Earned my Eagle in 1963 (you do the math). No "project" required, but as I remember, service to the "community" needed to be shown. What did I do in school, church, "around",,,,
When I became a "Scouter" as son became a Scout, I became aware of the Eagle requirement of a "Service Project". It had (has?) to be to the benefit of a non-profit non-Scout organization, the Scout had (has?) to show "leadeship" in the planning and execution and completion and ultimate acceptance of the project by that beneficiary.
Along the way, and correct me if I am wrong here, in the proposing and planning the Scout must get the approval of his/her Scout Troop's committee, the non-profit beneficiary, and the District Committee. At least those are the hoops my Scoutson, and many other local Scouts have had to jump thru. In my experience, many times someone along that way mentioned, (insisted?) on adjustments to plans (the "what if " game??) , who is going to help (how does this show "LEADERSHIP"? ), how does this benefit the Beneficiary? Self serving things , things too easy were politely weeded out. Adjustments were made and accepted due to disabilities and illness, time requirements, legal limitations, safety problems,,,,
As to the present question, of course the Troop needs to be included, invited. Also friends, family, religious org, the beneficiary itself. Scoutson chose to help improve his barn at the county fair, he had all his Troop come out, the 4H, some from our Meeting, family and some professional contactors we knew. He invited.
I have seen some of our local Scouts be gently corrected and guided when they presented half hearted ideas, and learned, thereby when the eventual project turned out to be a good one to be proud of, not just a nod to that famous Russian philosopher Boris Godinov ("is this good enough?"). Working thru the BSA paperwork, seeing a paper plan actually stand up (!). All good things to learn about for future school and adult life....
By
SSScout ·
