Service Projects
When a Scout joins a Troop he learns the Boy Scout Slogan; "to do a good turn daily". Performing service to others should be the normal experience of a scout. To advance in rank to Star, Life, Eagle, Scouting wants boys to develop leadership skills that enable him to do more with his talents. He will be challenged and tested through many service projects over the years. Leadership in service projects instill good citizenship in doing mission work and service for others. Below, details Troop 3's intent of service projects boys should follow for advancement in Star and Life rank -- both together provide the building blocks to achieve the Eagle rank.
For Star and Life ranks, a Scout must perform six hours of service to others. Star service projects involve assisting on Eagle service projects and asking the following questions. (Use this form for your convenience)
Star Rank Service Projects
Life Rank Service Projects
Life service projects are merely 6 hour "mini-Eagle" projects comprising the elements of selecting a project, obtaining approval of the beneficiary, planning the execution, obtaining the needed supplies and tools, executing the effort. Then write down the answers to the following questions.
Eagle Rank Service Project
While a Life Scout, a Scout must plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project to any religious institution, school, or community. As a demonstration of leadership, the Scout must plan the work, organize the personnel needed, and direct the project to its completion.
Eagle Scout leadership service projects involving council property or other BSA activities are not acceptable for an Eagle service project. The service project also may not be performed for a business, be of a commercial nature, or be a fund-raiser.
Routine labor, or a job or service normally rendered, should not be considered. An Eagle service project should be of significant magnitude to be special and should represent the candidate's best possible effort.
The Scout must submit his proposed project plan and secure the prior approval of his unit leader, unit committee, and district or council advancement committee, and the organization benefiting from the effort, to make sure that it meets the stated standards for Eagle Scout leadership service projects before the project is started. This preapproval of the project does not mean that the board of review will accept the way the project was carried out.
Upon completion of the project, a detailed report must be submitted with the Scout's Eagle application to include the following information:
The variety of projects performed throughout the nation by Scouts earning their Eagle Scout Award is staggering. Only those living in an area can determine the greatest value and need for that area. Determine, therefore, whether the project is big enough, appropriate, and worth doing. For ideas and opportunities, the Scout can consult people such as school administrators, religious leaders, local government department directors, or a United Way agency's personnel.
For Star and Life ranks, a Scout must perform six hours of service to others. Star service projects involve assisting on Eagle service projects and asking the following questions. (Use this form for your convenience)
Star Rank Service Projects
- How is this project benefiting someone?
- How did you arrive at this idea of a project among other ideas you had?
- What steps did you have to go through to get this project approved?
- What were the steps in planning this project?
- What obstacles did you encounter?
- How did you overcome them?
Life Rank Service Projects
Life service projects are merely 6 hour "mini-Eagle" projects comprising the elements of selecting a project, obtaining approval of the beneficiary, planning the execution, obtaining the needed supplies and tools, executing the effort. Then write down the answers to the following questions.
- Describe your Life service project and how it provides a benefit to the community.
- Describe the planning steps you completed before commencing any physical work.
- Detail any equipment and supplies needed or used.
- Did you find that you needed other equipment or supplies upon commencing the work that was not factored into your plans? If so, how did you adjust?
- Upon completing the project, did the number of hours match what you expected?
- Do you see the value in planning a project well and yet being able to adjust tactics upon commencing the work?
Eagle Rank Service Project
While a Life Scout, a Scout must plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project to any religious institution, school, or community. As a demonstration of leadership, the Scout must plan the work, organize the personnel needed, and direct the project to its completion.
Eagle Scout leadership service projects involving council property or other BSA activities are not acceptable for an Eagle service project. The service project also may not be performed for a business, be of a commercial nature, or be a fund-raiser.
Routine labor, or a job or service normally rendered, should not be considered. An Eagle service project should be of significant magnitude to be special and should represent the candidate's best possible effort.
The Scout must submit his proposed project plan and secure the prior approval of his unit leader, unit committee, and district or council advancement committee, and the organization benefiting from the effort, to make sure that it meets the stated standards for Eagle Scout leadership service projects before the project is started. This preapproval of the project does not mean that the board of review will accept the way the project was carried out.
Upon completion of the project, a detailed report must be 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?
- 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 plan, or were modifications needed to bring it to its completion?
The variety of projects performed throughout the nation by Scouts earning their Eagle Scout Award is staggering. Only those living in an area can determine the greatest value and need for that area. Determine, therefore, whether the project is big enough, appropriate, and worth doing. For ideas and opportunities, the Scout can consult people such as school administrators, religious leaders, local government department directors, or a United Way agency's personnel.
Resources: Eagle Service Project Links

Nation Eagle Scout Association
Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook
Eagle Scout Rank Application
Eagle Scout Rank Application - Letters of Reference Form
Lists of Completed Eagle Scout Service Projects (to give you ideas, okay to repeat past projects):
http://www.pythias.org/eagleprojects
http://www.scoutorama.com/project/
Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook
Eagle Scout Rank Application
Eagle Scout Rank Application - Letters of Reference Form
Lists of Completed Eagle Scout Service Projects (to give you ideas, okay to repeat past projects):
http://www.pythias.org/eagleprojects
http://www.scoutorama.com/project/