout must not open, read, or handle the contents of the recommendation letters.
Important
Recommendation letters are confidential and are reviewed only as part of the Eagle Scout Board of Review process. Their purpose is to help the Board understand the Scout's character, leadership, and conduct outside of Scouting.
💡 Tip: Request letters early and give references at least 2–3 weeks to complete them.
Eagle Scout Recommendation Letters: Everything To Know In 2025
The official comprehensive PDF generated directly from Scoutbook (steps below).Â
 Merit badges completed
Rank advancements
Dates of completion
Leadership positions
Scoutbook → “Reports” → Individual Advancement → Print / PDF
The District requires the Individual Advancement Record PDF to verify all merit badges and rank dates match Council records exactly.
Log In & Select Scout:1-2 minutes.
Go to Scoutbook, log in, navigate to My Family, and click on your Scout's name to open their profile.
Open the Reports Menu:30 seconds.
Scroll down to the bottom of the Scout's main profile page and click on the Reports button.
Select Individual Advancement Record:30 seconds.
Choose Individual Advancement Record from the options. (Do not select Scout History or the standard Shop Advancement Report, as these lack the detailed layout required for the binder).
Generate and Save:1 minute.
Click Run Report to open the document. Use your browser's download icon (or press Ctrl+S / Cmd+S) to save the comprehensive PDF, then print it for the binder.
⚠️ The Approval Status Gate
Before running any reports, double-check that your unit leader has marked all requirements and merit badges as "Approved" (with the green checkmark) in Scoutbook. If they are only marked as "Completed" (blue checkmark), they will not populate correctly on the official district report.
A written essay by the Scout detailing their goals, values, and leadership positions held outside of scouting.Â
This essay helps the Board of Review get a sincere sense of who the Scout is. It should flow as a narrative (usually about 2 double-spaced pages) rather than a choppy checklist.
Paragraph 1: Scouting & Leadership Describe your core experiences in Scouting. Focus heavily on what you have learned about yourself as a leader and an individual through these experiences.
Paragraph 2: Short-Term Goals (High School) (Seniors may skip this). Discuss your current academics (how your courses line up with future careers, AP classes), school activities, and outside hobbies.
Paragraph 3: Post-Graduation Plans Detail your path after high school—whether entering the workforce, enlisting in the military, or pursuing higher education (trade school, community college, or a 4-year university). Explain why you chose this path and mention any advanced degree goals (e.g., medical, law, engineering).
Paragraph 4: Long-Term Career Goals Map out your definitive career choices and professional activities once your formal schooling is complete.
Paragraph 5: Life, Family, & Legacy Look ahead to life at age 30 or 40. Discuss how you plan to incorporate the lessons of Scouting into your future family, community involvement, or faith. This is also the perfect spot to include unique lifelong bucket-list dreams (e.g., learning to fly, climbing a major peak, or writing a book).
How To Write An Eagle Scout Statement of Ambition & Life Purpose
EAGLE SCOUT RANK APPLICATION: REQUIREMENT 7 STATEMENT OF AMBITIONS AND LIFE PURPOSE Scout Name: [Enter Full Legal Name] Troop: 574 | Carrollton, TexasÂ
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PART 1: STATEMENT OF AMBITIONS AND LIFE PURPOSE
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Instructions: Write a brief summary of your future career goals, life philosophy, and what you hope to achieve moving forward. [Type your essay here. Tips for success: • Paragraph 1: Discuss your immediate plans (e.g., high school graduation, college plans, intended major like engineering). • Paragraph 2: Explain your long-term career ambitions and goals. • Paragraph 3: Explain your life philosophy and how you plan to apply the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your daily life as an adult.]Â
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 PART 2: LIST OF ACTIVITIES, LEADERSHIP POSITIONS, AND HONORSÂ
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Instructions: List positions held in your religious institution, school, camp, community, or other organizations OUTSIDE of Scouting where you demonstrated leadership skills. Include any honors or awards received. A. SCHOOL ACTIVITIES & HONORS • [Activity/Club Name] – [Your Role/Position] ([Years Active]) - Detail: [Briefly describe what you did or any awards/honors won here] • [Activity/Club Name] – [Your Role/Position] ([Years Active]) - Detail: [Briefly describe what you did or any awards/honors won here] B. RELIGIOUS / CHURCH INVOLVEMENT • [Church/Organization Name] – [Your Role/Position] ([Years Active]) - Detail: [Briefly describe your participation or leadership here] C. COMMUNITY, CLUBS, & OTHER ORGANIZATIONS • [Organization/Group Name] – [Your Role/Position] ([Years Active]) - Detail: [Briefly describe your community impact or leadership here]Â
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Scout Signature:_________________ Date: ________
 You can drop it off at 2717 Club Ridge Drive, Lewisville, TX 75067
Once your binder is fully assembled, organized, and signed by the unit leaders, you can drop it off directly to me to schedule the Board of Review:
Malik Nathani
Elm Fork District Advancement Chair
📍 Physical Address: 2717 Club Ridge Drive, Lewisville, TX 75067
đź“§ Email Support: ElmForkDistrictEagle@gmail.com
ℹ️ District Page: Elm Fork Advancement Info
Please send an email to coordinate binder drop-offs or if you hit any formatting issues!
Once Council verifies your paperwork, your District will schedule your Eagle Board of Review. This is a panel of adults who will interview you about your Scouting journey, your project, and how you live by the Scout Oath and Law.
Critical Warning on Timing: Steps 1 through 6 must be fully completed before your 18th birthday. Your Eagle Board of Review (Step 8) can happen after you turn 18, but all your signatures, merit badges, and the Scoutmaster conference must be locked in before that midnight deadline.
Once your Board of Review signs off, your paperwork goes to the National Office for final certification. It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to get your credentials back, and then you are officially an Eagle Scout!
What did you learn from your project?
What was your biggest challenge?
How do you demonstrate leadership?
What does the Scout Oath mean to you?
How will you continue serving others?
Q: Where can I get the official application?
A: Always download the official, current fillable PDF directly from the Scouting America (BSA) official website. Do not use old printed copies, as requirements and fields can change.
Q: Can I use Scoutbook to help me?
A: Yes! You can run an "Eagle Scout Rank Application" report in Scoutbook. It will pre-fill almost all of your dates, merit badges, and advancement history exactly as they appear in the council registry.
Q: For Requirement 4 (Positions of Responsibility), what dates do I use if I was already in the role before earning Life?
A: You can only count time served after your Life Board of Review date. For the "From" date, use the date of your Life Board of Review (or the date you took office if it was after you became Life).
Q: What do I put if I don’t have an employer reference or a specific religious reference?
A: If you do not work, you can leave the employer line blank. If you do not belong to an organized religious group, your parent or guardian must write a reference letter that addresses how you fulfill your "Duty to God" and the concept of "Reverence" in your daily life.
Q: What needs to be attached to the application when I turn it in?
A: You must attach your Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose (a short essay about what you want to do with your life, plus a list of leadership positions, honors, and awards you’ve earned outside of Scouting) and your completed Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook.
The Eagle Board of Review is not a test where you have to memorize trivia. Instead, the board wants to know how you live the Scout Oath and Law.
"What did you learn about leadership from your Eagle project?"
Tip: Focus on how you directed others rather than just doing the manual labor yourself. Discuss how you handled any unexpected challenges.
"Which merit badge was the most challenging, and which was the most valuable?"
Tip: Be honest! If a badge was boring or incredibly tough, explain why and what you took away from pushing through it.
"What point of the Scout Law is the hardest for you to follow?"
Tip: Avoid saying "none." They want to see self-awareness. Pick a point (like Patient or Clean or Thrifty) and explain a real-life situation where it's tough to uphold.
"What is the difference between getting Eagle and being an Eagle Scout?"
Tip: Think about how this rank follows you into adulthood, college, and your career. Eagle isn't just a patch; it's a standard of character.
"What will you do to give back to Scouting or your community now?"
Tip: Talk about whether you plan to stay in the troop as a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, help future Eagle candidates with their projects, or apply your leadership to school/community groups.