Northeast Iowa Council > Resources > Eagle Scout Corner

Eagle Scout Corner

The Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program of Scouting America. Since 1912, the Eagle Scout rank has represented a milestone of accomplishment – perhaps without equal – that is recognized across the country and even the world. Those who have earned the Eagle Scout rank count it among their most treasured achievements. “Eagle Scout” is not just an award; it is a state of being. Those who earned it as youth continue to earn it every day as adults. That is why an Eagle Scout IS an Eagle Scout – never WAS an Eagle Scout.

Requirements includ earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scouting Spirit through the Scout Oath and Law, service and leadership. This includes an extensive community service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Additional recognition can be earned through Eagle Palms, which are awarded for completing additional merit badge requirements.

Eagle Scout Forms:

To Download The Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook PDF  please go to: https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/eagle-workbook-procedures/.

National Eagle Scout Association:
Founded in 1972, the National Eagle Scout Association maintains contact with Eagle Scouts to sustain their interest in Scouting. Eagle Scouts in good standing may join. Applications for membership are available through the NESA webpage:  www.nesa.org.

Eagle Scout Rank Requirements

IMPORTANT: Please plan ahead to avoid a last-minute rush to complete the requirements. Especially note that you must hold one or more of the positions of responsibility listed on the Eagle application for six months after you earn Life rank and before you turn 18 and maintain at least 6 months of active membership as determined by your unit.

1. Log into Scoutbook Plus and go into the unit. Select reports from left side and under advancement select “View” located to the right of Scouts BSA History Report. Select appropriate Scout.

Differences of months, years or missing altogether should be submitted on an Advancement Report. Blue cards cannot be accepted.

Six ranks must be listed: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life. If corrections are needed, they must be submitted on an Advancement Report.

2. Download the current Eagle Scout Project Workbook.  The Eagle Scout Rank Application needs to wait to be downloaded until the project, merit badges and SM conference are completed. This form should be downloaded from Scoutbook Plus and it will be pre-filled.
Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook (PDF)

3. Complete and present the Eagle Scout Service Project Proposal to your Unit leadership for review. The Proposal must be thoroughly reviewed and approved by the Unit Leader, Unit Committee, and the Beneficiary organization. All information regarding the beneficiary organization, the project scope (include plans/drawings, photos, diagrams, supply/material lists, tools, and permits) should be included with the proposal. Additional information on safey considerations for the entire project must also be included.

4. VERY IMPORTANT: Before any work can begin, the proposed project must be Reviewed and Approved by the Eagle Board of Review (BOR). Deliver the Eagle Scout Service Project Proposal to the Council Service Center for submission to the Chair of the Board of Review.

Review by the entire BOR may take 5-7 days. 

If the Project Proposal is INCOMPLETE, 
the BOR will request the Scout provide additional information as an addendum to be attached to the proposal. This will likely require additional time for approval. If there are major problems with the proposal, the project can be denied.

If the Project Proposal is APPROVED,
the Scout will be notified by the Chair of the Board of Review with any comments received from the BOR. Once notified, work on the project can begin immediately. The Chair will sign the Project Proposal at the Council Service Center.

If fundraising is required for the project for money or materials, complete the Eagle Scout Service Project Fundraising Application and submit it to the Council Service Center for approval before you raise money or solicit materials.

5. Complete your project, using the Eagle Scout Service Project Report to document the entire project. What changes were made during progress? Who were the volunteers an dhow many service hours were accumulated? What materials, tools, and supplies were used? What was the project budget of income and expenses (keep receipts for items purchased or donated). Any changes to expanding the scope of the project? Take photos and document the progress. What actions were taken to thank the volunteers and any donors?

6. These four items must be completed before the 18th birthday:

Complete all Eagle Scout Rank requirements as listed on the current Eagle Scout Application. Go to Scoutbook Plus; go into Scout’s profile; Under Scouts BSA Ranks select “View More” next to Eagle Scout. On the next screen, on the left-hand side, select “Open Eagle Application” and the application will download pre-filled with the Scout’s information and dates. The Scout will need to fill in the missing pieces (references, name of project, etc.) and print for signatures. Summarized as follows:

  1. Be active in your unit for at least six months as a life Scout.
  2. Provide a list of four character recommendations who would be willing to provide a recommendation on your behalf. These may be Scout leaders, teachers, employers, coaches, other Scouts, etc. References do not need to be 21 or older. Parents and other relatives are strongly discouraged from serving as references; their signature on the application is their endorsement.
  3. Complete all merit badge requirements.
  4. While a Life Scout, serve actively in your unit for a period of six months in one or more positions of reponsibility as listed on the Eagle Scout Rank Application.
  5. While a Life Scout, complete the Eagle Scout Service Project and obtain the approval signatures from the Project Beneficiary and the Unit Leader that state the project has been successfully completed.
  6. While a Life Scout, participate in a unit leader converence. Certification by Applicant – Prepare and attach a statement of your ambitions and life purpose and a listing of positions held in your religious institutions, school, camp, community, or other organizations during which you demonstrated leadership skills. Include honors and awards received during this service.

7. Have the Eagle Scout Rank Application signed by the Scout, committee chair and the unit leader before turning in at the Council Service Center for the local council representative signature. Once signatures are obtained and before turning into the local council make sure every item and date is completed. If items are missing or incomplete, it will be given back until all items are completed.

8. The Eagle Board of Review will not be scheduled until steps 1-7 have been completed.

9. The Eagle Scout Rank Application and completed Eagle Scout SErvice Project Workbook with all attachments can be dropped off at the Council Service Center 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. We are located at 10601 Military Rd in Dubuque, Iowa and are closed most major holidays. The application does not have to be delivered by the Scout.

10. If you have any questions you can contact your district’s Eagle Board of Review.