How to Plan an Eagle Scout Project 🦅

Planning an Eagle Scout project might seem like a huge task, but don’t worry, it’s totally doable (and actually kind of fun). Whether you’re building benches, restoring gardens, or doing something completely outside the box, your project is a chance to leave your mark and show what you're made of. And hey, if you're also knocking out some online merit badges along the way, even better! 🎯

Choosing your project and beneficiary 💡

Start by picking something that actually helps your community. Your project should benefit a nonprofit, school, religious group, or other organization not affiliated with the BSA. In other words, do not build a 12-foot golden statue of your Scoutmaster. Sorry.

Good project ideas include:

• Building a trailhead sign or outdoor benches

• Planting native trees and building a garden for a school 🌱

• Creating disaster kits for shelters or classrooms

• Hosting a STEM event for kids

• Constructing dog beds for your local animal shelter 🐶

Remember: fundraising is okay, but the project can’t just be fundraising. You gotta roll up those sleeves and do some real work.

Working with a coach and your project contact 🤝

Once your brilliant idea is ready, get connected with a project coach. These folks are like the GPS for your Eagle journey, except they won’t randomly say “recalculating” when you mess up. They know the workbook inside and out and can help you stay on track.

Then, it’s time to contact the organization that’ll benefit from your project. Be polite, be clear, and don’t show up like it’s a surprise party. Explain your idea, ask for the right person to speak with, and work together to make sure your plan actually solves a problem.

Creating a budget and planning fundraising 💰

Spoiler alert: most projects aren’t free. Whether it’s tools, supplies, food for volunteers, or renting a post-hole digger that looks like it could launch a satellite, you’ll need a plan.

Common costs range from $500–$800. But don’t panic, lots of people raise money with the help of their troop, family, or friends. Just remember:

• No gambling-type fundraisers (yes, that includes Eagle Scout poker night) ♠️

• Checks shouldn’t be made out to you personally (you’re not a nonprofit yet)

• Track everything with receipts and a spreadsheet (welcome to adulthood)

• Work with your troop treasurer to keep it all neat and scout-like

If you do a public fundraiser, you'll need to fill out the official BSA fundraising form first. Bureaucracy: the other merit badge we all earn by accident. 📝

Completing the Eagle Scout workbook 📘

The Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook is your best friend now (seriously, treat it better than your phone). It includes all the important sections: proposal, final plan, fundraising application, and your post-project report.

A few pro tips:

• Fill out a rough draft in pencil first (trust us, you’ll change things) ✏️

• Keep backups: snap photos or upload to the cloud

• Save emails, receipts, contact info: future you will thank you

• Don’t leave blank spaces unless you want to redo it three times

If your project is anything like most Eagle projects, it’ll evolve. That’s normal. Just keep your coach in the loop, and don’t be afraid to revise as you go.

Recruiting and managing volunteers 🛠️

Now comes the fun part: wrangling your crew. You’ll need help, and probably more than you think. Ask your troop, your friends, your family, that one neighbor who owns a chainsaw and loves to use it…

Send out a clear info sheet with:

• Date and time (and don’t change it five times)

• Location and parking info 🚗

• What to wear (aka "don’t show up in flip-flops")

• What to bring (gloves, tools, water, snacks)

• What they’ll be doing

• Whether food is provided (bribery works, especially pizza 🍕)

Send a reminder email a week before and a day before. People are forgetful. You’ll be glad you did.

On project day, be the leader. Assign jobs, stay positive, give clear directions, and throw in a “you’re doing great!” every once in a while. Also: breaks are good. People like breaks. And snacks.

Using online merit badges to stay on track 🖥️

Let’s face it—some merit badges are tough to get in person. Whether you’re juggling sports, school, or just don’t have local counselors available, online merit badges can be a game changer. They let you learn at your own pace, on your own time, from anywhere.

Just make sure:

• The platform uses registered BSA counselors

• You get a valid blue card

• It’s actually teaching you something and not just checking boxes

Some sites even donate a portion of their proceeds back to Scouting. So you can learn and help the program at the same time. Win-win. 🎉

Final thoughts

Your Eagle Scout project isn’t just a box to check—it’s your chance to lead something real. From brainstorming and planning to leading volunteers and submitting that final report, it’s all part of the experience. Take pride in it.

And if you're also working through your required merit badges (especially using trusted online merit badge courses), you’re knocking out two big goals at once.

Stick with it. Ask for help when you need it. Don’t stress over perfection. And most importantly, have fun with it. You’ve got this 🏕️🦅💪