Eagle Question for the Advancement Gurus

[Eagle74]

The "life statement" is actually ". . . a statement of your ambitions and life purpose . . ."

 

It is part of the application submission for the Eagle rank. It also includes a listing of positions held in any organizations in which the scout has demonstrated leadership skills and a listing of any honors or awards the scout has earned. The statement is to be attached to the application for Eagle Scout recognition.

 

The final part of the requirements is to take part in a Scoutmaster's conference and a Board of Review.

 

BSAMustang asked why the life statement is allowed to be late. I have found that among various references and sources, it is not clear cut whether this is required to be completed prior to SM conference and/or 18th bday.

 

The Handbook and Requirement book state that requirement 6 is "Take part in a Scoutmaster's Conference". There is no reference at any point in the rank requirements to the application or life statement.

 

The Eagle Scout Application reads as part of requirement 6 "(Attach to this application a statement of your ambitions and life purpose and a listing of positions held in your religious institution, school, camp, community, or other organizations during which you demonstrated leadership skills. Include honors and awards received during this service. Take part in a Scoutmaster conference with your unit leader.)"

 

There is one view that since the application and life statement are not a part of the requirements (handbook or requirments book)that requiring the life statement and application prior to the Board of Review is "adding to the requirements". But it really is a requirement for the rank of Eagle, since the application cannot be processed without it.

 

It would certainly be nice if National would add the application wording into the requirements in all reference materials. Further, it should be clearly stated whether or not the statment is needed prior to the Scoutmaster's conference, prior to the Board of Review, or simply attached to the application. Presently, the application wording leaves the impression that it is intended to be part of requirement 6.