Life to Eagle
Overview of the Life to Eagle process
Currently, less than four percent of all scouts who enter the national Scouting program set the goal, follow through, and ultimately achieve the highest Scouting rank of Eagle. To provide guidance for the unique and challenging set of requirements, the Troop has multiple Life to Eagle Coaches to support our Scouts in their effort to obtain Eagle rank.
Life to Eagle Coach (Ed Laderoute, Paula Laderoute)
After a Scout has obtained the rank of Life Scout, a Scout should begin meeting with a Life to Eagle Coach to map out their plan to achieve Eagle.
Coach's Role: The primary role of the Troop Eagle Coach is to advise the Scout and assist them in working through the Eagle process, from developing a project idea, writing a project proposal, and providing assistance in obtaining the required project approval from the District Advancement Chairman. District approval is required prior to the Scout performing any work on the project, including raising funds or scheduling work days. District approval can take as little as 2-3 days or several weeks, depending on the willingness of the Scout to implement advice when offered.
The Eagle Coach should be thought of as a Coach, offering advice and direction. However, the Scout may choose not to follow the advice and proceed with the Eagle process on their own. This typically results in a much longer Project approval process. It should be reiterated that District approval of the Project is required prior to working on the project.
In addition to the project, the Coach will help ensure all requirements are met, including Application, Leadership, Letters of Recommendation, and the Scout's future life ambition statement and extracurricular/leadership list.
Eagle Requirements
Eagle Requirements are listed in the Scout Handbook's Rank Requirements and can be found in Scoutbook.
The Eagle Project is not intended to take an inordinate amount of time or effort. It is intended to allow the Scout to utilize all of the leadership, planning, and management skills that they have learned throughout their time in Scouting; a capstone event. The Scout will have the opportunity to put into practice the skills they have learned. Remember the project is about the leadership, not the success of the project itself.
The Eagle rank Board of Review differs from prior ranks slightly in that, in addition to Troop Committee members, a Northern Ridge District Representative is included as a member of the Board, and the review is accomplished at the monthly District Eagle Board of Review and Life to Eagle meeting. The Eagle application must also be approved by the Atlanta Area Council and the National Council.
General Recommendations:
We recommend Eagle candidates attend a "Life to Eagle Seminar" hosted by the Northern Ridge District. This Seminar will greatly help prepare the Scout for their Eagle Project. The Districts calendar can be found at http://www.northernridgebsa.org/calendar-2/. Scouts who attend this meeting tend to complete their projects faster and easier than scouts who do not.
Resources:
Scouts should refer to the Northern Ridge District's "Eagles Nest" web page for forms, guides, project workbooks, etc. http://www.northernridgebsa.org/advancement/eagles-nest/