Service to Others
Service is a core component of Scouting and is essential for advancement through the ranks. Scouts learn the value of helping others and making a positive impact in their communities.
Service Hour Requirements
This may be done as an individual project or as a member of a patrol or troop project. Scoutmaster approval for ALL service hours and projects must be obtained before it is started.
Important Rules:
- All service hours for a specific rank MUST be completed during the period working for the rank
- Extra hours completed while working for Star cannot be used towards Life
- Once Star rank is earned, the six new hours begin
What Does NOT Count as Service Hours
- If service hours are required by your school, hours CANNOT be used for both organizations (no "double-counting")
- Participation in Troop Fundraising events (e.g. Christmas Tree Sales) is NOT considered service hours since you directly benefit from working your shifts
Recording Service Hours
Once completed, all service hours are required to be logged into the Scout's Handbook and to be signed off by the SM (not an ASM or high Ranking Scout).
Eagle Scout Service Project
As a demonstration of leadership, the Scout must plan the work, organize the personnel needed, secure building materials and direct the project to its completion.
Eagle Project Guidelines
- The Eagle service project is an individual matter
- Two Eagle candidates may not receive credit for the same project
- Eagle Scout leadership service projects involving council property or other BSA activities are not acceptable
- The service project may not be performed for a business, be of a commercial nature, or be a fund-raiser
- Routine labor, or a job or service normally rendered, should not be considered
An Eagle service project should be of significant magnitude to be special and should represent the candidate's best possible effort.
Project Approval Process
The Scout must submit his proposed project plan and secure the prior approval of:
- His unit leader
- Unit committee
- District or council advancement committee
- The organization benefiting from the effort
This ensures that the project meets the standards and will be of real value to the community.
Project Completion
Upon completion of the project, a detailed report must be submitted with the Scout's Eagle application to include the following information:
- Description of the project and its purpose
- Planning process and approvals obtained
- Hours spent and personnel involved
- Demonstration of leadership
- Impact on the benefiting organization
Important Timing: All the work on the project must be done while the candidate is a Life Scout and before the candidate's 18th birthday.
Board of Review Questions
Although the project plan must be approved before work is begun, the Board of Review must determine if the project was successfully carried out. Questions that must be answered are:
- Did the candidate demonstrate leadership of others?
- Did he indeed direct the project rather than do all of the work himself?
- Was the project of real value to the religious institution, school, or community group?
- Who from the group benefiting from the project may be contacted to verify the value of the project?
- Did the project follow the plan, or were modifications needed to bring it to its completion?
Examples of Eagle Projects
The variety of projects performed throughout the nation by Scouts earning their Eagle Scout Award is staggering. Our troop has completed numerous meaningful projects over the years.