Eagle Scouts FAQ

When do I start my time sheet? NOW!  There are 5 "buckets" of time you need to keep track of: (1) your time and this needs to be separated into time planning and time carrying out the project, (2) Scouts BSA registered youth, (3) Other youth, such as brothers, sisters, friends, etc., (4) Scouts BSA registered adult leaders, and (5) Other adults (parents, minister, etc.). There is an example Google Sheets hours log and completed hours log (from an actual project where the names were changed for privacy) on that you can use for reference. 

How many hours do I need to spend on my project?  While there is no minimum number of hours that a project needs to be, we have found that in reality, 30-50 hours is probably the minimum.  By the time you plan and carry out any worthy project, you will probably spend more time than this.  We have found that keeping up with the time spent is a challenge, and that is why we suggest starting early, and documenting it very well.

What is the typical cost of a project?  Most projects are in the $500-$2500 range.  It should be noted that your parents or the beneficiary can fund the project outright.

Can two (or more) Eagle candidates work on the same project? In a word, no.  Each project needs to be independent of the other.  The Seven Rivers District specifically disallowed "piggybacked projects" in October of 2023.  It is certainly possible for two projects to relate to each other in some way, such as work at the same church, school, or religious institution.

When can I start working on my project?  After the district has approved your proposal.

Is a "donation only" event considered starting my project?  Yes, although you could plan for the event before the approval is given.

What is a "donation only" event?  An event organized and led by the Eagle candidate, where the donor is not told a specific price and freely donates an amount that they feel comfortable with.  It is important to know that selling raffle tickets or boxes of donuts would not meet this standard, unless you were not charging a fixed price, and were willing to give away the items offered, if the donor was unwilling to donate.  If you want to hold a fundraiser event that does not meet this standard you will have to fill out the  "Eagle Scout Service Project Fundraising Application" which has to be signed by the representatives of the beneficiary, the troop, and the council.  We do not suggest this path, since it is almost as difficult as getting the project approved.