There are seven ranks in Scouts BSA:

• Scout

• Tenderfoot

• Second Class

• First Class

• Star

• Life

• Eagle

To achieve each rank, there are several requirements that must be met. The last two requirements in each rank (except for Scout) are the Scoutmaster Conference and the Board of Review (BOR). Apart from those two, the rest of the requirements should be attainable with regular active participation in Troop activities (meetings, campouts, and service projects). The later ranks include requirements for leadership, as well. 

The advancement progression in Scouts BSA follows a logical sequence from the lowest rank, the Scout, to the highest rank of Eagle. During this progression, Scouts are expected, and will fulfill, more demanding requirements as they mature and grow older. In this way, the Scouts grow with the program and build confidence and competence. When a Scout is ready for advancement to a new rank, they need to have completed all the requirements for the rank and participate in a Scout initiated Scoutmaster's Conference. This can be held with any available ASM or Scoutmaster. Scouts should be courteous and contact a Scoutmaster before a meeting to arrange a Scoutmaster conference. 

After completing all requirements for a rank, and the Scoutmaster Conference, the Scout may request a Board of Review.  

Board of Review Sign Up Link: 

Board of Review Request (all ranks except Eagle) 

The ranks of Star, Life, and Eagle all include leadership requirements. 

Troop 848 Leadership Records:

Troop 848 adopted the Leadership Record as a means for the Scouts earning leadership to keep progress of their accomplishments. Scouts are expected to maintain this record and track their accomplishments each month using this form. They will need to have this checked by the person they are responsible to (as indicated on the form). The Scout should keep this as a record of their leadership experiences and will be required to bring it to the Scoutmaster Conference for rank advancement.

1) Print out the appropriate tab for your leadership position from the link HERE 

2) Fill it out every month, and

3) Have the appropriate Staff or adult leader initial each item when complete.

Troop 849 Leadership Contracts:

Troop 849 adopted the Leadership Contract as a means for the Scouts earning leadership to keep progress of their accomplishments.  Scouts are expected to sign this contract at the start of each leadership term and abide by its commitments.

1) Print out the appropriate sheet for your leadership position from the link HERE 

2) Fill it out at the start of your leadership term, and

3) Turn it in to the appropriate Staff or adult leader when complete.

Steps to Follow for Your Eagle Project:

1. Check around for projects.

Use your imagination.  Think about things you are interested in and how organizations could benefit from it.  Ask around your school or church.  The Eagle Project needs to help any religious institution, school, or your community.  Your project must present an opportunity for planning, development, and leadership.  Where to get ideas:

a.     Church

b.     School

c.     Community association

d.     Internet

2.     Discuss project ideas with the organization

Meet with the organization you are interested in helping and come up with ideas.  Things to consider:

a.     Determine if the project is feasible

b.     Develop ideas with organization, be open to suggestions and be creative

c.     Download the Eagle Project book and start filling it out: 

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/EagleWorkbookProcedures.aspx

3.     Discuss ideas with Scout Leaders

Once you've come up with ideas and have met with the organization that will benefit, then come talk to the Troop's leaders.  We will discuss your ideas with you and make sure that there are opportunities for you to demonstrate your leadership.  Remember, you are not just supplying manual labor.  Find Troop resources for information and help.  

4.     After your initial idea has been okayed, you can fill out your PROPOSAL in the Eagle Project Book.

a.     This is NOT a guarantee that the project will be approved.  This is you putting more details into what the project will be.

b.     Fill out the first section of your Eagle Project workbook

c.     Discuss this with the beneficiary.

        i.    Work with the organization you are doing the project for and ensure that they agree

        ii.   Consider additional steps necessary:

1.     Presentations to any of the organization's boards for approval

2.     Additional Costs

3.     Timeframe and schedules

d.     Determine if a fundraising form needs to be filled out and signed by Council Representative

        i.     This has to be taken downtown for signatures

        ii.    Talk with any of the Troop's Leaders to determine if you need to fill this out.  (If you are just using mulch money or getting donations from hardware stores you do not.)

5.     GET SPONSOR'S SIGNATURE ON PROJECT WORKBOOK

6.     GET SCOUTMASTER SIGNATURE (Steve Willis is fine too)

a.    May require further thought

b.    May require enhancements or additional work

c.    Remember, your project must present an opportunity for planning, development, and leadership. 

7.     GET COMMITTEE CHAIR SIGNATURE

8.     GET DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE

In an effort to streamline the process and make it easier on everyone, there is a link (Requesting Approval of an Eagle Project) that now resides on the Sam Houston Area Council Web Page and is to be used when a scout needs to get his project approved at the San Jacinto District level. 

Use the below link:

https://247scouting.com/forms/576-SJEagleProject

You can only do this after you have completed steps 5, 6, and 7.

9.     YOU CANNOT BEGIN YOUR PROJECT UNTIL YOU HAVE ALL FOUR SIGNATURES

a.     This is outlined in the project work book so you need to read it

b.     You run the risk of not having an approved project

c.     You cannot do a Scoutmaster conference for Eagle unless you have those four signatures

10.    Please see step 9 above.  Do not proceed until step 9 is done.  Really!

11.    Did you finish step 9?  Yes?  Ok.  Now work your project schedule and plan!

a.    Send emails to troop email address soliciting help.  Talk with the troop at Troop Meetings about your project.

b.    Have scouts that are available to help you contact you so you know if you have enough volunteers.  In the past, scouts have just sent out e-mails and hoped for the best.  Don't make this mistake!  Make sure you have enough volunteers!  Volunteers do not have to be scouts.  They can be classmates, friends, and relatives too.  

c.    Keep track of how much time is spent on your project, both from you and all your volunteers.

d.    Keep track of all your costs for the project.

e.    Take photographs of your project

12.  Complete the project!  Once done:

a.     GET SPONSOR SIGNATURE THAT YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE PROJECT

b.     GET SCOUTMASTER SIGNATURE THAT YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE PROJECT

        i.    Please get this taken care of before your SM Conference for Eagle.

        ii.   You must have the entire Project workbook filled out.