1. Northwest District Advancement Committee
Roundtable Discussion of Changes, Process,
And Potential Issues
April 20, 2017

2. District Advancement Committee (DAC)
Currently 12 members (District Committee Members)
Terry Peterson stepped down in February, and is now District Vice Chair
Phill Lawonn, Chair
Phone: (H) , (C)

3. DAC Vice Chairs & Members at Large
Cub Scout: Sandy Breen
Boy Scout: Lee Steffens
Venturing: Dina Boie
Eagle Advancement: Karol Smith
Merit Badges: Will Sulzbach
Recognition: Paul Bartyzal
Members at Large: John Hanson, Ray Ralston, David Smith, Mike Stagg, & Bob Walsh

4. Following the Rules from BSA
BSA ‘Guide to Advancement’
Available electronically:
GuideToAdvancement.aspx
Will answer about 90% of questions
Each Unit Leader should have a copy

5. Council & District Websites
Northern Star Council
Website:
District website has a wealth of information
Website:
Advancement tab contains information useful for youth in the NW District
Life to Eagle process

6. Life to Eagle Process: Overview
Completed prior to 18th birthday:
21 merit badges (13 Eagle required, 8 elective)
6 months as a Life rank Scout
6 months service in a leadership role while Life rank
Eagle Scout Service Project (# )
Unit Leader (Scoutmaster) conference
Completed prior to awarding Eagle Scout rank:
Letters of recommendation (3 minimum)
Application (# )
Board of Review

7. Life to Eagle: Service Project (Requirement 5 - Handout)
Project Concept
Discussed with Scoutmaster & Eagle Coach
Paragraph answering Who, What, Where, When, and How leadership will be demonstrated for project idea
Concept submitted for District approval (Karol Smith)
Information instructions sent to candidate (handout)
Tangible project work done PRIOR to Concept or Proposal approval will invalidate the Project idea!

8. Life to Eagle: Project (continued)
Project Proposal (development)
BSA form # , Proposal pages A-E completely
Obtain feedback from Beneficiary, Scoutmaster, Eagle Coach, & Unit Committee
Obtain signatures from Scoutmaster, Beneficiary, & Committee prior to Proposal submission to District
Submit signature page and Proposal for District review and presentation appointment (Karol Smith)

9. Life to Eagle: Project (continued)
Project Proposal (approval)
Finalize feedback from Unit
Finalize feedback from District and obtain Proposal presentation appointment (Karol Smith)
Present Proposal to District at Roundtable for approval
Project (prepare for execution)
Incorporate Proposal feedback
Complete detailed plan
Beneficiary approval of detailed plan
Scout is ultimately responsible for the Project

10. Project Helps & Hints Boy led, but adult advised
Ask leading questions – let them figure it out
Track time & keep sheets – it adds up!
Don’t underestimate time required
Candidate: hours, Volunteers: hours
Safety, safety, safety
Challenge them to think everything through
Keep the Beneficiary informed
Assures a great outcome for everyone

11. Life to Eagle: Application
BSA # – editable .pdf form
Merit badge and Rank dates MUST match internet advancement dates from Council
Total of 6 months in Leadership role (one position or multiple positions) at Life rank
Sign before submitting (Scout, Scoutmaster, & Committee)
Statement of Ambitions & Life Purpose

12. Life to Eagle: Board of Review
Scheduled by DAC after Council packet review
Composed of 2 or 3 District members & 1 unit member; SM/Eagle Coach may observe
Discussion – not an examination!
Council approval needed for Boards >90 days after 18th birthday
Disputed Boards of Review & Appeals
Volunteer to be a Board member

13. Advancement Recap We are here to serve our youth
The ‘Guide to Advancement’ should be your first stop with questions
Contact the DAC sooner, as opposed to later
Certain issues require Council, or even National approval to resolve
Continue to focus on Rank advancement
If only 6% earn Eagle Scout, then don’t forget the other 94% of your unit youth