The proper starting point for a Life Scout that is beginning to plan his Eagle Service Project is to visit the National Eagle Scout Association website and download an electronic version of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook . You can also get a printed copy from the Council Service Center. Carefully read pages four, five and six in this Workbook. Follow the instructions in the Workbook and pay special attention to following all the steps in proper order and getting the required signatures at the proper times. You can use the flowchart that is described here to assist in doing things in the proper order. Many consider the Project Details step of the Workbook to be the one that requires the most preparation. Here is a sample outline that you can use to help with this step.

I. Introduction

Provide a brief description of your project here. You can copy and paste your description from the first section of the Workbook.

II. Work Plan

Break your project down into steps, list each step along with how many people each step will take and how long it will take. Compute the man-hours for each step and list that as well. Here is an example of what a portion of this table might look like:

When you have completed your Work Plan table then use the information to estimate how many people your project will need and approximately how long it will take to complete. For example you may determine that you need 10 people for 3 days to complete your project. Finally sum up the man hours column to get a total man hours number. There is no set limit on Total Man Hours. It should be used to give you a feel for the size of your project. I have encountered more projects that were too big as opposed to too small.

III. Materials

List all the materials that your project will require along with an estimate of the cost. This list should include all items that will become a part of the project. Here is an example of what a portion of this table might look like:

Don't include any refreshments that you are planning to have at your project. When you have completed your Materials table sum up the Total Cost column to get a total materials cost estimate for your project. It is not a requirement that raising the funds for your project must be a part of your project. You should mention though in your Project Description on how you plan on paying for your project.

IV. Equipment

List all the equipment that you will need to complete your project. Examples of equipment could be "4 shovels, 10 pairs of work gloves, 2 wheel barrows", etc. You do not need to list how much any of this costs unless you are planning on renting some special equipment to complete the project.

V. "Before" Photographs and Drawings

Take some pictures of the work area before the project gets started. Also be sure to create any drawings that might be needed to detail your plans. Remember to add dimensions to your drawings.

VI. Safety Concerns

Describe all appropriate safety concerns related to your project.  

• One good test that your Project Details are complete is that your writeup should be like a "cookbook". Could you give another Scout your writeup and could they go ahead and execute your project? If the answer is yes then you have probably done a good job.
• The outline above is simply an example of how you might organize your Project Details. You are welcome to use it but may choose to use your own organization.
• If you need any help with any of this then please seek guidance from an adult leader in your troop, your parents or me.

Do not set a date or start your project until you have gotten all four signatures on the Project Details step in your Workbook. 

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Good luck,

Bruce Schurmann
Bee Cave District Advancement Chairman
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