Troop 204 Eagle Coordinator Web Page

“Of any one hundred boys who become Scouts, it must be confessed that thirty will drop out in their first year. Perhaps this may be regarded as a failure, but later in life, all of these will remember that they had been in Scouting and will speak well of the program.

“Of the one hundred, only rarely will one ever appear before a juvenile court judge. Twelve of the one hundred will be from families that belong to no church. Through Scouting, these twelve and many of their families will be brought into contact with a church and will continue to be active all their lives. Six of the one hundred will become pastors.

“Each of the one hundred will learn something from Scouting, and all will develop hobbies that will add interest throughout the rest of their lives. Approximately one-half will serve in the military, and in varying degrees, profit from their Scout training. At least one will use it to save another person’s life, and many may credit it for saving their own.

“Four of the one hundred will reach Eagle rank, and at least one will later say that he valued his Eagle above his college degree. Many will find their future vocation through merit badge work and Scouting contacts. Seventeen of the one hundred boys will become adult leaders and will give leadership to thousands of additional boys.

“One in four boys in America will become Scouts, but it is interesting to know that of thhe leaders of this nation in business, religion and politics, three out of four were Scouts.

“This story will never end. Like the ‘Golden Pebble’ of service dropped into the human sea, it will continue to radiate in ever-widening circles, influencing the characters of men through unending time.”

“Another way of saying this is --- Of 100 boys in Scouting:

- only rarely will one appear in juvenile court;

- 12 will receive their first church contact through Scouting;

- 5 will receive church religious emblems;

- 1 will enter the clergy due to his Scouting relationships;

- 18 will develop hobbies that will give them a lifelong interest;

- 8 will find their future life vocations;

- 1 will use Scout skills to save another’s life;

- 1 will credit Scout skills with saving his own life;

- 2 of the 100 will reach the Eagle rank;

- 17 will later become leaders in Scouting and will pass on their skills, inspiration and leadership to countless youth.”

“A comparative study of the records of Scouts and non-Scouts in a sampling of schools and colleges shows that Scouts hold most of the major positions of leadership in the student body. The survey resulted in the following statistics in regard to school officers bearing a large amount of responsibility:

- of senior class presidents, 89 percent were Scouts;

- of junior class presidents, 80 percent were Scouts;

- of business managers of school publications, 75 percent were Scouts;

- of student council presidents, 85 percent were Scouts;

- of school newspaper editors, 88 percent were Scouts;

- of editors of school annuals, 77 were Scouts;

of basketball captains, 64 percent were Scouts.”

“Numbering among the alumni of the Boy Scouts of America are:

- 64 percent of Air Force Academy graduates;

- 58 percent of West Point graduates;

- 70 percent of Annapolis graduates;

- 72 percent of Rhodes scholars;

- 85 percent of FBI agents;

- 26 of the first 29 U.S. astronauts.”

(These quotes have been around quite a while. The proportion of Scouts who attain the Eagle rank changes periodically; the number stated here has been asserted to be accurate as of about 1998. These statistics may have changed slightly over time, but the impact is still the same. Participating in Scouts tends to lead to success in life, and achieving the Eagle rank is a unique accomplishment to be proud of for life.)

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Troop 204 Eagle Scouts

The following is a list of Eagle Scouts from Troop 204, The Woodlands, Texas:

Name, Date (Scoutmaster)

1. Jared A. Godar, January 22, 1997 (Ed Barrett)

2. Aaron Negron, May 12, 1997 (Ed Barrett)

3. Timothy W. Stone, April 14, 1998 (Ed Barrett)

4. Brad Cannon, July 21, 1998 (Ed Barrett)

5. Julian C. Saegusa, November 10, 1998 (Ed Barrett)

6. David J. Serra, November 10, 1998 (Ed Barrett)

7. Spencer Gambacurta, March 16, 1999 (Ed Barrett)

8. James McMartin, October 5, 1999 (Mark Mabile)

9. Brett Sparling, March 22, 2000 (Mark Mabile)

10. Mike Kotzot, August 24, 2000 (Mark Mabile)

11. Dimitris Karabinis, October 3, 2000 (Mark Mabile)

12. Kyle Sparling, November 13, 2000 (Mark Mabile)

13. Ray Penny, December 6, 2000 (Mark Mabile)

14. Matt Kello, May 8, 2001 (Mark Mabile)

15. Aaron Ladwig, June 26, 2001 (Mark Mabile)

16. Andrew Ladwig, June 26, 2001 (Mark Mabile)

17. Greg Mabile, October 17, 2001 (Mark Mabile)

18. Andrew Adey, October 17, 2001 (Mark Mabile)

19. Drew Arnold, November 19, 2001 (Mark Mabile)

20. Keith Graham, November 19, 2001 (Mark Mabile)

21. Roy Weckiewicz, January 22, 2002 (Mark Mabile)

22. Chris Becker, March 5, 2002 (Mark Mabile)

23. Brian Sattler, March 5, 2002 (Mark Mabile)

24. Kyle Cassidy, April 2, 2002 (Mark Mabile)

25. Alexender W. Tafreshi, July 10, 2002 (Mark Mabile)

26. Randy Rodgers, October 16, 2002 (Mark Mabile)

27. Jay Fricke, October 16, 2002 (Mark Mabile)

28. Robb Lankston, October 24, 2002 (Mark Mabile)

29. Billy Mutell, October 24, 2002 (Mark Mabile)

30. Brian Ledden, November 2002 (Mark Mabile)

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The 12 Steps from Life to Eagle

From the BSA Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures Booklet (1999 edition):

The following 12 steps have been outlined to ensure a smooth procedure for the Scout, the unit leadership, the local council, and the volunteers who are to conduct the board of review. Share these stops with each Eagle candidate so thhat he can fully understand the procedure that must be followed by the Scout, the district, and the council.

1. In order to advance to the rank of Eagle, a candidate must complete all requirements of tenure; Scout spirit; merit badges; positions of responsibility; while a Life Scout, plan, develop, and provide leadership to others in a service project; and the Scoutmaster conference.

2. Using the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, the candidate must select his Eagle service project and have the project concept approved by his unit leader, his unit committee, and the benefactor of the project, and reviewed and approved by the council or district advancement committee (see "Service Projects -- Eagle Scout Rank," page 25 [of the Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures booklet]. The Eagle Scout Service Project Workboo, No. 18-927, must be used in meeting this requirement.

3. It is imperative that all requirements for the Eagle Scout rank except the board of review be completed prior to the candidate's 18th birthday. When all requirements except the board of review for the rank of Eagle, including the service project, have been completed, an Eagle Scout Rank Application must be filled out and sent to the council service center promptly. (See special requirements for youth members with disabilities, page 38, and the section titled "Time Extensions," page 23 [of the Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures booklet].

4. The application should be signed by the unit leader at the proper place. The unit committee reviews and approves the record of the Eagle candidate before the application is submitted to the local council. If a unit leader or unit committee fails to sign or otherwise approve an application, the Eagle candidate may still be granted a board of review. The failure of a unit leader or unit committee to sign an application may be considered by the board of review in determining the qualification of the Eagle candidate.

5. When the completed application is received at the council service center, its contents will be verified and the references contacted. The council advancement committee or its designee contacts the person listed on the Eagle Scout Rank Application either by letter, form, or telephone checklist. The council determines the method or methods to be used. The candidate should have contacted those individuals listed as references before including their names on the application. The candidates should not be involved personally in transmitting any correspondence between persons listed as references and the council service center.

6. The Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, properly filled out, must be submitted with the application.

7. After the contents of an application have been verified and appropriately signed, the application, Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, and references will be returned from the council service center to the chairman of the Eagle board of review so that a board of review may be scheduled. Under no circumstances should a board of review be scheduled until the application is returned to the chairman of the Eagle board of review. Reference checks that are forwarded with the application are confidential, and their contents are not to be disclosed to any person who is not a member of the board of review.

8. The board of review for an Eagle candidate is composed of at least three but not more than six members. One member serves as chairman. Unit leaders, assistant unit leaders, relatives, or guardians may not serve as member of a Scout's board of review. The board of review members should convene at least 30 minutes before the candidate appears in order to review the application, reference checks, and service project report. At least one district or council advancement representative must be a member of the Eagle board of review if the board of review is conducted on a uit level. A council or district may designate more than one person to serve as a member of Eagle boards of review when requested to do so by the unit. It is not required that these persons be members of the advancement committee; however, they must have an understanding of the importance of the Eagle board of review.

9. The candidate's unit leader introduces him to the members of the board of review. The unit leader may remain in the room, but does not participate in the board of review. The unit leade may be called on to clarify a point in question. In no case should a relative or guardian of the candidate attend the review, even as a unit leader. There is not set of questions that an Eagle candidate should be asked. However, the board should be assured of the candidate's participation in the program. This is the highest award that a boy may achieve and, consequently, a thorough discussion of his successes and experiences in Scouting should be considered. After the review, the candidate and his unit leader leave the room while the board members discuss the acceptability of the candidate as an Eagle Scout. The decision must be unanimous. If the candidate meets the requirements, he is asked to return and is informed that he will receive the board's recommendation for the Eagle Scout rank. If thhe candidate does not meet the requirements, he is asked to return and told the reasons for his failure to qualify. A discussion should be held with him as to how he may meet the requirements within a given period. Should the applicant disagree with the decision, the appeal procedures should be explained to him. A follow-up letter must be sent to the Scout confirming the agreements reached on the action(s) necessary for the advancement. If the Scout chooses to appeal, provide the name and address of the person he is to contact. (See "Appealing a Decision," page 31 [of the Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures booklet].

10. Immediately after the board of review and after the application has been appropriately signed, the application, the service project report, references, and a properly completed Advancement Report are returned to the council service center.

11. When the application arrives at the council service center, the Scout executive signs it to certify that the proper procedure has been followed and that the board of review has recommended the candidate for the Eagle Scout rank. The Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook and references are retained by the council. The Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook may be returned to the Scout after council approval.

12. The Eagle Scout Service screens the application to ascertain information such as proper signature, positions of responsibility, tenure between ranks, and age of the candidate. Any item not meeting national standards will cause the application to be returned for more information. If the application is in order, the Scout is then certified as an Eagle Scout by the Eagle Scout Service on behalf of the National Council. Notice of approval is given by sending the Eagle Scout certificate to the local council. The date used on the certificate will be the date of the board of review. The Eagle Award must not be sold or given to any unit until after the certificate is received by the council service center. The Eagle Scout court of honor should not be scheduled until the local council receives the Eagle Scout rank credentials.

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Eagle Scout Rank Requirements

The following are the requirements for the Eagle Rank as of 2002:

1. Be active in your troop and patrol for at least six 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 (10 more than you already have), including the following: (a) First Aid, (b) Citizenship in the Community, (c) Citizenship in the Nation, (d) Citizenship in the World, (e) Communications, (f) Personal Fitness, (g) Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, (h) Environmental Science, (i) Personal Management, (j) Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, (k) Camping, and (l) Family Life. *You must choose only one merit badge listed in items g and j. If you have earned more than one of the badges listed in items g and j, choose one and list the remaining badges to make your total of 21.

4. While a Life Scout, serve actively for a period of six months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility:

Boy Scout troop. Patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, troop guide, Order of the Arrow troop representative, den chief, scribe, librarian, historian, quartermaster, junior assistant Scoutmaster, chaplain aide, or instructor.

Varsity Scout team. Captain, cocaptain, program manager, squad leader, team secretary, Order of the Arrow team representative, librarian, quartermaster, chaplain aide, instructor, or den 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 Boy Scouting.) The project idea must be approved by the organization benefiting from the effort, your Scoutmaster and troop committee, and the council or district before you start. You must use the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook, BSA Publication No. 18-927B, in meeting this requirement.

6. Take part in a Scoutmaster conference.

7. Successfully complete an Eagle Scout board of review.

Note: All requirements for Eagle Scout must be complete before a candidate’s 18thbirthday. The Eagle Scout board of review can be held after the candidate's 18th birthday. For more information, see Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures, publication No. 33088C.

If you have a permanent physical or mental disability, you may become an Eagle Scout by qualifying for as many required merit badges as you can and qualifying for alternative merit badges for the rest. If you seek to become an Eagle Scout under this procedure, you must submit a special application to your local council service center. Your application must be approved by your council advancement committee before you can work on alternative merit badges.

[Source of Eagle Rank Requirement and Note: Boy Scout Requirements 2002, BSA Publication No.33215E]

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BSA Alternative Merit Badge Policy

[TO BE COMPLETED]

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Troop 204 Eagle Contact Information:

Troop 204 Eagle Coordinator: Tom Wagner (wagnertxb@aol.com)

Troop 204 Scoutmaster: Mark Mabile

Troop 204 Committee Chairman: Dan Young

Troop 204 Advancement Chairman: Karen O’Toole

Troop 204 Committee Secretary: Sue Mutell

Troop 204 Web Page Administrator: Winston Jenks

George Strake District Advancement Chairman: Bill Berry (wmberry@usa.net)

Sam Houston Area Council: Phoebe Parks

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Eagle Application

All candidates for the Eagle rank must complete the official BSA Eagle Scout Rank Application (BSA Publication No. 58-728). You can obtain this application form in hard copy from the Sam Houston Area Council office, from the Troop 204 Eagle Coordinator, or in a BSA-approved electronic form on-line at www.bsa.scouting.org/boyscouts/eagleproject/58-728.pdf. No photocopy forms or variations of the application form will be accepted. Please note! Your Eagle Scout Rank Application (#58-728) should have a 1999 date on the bottom of the backside.

Sam Houston Area Council reviews all Eagle Rank Applications before providing Council certification of the application. This certification is a prerequisite for holding an Eagle board of review. Sam Houston Area Council check the following elements of the Eagle Rank Application for completeness and compliance with Eagle rank requirements:

1. Council, National Number, Type of Unit.

2. Spelling of Applicant’s name checked and legible (how it will appear on Eagle certificate).

3. Complete and correct (address (no abbreviations).

4. Date of birth.

5. Social Security Number.

6. Date Applicant became Boy Scout (must precede all merit badges).

7a. Date Applicant became First Class Scout.

7b. Date Applicant became Star Scout (must be 4 months between First Class and Star ranks).

7c. Date Applicant became Life Scout (must be 6 months between Star and Life ranks).

NOTE: ALL BOXES FOR REQUIREMENT 3 ON THE APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETELY FILLED IN.

8a. 12 required merit badges, 9 additional must be listed (21 total).

8b. 4 of 12 required merit badges earned before Applicant became Star rank.

8c. 3 of 12 required merit badges earned before Applicant became Life rank.

9. Must serve at least 6 months in an acceptable leadership position following Life Scout review date and before Eagle Scoutmaster conference date.

10. Scoutmaster conference date (completed between Life and Eagle rank board of review dates and prior to Applicant’s 18th birthday).

11. Applicant has signed and dated application.

12. Application signed and dated by Unit Leader.

13. Application signed and dated by Unit Committee Chairman.

14. “My Life Purpose” statement.

15. Description of honors and leadership abilities.

16. Life to Eagle workbook (project started after Life board of review and completed prior to Applicant’s 18th birthday.

17. 5 letters of reference (confidential, not to be seen by Applicant), including one by Applicant’s parent(s) and one that addresses the quality of reverent in the Applicant’s life.

18. Council certification and date.

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Eagle Service Project

Note on scheduling work on Eagle Service Projects: You must schedule any group work on your service project with the Troop Committee Secretary, who maintains the troop calendar, to avoid or minimize conflicts with other Troop events such as campouts and Troop service projects. This includes initial scheduling and any rescheduling of work. If you encounter scheduling conflicts that you cannot resolve, you may discuss the matter with the Scoutmaster or the Troop Eagle Coordinator.

Note on placing you Eagle Service Project on calendar on the Troop web page: After you have had your work dates accepted by the Troop Committee Secretary, you can contact the Troop Web Page Administrator directly to get your Eagle Service Project included on the Troop's calendar on the web page. If you encounter any issues regarding your calendar entry that you cannot resolve, you may discuss the matter with the Scoutmaster or the Troop Eagle Coordinator.

Note on getting Troop-wide email notices sent out regarding your Eagle Service Project: After you have had your work dates accepted by the Troop Committee Secretary, you can contact the Troop Web Page Administrator to have Troop-wide email notices sent out regarding your Eagle Service Project. If you encounter any issues regarding your proposed email notice that you cannot resolve, you may discuss the matter with the Scoutmaster or the Troop Eagle Coordinator.

All candidates for the Eagle rank must carry out an Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project, and in so doing must complete an Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook (BSA Publication No. 18-927B). You can obtain this workbook from the Sam Houston Area Council office, from the Troop 204 Eagle Coordinator, or on-line at www.bsa.scouting.org/boyscouts/eagleproject/packet.pdf.

Excerpt of presentation by Bill Berry, George Strake District Advancement Chairman, to Troop 204 on August 26, 2002:

“There are two very important things to note in the first sentence of this requirement that apply to selecting a project. First, the project is to be done while you are a Life Scout. This means that if you are still a Star Scout, focus on your merit badges and other things. Don’t put yourself in the position of having to explain why you worked on the project prematurely. It is all right to look ahead and identify opportunities that might be available after your Life Scout board of review. However, never begin planning or executing your project prior to achieving Life rank.

“Next, note that the service project is to be “… helpful to any religious institution, any school, or your community…” which means you need to be discerning while selecting a project. You are looking for a project to do for an organization that is non-profit, meaning they provide services to the community at large for purposes other than making a profit. No projects are allowed for profit-making organizations.

“What NOT to do:

Projects that begin prior to achieving Life Rank or ending after your Eagle Board of Review.

Work on your project (other than planning) prior to getting ALL approvals.

Projects for the Boy Scouts of America, including troop or council property.

Any project that another Scout is using for his Eagle project. (Only one Scout gets credit.)

Projects involving only routine labor normally done by volunteers. (Your project must allow you to demonstrate creativity, planning, and leadership of others.)

Any project for profit-making organizations. For example: painting the clubhouse for a home-owners association; installing curb reflectors in a store’s parking lot; doing landscaping for a local business.

“What TO do:

Consult with local Scouting leadership, starting with your unit, while selecting a project.

Choose a project you will be proud of for the rest of your life.

Do a project that really stretches you.

Start documenting from day one. (You will use this information for your final report.)

Keep a log of the hours you put into your search for a project.

Keep a log of notes regarding your search, including names of people you work with.”

From the BSA Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures Booklet (1999 edition):

Eagle Scout Rank Service Projects

For a service project to qualify as an Eagle Scout service project, the Scout, while a Life Scout, must plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project benefiting any religious institution, school, or community. These projects, of course, must conform to the wishes and regulations of those for whom the project is undertaken.

The Eagle Scout service project provides the opportunity for the Eagle Scout candidate to demonstrate the leadership skills he has learned in Scouting. He does the project outside the sphere of Scouting.

As a demonstration of leadership, the Scout must plan the work, organize the personnel needed, and direct the project to its completion.

Service to others is important. Work involving council property or other BSA activities is not acceptable for an Eagle Scout service project. The service project also may not be performed for a business, or be of a commercial nature, or be a fund-raiser. NOTE: Fund-raising is permitted only for securing materials or supplies needed to carry out the project.

Routine labor, a job or service normally rendered, should not be considered. There is no minimum number of hours that must be spent on carrying out the project. The amount of time spent must be sufficient for the Scout to clearly demonstrate leadership skills.

The Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, No. 18-927, must be used to meet this requirement.

The Scout must secure the prior approval of his unit leader, his unit committee, and the benefactor of the project. The project must also 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 approve the way the project was carried out.

Upon completion of the project, the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, properly filled out, is submitted with the Scout's Eagle application to include the following information.

- What was the project?

- How did it benefit others?

- Who from the group benefiting from the project gave guidance?

- Who helped carry out the project?

- What materials were used and how were they acquired?

Although the project idea must be approved before the work is begun, the board of review must determine the manner in which the project was carried out. Questions that must be addressed include:

- 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 approved plan or were modifications needed to bring it to its completion?

All of the work on the project must be done while the candidate is a Life Scout and before the candidate's 18th birthday, unless a time extension has been allowed (see the section of the Boy Scouts of America Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures Booklet entitled "Time Extensions")

The Eagle Scout service project is an individual matter; therefore, two Eagle Scout candidates may not receive credit for working on the same project.

The variety of service projects performed throughout the nation by Scouts earning their Eagle Award is staggering. For ideas and opportunities regarding service projects, the Scout can consult people such as school administrators, religious leaders, local government department directors, or a Unite Way agency's personnel.

The district or council advancement committee also can be helpful by identifying possible projects.

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Examples of Eagle Service Projects

[Note: The following references are not pre-approvals of organizations or projects for Eagle Service Projects. It is up to each Eagle candidate to assess whether an organization and project will qualify for an Eagle Service Project and to follow the proper approval procedure to get an Eagle Service Project formally approved before commencing work on the project.]

Voting booths: Scout made three voting booths for town hall in Topsham, Vermont. One of them was a booth for handicapped voters.

Youth protection and identification program: Scout provided parents and children with information to prevent abductions. Scout also provided a place for parents to fingerprint and video tape their child in case they ever need to file a missing child report.

Community bicycle registration: Scout determined that the number of bicycle thefts in his area was rising, so he worked with local police department to develop a card file where people could register their bikes. For three Saturdays he put on a bike safety and registration fair.

Playground: Scout organized a construction project and built a children's playground in the back yard of a home for orphans in his neighborhood.

Pond clean-up: Scout arranged a pond clean-up project to restore ponds in his town park where kids play. The ponds were really dirty and had a lot of garbage in them.

Tiger Shelter at Wildlife Preserve: The shelters over the cages of tigers at a local animal preserve were falling apart, so Scout rebuilt them.

Picnic Tables for Park: Scout built new picnic tables for park’s pavilions.

Vacant Lot Cleanup: Scout organized troop to clean debris and garbage from a vacant lot in the neighborhood.

Leadership Training Program: Scout helped school district organize and train staff members to put on a week-long leadership training retreat program for sixth graders.

Hearing Aid Drive: Scout enlisted aid of audiologist and established a program to collect hearing aids from local mortuaries and other sources to be sent to third world countries.

Homeless Shelter Support Concert: Scout who played in a rock band organized a charity rock concert to support local homeless shelter: admission was a can of food to stock the shelves of the shelter’s food pantry.

Bicycle Racks for Baseball Complex: Scout build concrete bicycle racks at local baseball field complex so baseball field would not be damaged from bicycles being left on the grass.

Eyeglass Drive: Scout collected eyeglasses from local mortuaries for three months, and then sent them with a doctor who travels to Mexico, who have them to people who could not afford to buy eyeglasses.

Restore Storage Shed at Neighborhood Park: Scout had troop and other neighborhood volunteers repair storage shed at neighborhood park.

Cemetery Directory: Scout catalogued all of the grave stones in his city cemetery, then had his troop put together a cemetery kiosk where visitors could look at a large map and find the graves they wanted to visit.

Repaint Bleachers: Scout stripped old paint from local baseball park bleachers and dugouts and repainted them.

Recycling Drive: Scout organized troop and other neighborhood volunteers to clean up trash along parade route after community’s 4^th of July parade, and then sorted the trash and took it to a recycling center.

Toy Drive: Scout organized a toy donation drive with a thrift store in his town; all of the toys collected were donated to foster homes and orphanages for Christmas gifts.

Flag Pole: Scout got a company to donate a flag pole and concrete, and had his troop install a new flag pole at his school.

Cut Down Trees for Firewood: Scout organized his troop to cut down dead trees in an old orchard in his neighborhood and deliver the cut wood for firewood to widows living in the community.

Flood Sand Bags: Scout organized groups of volunteers to fill sand bags to protect buildings along a river in his town that were threatened by a spring flood.

Area Trail Maintenance: Scout organized and carried out project to install grade-level steps in local hiking trail to reduce erosion, and cleaned and leveled the trail in various places.

Build Play Structure for Pre-Schoolers: Scout built large wooden “Big Toy” play structure for local sponsoring organization. Scout copied design from another local church that was what the sponsor wanted. Structure involved about 250 wooden pieces. Scout routed in the Scout’s name and troop number on one of the boards.

Tire Swing: Scout built a large wooden play structure with a tire swing.

Battleship Texas Restoration: Scout sanded, repaired and repainted a torpedo and deck gun at the Battleship Texas site in Houston.

Build Shelves for Food Pantry: Scout built large shelving units for Interfaith Ministries food pantry.

Boat Dock: Scout built a boat dock at a local park, used for overnight campouts and canoeing merit badge.

Bat Boxes: Scout built and installed bat boxes for the Sam Houston National Forest.

Owl Nest Boxes: Scout built and installed owl nest boxes for the Sam Houston National Forest.

Trash Receptacles: Scout built and installed trash receptacles for local nature center.

Benches: Scout built and installed benches at rest areas along a local nature trail.

Trail Maintenance: Scout cleared and upgraded existing hiking trails and built new hiking trails at a county park. The park ranger had a list of projects to be done.)

Community Food Bank: Scout recruited volunteers from his troop and high school service clubs (including getting formal permission through his high school) and managed their work at a local food bank.

Clothing Drive: Scout did a door-to-door drive to collect used clothing to be donated to a local charity center.

Nature Trail for the Blind: Scout built and installed a guide rope and Braille signs for a boardwalk at a local nature center.

Nature Trail Maintenance: Scout leveled local nature trail and installed wood chips to improve walking surface.

Nature Trail Signs: Scout made and installed signs to identify trees at a local nature trail.

Blood Drive: Scout organized a blood drive at his high school for a local charitable blood organization.

Cemetery Maintenance: Scout repaired headstones and generally cleaned up an old community cemetery.

County Park Walking Trail: Scout built a walking trail around a lake at a local county park; required formal planning and permission from county government.

Church Parking Lot Repair: Scout cleaned and repainted parking lot for a large local church; redesign of spaces increased parking capacity.

Church Literature Storage Box: Scout built a mobile literature storage box/podium for his church. The structure was about six feet high, six feet wide and two feet deep, and on wheels. It was painted and stained in coordination with the church’s décor and was lockable.

Basketball Court: Scout installed a basketball goal and half-court surface at a local church parking lot as a recreational resource for church and community youth.

Church Sidewalk Construction: Scout constructed a large concrete sidewalk at his church. The project included digging, leveling and forming up for a concrete pour, and took several days to complete.

Volleyball Court: Scout laid out and installed a volleyball court at his church.

Church Facilities Repair: Scout did clean-up and repair of church hall.

Tables: Scout built tables for a local volunteer organization.

Animal Cages: Scout built cages for local humane society.

School Stockroom Maintenance: Scout moved shelving, supplies, stock and books from a stockroom at a 500-pupil elementary school at a new storage building.

Church Grounds Maintenance: Scout cleared woods, painted some outdoor equipment and dug a 150-foot trench for an underground cable for his church.

Neighborhood Common Area Maintenance: Scout dug up and removed several dead trees, planted new trees and shrubs and fixed up several flower beds along an access road in his neighborhood.

Curbside House Numbers: Scout painted house numbers at the curbs of houses in a 700-house development (with advice of local fire department and permission from local government and homeowners).

New School Move: Scout moved all books, supplies, musical instruments, lab equipment, and other materials from old building to new building at a new school.

Fire Station Maintenance: Scout painted inside walls of a local firehouse.

Museum Exhibit: Scout refurbished the inside of a “Chessie System” caboose that his town purchased for a local museum exhibit.

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Local Contacts for Eagle Service Projects

American Cancer Society, 936-525-3917.

American Red Cross, 936-756-2212.

Arrow Project, 18993 Ferne Drive, Porter, TX 77365, Mrs. Dawn L. Theaker, Associate Director for Communications and Development, 281-572-1200. The Arrow Project is a non-profit Christian agency that helps neglected, abused or orphaned children.

Battleship Texas.

Big Brothers & Big Sisters, 281-292-4155.

Bridge Counseling Center, 2121 Timber Lane, Conroe, 800-435-7948.

Bridgewood Farms, 936-539-6700.

Child Safe Harbor, 936-539-3314.

Conroe Independent School District, Superintendent, 936-760-7701/7702.

Conroe ISD, Wilkerson Intermediate School Nature Island, Elaine Cummings 281-292-0017.

Conroe Recreation & Swim Center, 936-760-4686.

Cypress Creek Hospital, 17750 Cali, Houston, 281-586-7600.

DePelchin Children’s Center, 281-367-7707.

Family Outreach Center, 936-441-4733.

Friendship Center, 2015 N. Frazier, Conroe, 77301, 936-756-5828, 800-784-8707, Joan Simek, 936-756-5828.

Hope Center for Youth and Family Services, 4115 Yoakum, Houston, 713-526-4673.

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center 281-681-8433.

Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry.

Jones State Forest, Richard Gray 936-523-0290.

Jesse H. Jones State Park and Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble, TX 77338, Dennis Johnston, Park Superintendent, 281-446-8588. The Jesse H. Jones State Park and Nature Center hosts a Pioneer Day event each year during which historically accurate displays and demonstrations are provided.

Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield, Humble, TX 77338, Nellene Harvey, Volunteer Coordinator, 281-443-8731. The Mercer Arboretum provides a year-round display of indigenous and imported plants, as well as provides various events and classes related to horticulture.

Metropolitan Child Development Center, 108 South Fifth Street, Conroe, 936-756-6292.

Montgomery County Children’s Protective Services, 936-756-1551.

Montgomery County College, Linda O’Brien Corbin 936-273-7312.

Montgomery County Emergency Assistance, 1022 McCall, Conroe, Maria or Brenda, 936-539-9211. Montgomery County Emergency Assistance collects pre-owned goods (such as school clothes and other items) for resale in its charity shop, with the proceeds going to benefit the homeless and to pay emergency benefits. It also collects food goods and runs a charity food pantry.

Montgomery County Family Service Center, 281-292-4155.

Montgomery County Food Bank, 1300 S. Frazier, Conroe, TX 77305, JoAnn Stinson, Executive Director, 936-273-9426. The Montgomery County Food Bank provides food and other daily items to people in need in The Woodlands and the rest of Montgomery County due to emergencies or other circumstances.

Montgomery County Humane Society, 1016 E. Dallas, Conroe, TX 77301, Mark W. Hall, Director, 936-756-3914. The Montgomery County Humane Society is a non-profit organization that provides clean, safe facilities for temporary housing of stray and injured animals in Montgomery County.

Montgomery County Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc., 731 West Davis, Conroe, 936-441-0789 ext.109.

Montgomery Couty Women’s Center, 936-756-2033.

Montgomery County Youth Services, 313 E. Ave G, Conroe, 936-765-8682.

Montgomery County Youth Services, Activity Center, 936-856-9602.

Montgomery County Youth Services, Fairway House, 936-856-8015.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 719 Sawdust Road, The Woodlands, 281-364-0883.

New Caney – New Horizons, 281-354-7667.

North American Wolf Association, Rae Ott 281-821-4430 or Linda Morris 281-353-1816.

Salvation Army, 936-760-2440.

Sam Houston National Forest.

Social Services Referral Helpline, 281-292-4155.

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Montgomery County, 713-869-7722.

South Main Medical Clinic, 936-788-2100.

Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife, Brazos Bend 409-553-5101.

Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife, East Sheldon State Park Wildlife Management Area 713-456-9350.

Tri-County Mental Health – Mental Retardation, 936-525-2700.

U.S. Forestry Service, Chip Earnest 409- 344-6205.

UTMB, Montgomery County Health Department, 936-525-2800.

Woodlands Community Association, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381, M. Carl, Program Specialist, Neighborhood Services, 281-210-3883. The Woodlands Community Association provides a wide range of services to the residents of The Woodlands.

Woodlands Science & Art Center, 281-363-7919.

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Links to Eagle Service Project Resources

EagleScout.Org, the site dedicated to helping Scouts become Eagle Scouts! Herein is a collection of resources to assist you in achieving Eagle Scout rank and planning the celebration to follow - everything from Eagle planning guides to extensive court of honor materials. Whether you're a Boy Scout looking for practical resources for yourself or a Scouter helping one boy or assisting hundreds, you'll find tools that will empower you and help you be the best you can be! Also included is a history of Eagle Rank requirements as taken from old handbooks of the Boy Scouts of America.

http://www.eaglescout.org/

Resource from the Boy Scout Troop Advancement Chairman for Boy Scout Troop 243 and Troop 141 to help scouts reach their top goal of Eagle Scout. These are a few simple guidelines for scouts to follow to keep everything in correct order, and to create a dynamic book to be turned into the District Advancement Chairman for the rank of Eagle.

http://www.geocities.com/SouthBeach/Shores/6098.eagle.html

Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Planning Guide, prepared by Troop 389, Arlington, Texas, Tejas District, Longhorn Council, Boy Scouts of America.

http://www.flash.net/~smithrc/eagleprj.htm

U.S. Scouting Service Project, Eagle Scouts resources, including material on Eagle Scout Leadership Service Projects.

http://usscouts.org/usscouts/eagle.asp

Lots of Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project ideas from the Greater New York Councils, Boy Scouts of America.

http://www.bsa-gnyc.org/member/projects.htm

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Eagle Board of Review

From the BSA Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures booklet (1999 edition):

"Boards of Review

[Note: This entire section of the Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures booklet is reprinted here for general principles about boards of review and for context for the Eagle board of review. The specific section about Eagle Scout boards of review is at the end.]

A periodic review of the progress of a Scout is vital in the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Scouting program in a unit. The unit committee can judge how well the Scout being reviewed is benefiting from the program. The unit leader can measure the effectiveness of his or her leadership. The Scout can sense that he is, or is not, advancing properly and can be encouraged to make the most of his Scouting experience.

Not only is it important to review those Scouts who have learned and been tested for a rank, but also to review those Scouts who have shown no progress in their advancement over the past few months.

The members of the board of review should have the following objectives in mind when the conduct the review.

- To make sure the Scout has done what he was supposed to do for the rank.

- To see how good an experience the Scout is having in the unit.

- To encourage the Scout to progress further.

The review is not an examination; the board does not retest the candidate. Rather, the board should attempt to determine the Scout's attitude and his acceptance of Scouting's ideals. The board should make sure that good standards have been met in all phases of the Scouts life. A discussion of the Scout Oath and Scout Law is in keeping with the purpose of the review, to make sure that the candidate recognizes and understands the value of Scouting in his home, unit, school, and community.

The decision of all boards of review is arrived at through discussion and must be unanimous.

When a boy satisfactorily completes his board of review for a rank or an Eagle Palm, tenure for his next rank or Eagle Palm begins immediately.

Scouts 18 or older

Scouts who have completed all requirements for a rank prior to their 18th birthday should submit their application and be reviewed and recognized within three months after that date. For Eagle Scout boards of review conducted between three and six months after the candidate's 18th birthday, a statement explaining the reason for the delay must be attached to the Eagle Scout Rank Application when it is submitted to the Eagle Scout Service. If an Eagle Scout board of review will be held after the six months following the candidate's 18th birthday, the Eagle Scout must petition the national Boy Scout Committee for an extension of time to hold the board of review. The petition must be processed through the local council, detailing the extenuating circumstances that prevented the board of review from being held within the six-month period following the candidate's 18th birthday, and be accompanied with a copy of the Eagle Scout Rank Application.

For the composition of boards of review for Varsity Scout teams and Venturing crews, see "Varsity Scout Advancement" and "Venturing Advancement," pages 33-37 [of the Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures].

Review for Tenderfoot through Life Ranks and Eagle Palms

After a Scout has completed all requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life ranks, or an Eagle Palm, he appears before a board of review. This board of review is made up of at least three and not more than six members of the troop committee. One member serves as chairman, usually the committee member responsible for advancement. Unit leaders, assistant unit leaders, relatives, or guardians may not serve as members of a Scout's board of review.

The review should be conducted at a convenient time and location, such as a meeting, summer camp, or the home of a member of the troop committee.

The review has three purposes:

- To make sure that the work has been learned and completed.

- To check to see what kind of experience the boy is having in his patrol and troop.

- To encourage the Scout to advance to the next rank.

Because many boys are ill at ease when talking to adults, it is important that the board be held in a relaxed atmosphere. A certain amount of formality and meaningful questioning should be used during the review.

The Scout should be neat in his appearance and his uniform should be as correct as possible, with the badges worn properly. It should be the desire of the board to encourage the Scout to talk so that the review can be a learning experience for the candidate and the members of the board.

The review is not an examination. The Scout has learned his skill and has been examined. This is a review. The Scout should be asked where he learned his skill, who taught him, and the value he gained form passing this requirement.

The Scout reviews what he did for his rank. Form this review, it can be determined whether he did what he was supposed to do. The review also reveals what kind of an experience the Scout is having in the troop. What that knowledge, the troop leaders can shape the program to meet the needs and interests of the Scouts.

The board should attempt to determine the Scout's ideals and goals. The board should make sure that a good standard of performance has been met. A discussion of the Scout Oath and Scout Law is in keeping with the purpose of the review, to make sure the candidate recognizes and understands the value of Scouting in his home, unit, school, and community.

The board of review members should feel free to refer to the Boy Scout Handbook, Scoutmaster Handbook, or any other references during the review. The Troop Committee Guidebook contains examples of questions that could be asked during a review.

The review should take approximately 15 minutes. At the conclusion of the review, the board should know whether a boy is qualified for the rank of Palm. The Scout is asked to leave the room while the board members discuss his achievements. The decision of the board of review is arrived at through discussion and must be unanimous. If members are satisfied that the Scout is ready to advance, he is called in, congratulated, notified as to when he will receive his recognition, and encourages to continue his advancement or earn the next Palm.

If the board decides that the Scout is not ready too advance, the candidate should be informed and told what he has not done satisfactorily. Most Scouts accept responsibility for not completing the requirements properly. The members of the board of review should specify what must be done to reword the candidate's weaknesses and schedule another board of review for him. A follow-up letter must be sent to a Scout who is turned down for rank advancement, confirming the agreements reached on the actions necessary for advancement. Should the Scout disagree with the decision, the appeal procedures should be explained to him. (See "Appealing a Decision," page 31 [of the Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures booklet].

Eagle Scout Boards of Review

The Boy Scouts of America has placed the Eagle Scout board of review in the hands of either the troop, team, crew, or ship committee or the district or council committee responsible for advancement. The council will decide and promulgate which method or methods may be used.

The board of review for an Eagle candidate is composed of a minimum of three members and a maximum of six members, 21 years of age or older. These members do not have to be registered in Scouting, but they must have an understanding of the importance and purpose of the Eagle board of review. At least one district or council advancement representative shall be a member of the Eagle board of review, when conducted at the unit level, and may serve as chairman if so requested by the unit.

Because of the importance of the Eagle Scout Award, a unanimous decision must be reached at to the Scout's qualifications. If a unanimous decision is not reached, a new review may be convened at the request of the applicant, the unit leader, or the unit committee. The review should take approximately 30 minutes."

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Sample Eagle Board of Review Questions

What do you do to make your home a pleasant place to live?

Who do you feel is responsible for you being before us today?

What are your hobbies? What do you do in your spare time?

What do you consider to be your strongest attribute? Why?

What do you consider to be your greatest weakness? What are you doing to overcome this weakness?

How does Scouting influence your interactions with others?

How are you different now than you would have been without Scouting?

Do your classmates in school know that you are a Scout? What do they think about that, and how do you deal with them?

Have you ever entered into a competition that you knew you would win “hands-down,” only to come in second in the end? How did you handle it?

If you had the opportunity to meet and talk for an hour with any person in the world, alive or dead, who would it be and what would you ask that person?

Of the twelve points in the Scout Law, which one is the most important to you? Why?

Let’s say BSA decided to shorten the Scout Law, and you had to eliminate one of the twelve points, which one would you eliminate? Why? If you could, what would you replace that point with?

What is “Honor”? What does it mean when you say, “On my Honor”?

What does “A Scout is Reverent” mean to you?

What does it mean to be an Eagle Scout? What responsibilities come with being an Eagle Scout? Once you are an Eagle Scout, you are always an Eagle Scout; are you prepared for this?

What is an Eagle Scout’s duty to his country?

How do you feel becoming and Eagle Scout might affect your life?

What constitutes a “Good Turn” for you? Tell us about a Good Turn you’ve done recently.

How to you keep yourself “Mentally Awake”? “Morally Straight”?

Have you been carrying any additional responsibilities in the Troop since you became a Life Scout? What have you done? How did you go about it?

What strengths and weaknesses have you noticed in the Troop’s program? What would you do to improve the weak areas?

How can the Troop improve on its training of youth leaders?

How do you see your role in the Troop changing after you become an Eagle Scout?

Which of your merit badges do you think might lead you into a life’s career? Why?

What was the most difficult merit badge for you to complete? Why was it so hard? What could you or the Troop have done to make it more manageable?

What do you think you can pass on to the younger Scouts in the Troop? Have you thought of becoming a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster or “JASM” or an Assistant Scoutmaster?

If a Tenderfoot Scout asked you for help in working on a merit badge, would you help him yourself, would you send him to someone else, or would you tell him to concentrate on the skills needed for Second Class? Why would you advise him that way?

In the different Scouting leadership positions you have held, do you feel that you did your best at all times to make that job operate the best that you could? If not, what would you do differently? Why?

What was your most memorable Scouting experience? What did you learn from it?

What was your most difficult Scouting experience? What did you learn from it?

Describe your Eagle Service Project. Why did you choose to do that project?

Did you have difficultly planning your Eagle Service Project? Tell us about it.

What problems did you encounter as you were developing and carrying out your Eagle Service Project? How did you deal with them? What did you learn from your experience?

How did you demonstrate leadership in carrying out your Eagle Service Project? What did you learn from your experience?

What help did you require from others in completing your Eagle Service Project?

What suggestions do you have for other Scouts who are just starting to look for an Eagle Service Project?

What do you consider to be the purpose of the BSA merit badge program?

Do you think Scouting has more positive points or negative points. Describe.

Is there any particular person you’ve come across in your Scouting experience who epitomizes Scouting leadership? Describe this person and why you chose them.

If you could send one message to every Scout, what would it be. Why?

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NESA

The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA), founded in 1972, maintains contact with Eagle Scouts to sustain their interest in Scouting. Any Eagle Scout may join the association. Applications for membership in NESA are available through the Sam Houston Area Council or by contacting the Eagle Scout Service at the BSA National Office. An application may also be downloaded from the BSA web site.

NESA Eagle Scholarship

The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) offers a variety of National Eagle Scout Scholarships for college expenses to Eagle Scouts who submit completed applications to NESA and meet