Eagle Scout Information
Project Approvals: Three Trails District Advancement Committee Members review project proposals at Roundtable, which are held the first Thursday of the month (except in the month of July). We often start early (usually around 7:00pm) to make sure we accommodate everyone, but please don't send your scouts earlier than that. Since our team is comprised solely of volunteers, the speed at which we can review Eagle proposals depends entirely on how many volunteers we have at any given Roundtable.
The scout should have:
The contact and proposal section completed, including signatures, neatly arranged in a three ring binder.
Final Eagle Workbook Turn-in: We also accept Final Eagle workbook turn-ins at Roundtable. This is when the Eagle has completed everything and is ready for us to schedule an Eagle Board. This is not the Scout's Eagle Board of Review! The Scout does not need to show up in full uniform with all his board members in tow (although it's a good time to see if his uniform still fits)!
The Scout will need:
- Their completed Eagle workbook (planning and final report), with final pictures and all required signatures.
- Their completed Eagle Application, including committee signatures and scoutmaster conference date.
- Their statement of life goals and ambitions.
- Their letters of recommendation (optional; these may be brought to the Board of Review if that is more convenient).
If everything is approved, Three Trails District Advancement Committee leadership will keep the Scout's workbook and application at this meeting and, on the Scout's behalf, that district volunteer leadership will submit the application to the Heart of America Council Service Center for approval before the Board of Review.
Eagle Board of Review: Schedule this with the District Advancement Committee by contacting Lynn Houston or Ray Seidelman.
The scout should do the following:
- Notify the Scout's troop/crew as to his desire to sit his Eagle Board of Review, and, according to unit policy, have three board members selected. (Many units have unique processes to select Board Members).
- Arrange for the Scout's letters of recommendation to be delivered to a troop contact for eventual delivery to the Board chair on the night of the Board.
- Arrange for the "friend of scout" (optional).
- Arrange for the Scout's parent/guardians to be present for pictures afterwards (district provides a photographer).
If the Scout has a successful Eagle Board of Review, High Trail District Advancement Committee will take the signed and approved application and the completed information form (the Scout will get this form at the Board of Review) to the Heart of America Council Service Center to be recorded and submitted to National.
Situations often arise with varying circumstances that may hinder a Scout's advancement toward the rank of Eagle Scout. Conditions that may hinder their advancement could include special needs (physical, mental, behavioral, and/or emotional needs), a young man/woman approaching the age of 18, or a Scout who has completed everything required except his Board of Review who is past the age of 18. Specific questions or concerns about these circumstances or others concerning advancement to Eagle Scout for a Scout should be addressed as quickly as possible to either Lynn Houston, HT Advancement Chair or Ray Seidelman, Eagle Board of Review Coordinator.
Additional Forms and Resources for work on the Eagle Scout Rank can be found by clicking HERE!
Merit Badge Program and Counselors
The Merit Badge program allows any Scout or any qualified Venturer to learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers as you earn merit badges. Scouts will also pick-up some valuable life skills along the way as they earn these merit badges.
Merit Badge Counselors work with young men and women on their selected merit badge(s). The Merit Badge Counselor is qualified to teach the merit badges he/she offers to teach, usually as a result of a professional background in the subject matter, being a hobbyist in the selected merit badge, or having a great deal of personal experience with the merit badge. A Merit Badge Counselor must complete the following requirements to be a Merit Badge Counselor:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be proficient in the merit badge subject by vocation or avocation
- Be able to work with Scout-age boys and/or girls (11-17 years of age)
- Complete Youth Protection Training
- Complete Merit Badge Counselor Training
- Register with the BSA (no fee for registration as a Merit Badge Counselor)
- Renew Annually to maintain your registration as a Merit Badge Counselor
- Merit Badge Counselor Training
Merit Badge Forum
Three Trails District holds an annual Merit Badge Forum in February. Over 300 scouts attended the Merit Badge Forum, held at Summit Lakes Middle School, in Lee's Summit, this year. Please look for more information on this event in the fall, as plans for the 2024 Merit Badge Forum take shape. Please reach out to Tom Fyffe.
Internet Advancement
Reporting advancement is a requirement of the Boy Scouts of America, and entering it directly into the BSA system through an Internet portal is the most straightforward way to get it done. Internet Advancement has served as the portal since 2006. Internet Advancement has been available for reporting Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, and Sea Scout ranks; Venturing advancement awards; merit badges; and many other awards available across the BSA programs.
All advancement must be reported to local councils. This is important in keeping member records up to date, and it assures an accurate count in the Journey to Excellence performance recognition program. When this is done, it alleviates issues in documenting progress as Scouts submit Eagle applications or transfer from one unit to another within a council. Consistent and constant reporting also assures accurate records for use by commissioners, other district and council volunteers, and the National Council.
These are critical in evaluating unit health, adjusting service delivery, and researching changes in programs and requirements. It is recommended that units report advancement at least monthly with a final annual report each December. These reporting cycles are important because they support local and National Council data collection for the Journey to Excellence program as well as statistical analysis.
STEM Advancement Programs
Currently, the Heart of America Council is developing is STEM program offerings. For more on our STEM Camps, click HERE!
Lifesaving & Meritorious Action Awards
National and council awards may be presented to members of Scouting for displaying unusual heroism, skill or bravery made for outstanding and unusual acts. Details of the various awards can be found by clicking HERE!
Adult Service & Support Awards
Several awards for service by adults to Scouting and to other organizations while a Scouter are available. Click HERE for more information on all these various awards:
Council & nationally recognized awards
Venturing Leadership Award
Unit Leader Award of Merit
Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor Nomination
Mic-O-Say Tribal Council Recommendation
Kaufmann Distinguished Eagle Scout (HOAC-specific award)
Paul D. Arend Distinguished Scoutmaster (HOAC-specific award)