There are several steps an Eagle candidate must follow when developing a project concept into an Eagle project approved to work for their identified beneficiary. The Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook and Proper Approvals are just two of them. Please be sure your Eagle candidates are following them so that their project is properly approved and will count toward their requirements for Eagle rank. They include:

* Using the approved National BSA Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook - BSA requires that all Eagle service projects are properly documented using this workbook. A hardcopy version is sent to all Life Scouts by the council office upon receipt of the BSA Advancement form documenting their obtaining Life Rank. Eagle candidates may also use the electronic version available at www.nesa.org. When using the electronic version it is important to print the whole workbook when presenting their Eagle service project to a District Eagle Adviser for review and approval to begin work.

* Obtaining Project Approval – All projects must be properly approved before work on the project may begin. This approval includes signatures of the representative from the benefiting organization, the Scoutmaster, the Unit Committee member, and Council or District Advancement Committee member. NBSA states on page 3 and 9 of the Project Workbook that approval must be obtained prior to beginning work on the service project.

Affirmative answers to questions directed to a Buckeye Eagle Adviser by an Eagle candidate prior to obtaining signature approval does not constitute approval of a project or approval to begin work. While it is important to obtain clarification from a Buckeye Eagle Adviser when there are questions about the service project and if it meets NBSA requirements for approval, any affirmative response does not constitute project approval. Proper approval is obtained by the Eagle candidate meeting with the Eagle Adviser, presenting his completed and signed Eagle Project Workbook, making appropriate corrections to his Project Details as directed, and then obtaining approval of the Eagle Adviser by his/her signature on page 9 of the Project Workbook prior to scheduling or performing work on his Eagle service project. Eagle rank is about Leadership and Planning. Eagle candidates should allow 1-2 weeks to schedule a meeting with a Buckeye District Eagle Adviser. Eagle Advisers are volunteers with jobs, family, and other commitments to include meetings with other Eagle candidates. Sometimes scheduled appointments must be rescheduled due to unforeseen job or family events. Eagle candidates should not expect Eagle Advisers to drop everything they are doing to approve an Eagle service project just because the Scout is about to turn 18, the beneficiary needs the service project completed this weekend, or other reason requiring immediate approval. Proper planning by the Eagle candidate can and will prevent the need for rush approvals and potential disappointment. Eagle service projects worked prior to obtaining authorization/approval as required by NBSA will not be approved. Eagle candidates seeking the rank of Eagle will be required to select a new project and properly document and obtain approvals in order to meet the service requirement for Eagle rank.