Re: Eagle Project Approval Process
Chris Haggerty, Sierra Vista, Arizona (CHAGGERTY@ARIZBPA.BITNET)
Sun, 21 Nov 1993 12:08:00 MST
Paul,
RE: Eagle Project Approval Process:
First the requirements for Eagle as listed in the Boy Scout Handbook (and
other places) specifies WHO HAS to approve a project before it can be
started. "While a Life Scout ... The project idea must be approved by your
Scoutmaster and troop committee and approved by the council or district
before you start." Notice this says Troop Committee (many troops skip the
presentation to the committee and just present it to the committee chair.
Presenting to a committee is a much better growth experience for the
youth.
As far as actual procedures for the approval process, not even the
ADVANCEMENT GUIDELINES FOR COUNCIL AND DISTRICT FUNCTIONS (The advancement
bible) specifies how this is to be done. It only says "In order to ensure
that the service project for Eagle is noteworthy, the Scout must secure the
prior approval of his unit leader and unit committee. It must be reviewed
and approved by the district or council advancement committee or their
designee to make sure that it meets the stated standards for Eagle Scout
service projects before the project is started. This preapproval of the
project does not mean that the board of review will accept the way the
project was carried out."
Based upon this statement I feel the scout should be the person presenting
his Eagle Scout project proposal to the Scoutmaster and to the Unit
Committee. The wording for the District/Council approval is more
ambiguous, stating only that the project must be reviewed at that level.
From a personal point of view, I prefer to have the youth do it. The
reason is simple. This is a learning experience, how much is the youth
going to learn when his scoutmaster is doing the presenting for him? (Fine
how to get other people to do your work, but other than that, what?)
The scoutmaster or parent should be present when the idea is present but
ONLY FOR YOUTH PROTECTION POLICIES reasons. They should keep their mouths
shut. This is hard to do, I am speaking as one who is guilty! So the
Advancment committee or person needs to be patience.
Chris Haggerty
Sierra Vista, Arizona
Bitnet: CHAGGERTY@ARIZBPA.BITNET
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