The Trail to Eagle Process

The path to obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout challenges Scouts to utilize the leadership skills that Scouting has helped them develop.  Life Scouts intent on achieving Eagle rank are expected to complete a community service project known as an Eagle Scout Project that they themselves are responsible for organizing and overseeing.  The Eagle Scout Project allows scouts to begin transitioning their leadership experiences from Scouting to professional applications in the future.  

While the process may seem daunting at first, Minsi Trails Council offers numerous resources and information to help Eagle Scout candidates plan their Project and properly submit their Eagle Scout Application. 

Please follow all the steps below, beginning with #1. 

• *IMPORTANT* Please do NOT Google information regarding the Eagle Scout Project and/or Application!!!
   
• The Eagle Project Workbook (No. 2023a, February 2023) and the Eagle Scout Application (June 2022 printing) are both updated frequently. Using an outdated document may result in the rejection of a submission! Both are fillable PDF's. 

1.  Eagle Award Candidate Guidelines (Updated 3/6/2023)

Click here to download - Eagle Award Candidate Guidelines

This document contains guidelines to help you complete the Eagle Scout requirements and paperwork.  It also provides a checklist to help keep track of your progress.  You are highly advised to read this document before you start planning your Eagle Project!

Information provided within the Candidate Guidelines?

• Eagle Scout Service Project
• Eagle Application
• Recommendation Letters
• Eagle Candidate Application Checklist 
• Crowdfunding Forms (click HERE for fillable PDF version)
• District/Council Contact Information
• Service Project hours log (click HERE for excel form) 

Eagle Required Merit Badge - Citizenship in Society

• Citizenship in Society is now an Eagle rank required merit badge bringing the total of Eagle required merit badges to 14. 

2.  Eagle Project Workbook  (February, 2023 - No. 2023a)

Life Scouts who are working on their Eagle Scout Project are required to record their progress in an Eagle Project Workbook.  The workbook helps guide Scouts through the entire process from start to finish, and ensures that they are accountable and knowledgeable about their project.

Scouts must download this file and then open it using Adobe Reader 9 or later editions. Info on how to do so are available in the link below. 

• Download Adobe Reader Here

  • For Mac users, the above link will take you to a page where you should select Adobe Reader DC 2020.013.20074 for Mac Intel

• Click here for a link to the Eagle Project Workbook.

3. Obtaining Signatures

All Eagle Scout candidates are required to obtain specific signatures BEFORE they can begin physical work on their project.  This information can be found in the Eagle Award Candidate Guidelines.

4. Eagle Scout Rank Application

Click here to go directly to the official Scouting Forms from the National Council  to download the most current form

• It is preferred this application be typed, printed in color and back to back.  If printing back to back is not practical, please staple the two pages together and insure your name is in the space provided at the top of the second page.  Note that from within Scoutbook your application document can be automatically populated with data and then printed.  
   
• If, you cannot download either of the applications, please contact the Minsi Trails Council Registrar at Minsi Trails Council 

5. Recommendation Letters (updated on 5/1/2021)

Do not request letters until your project is completed and you are filling out your final Eagle Application.

Candidates must secure their own letters of recommendation using the information for their District and follow procedures outlined on page 7 of the Eagle Candidate Guidelines. Each District has its own letter that the candidate must present to those who are on the application that they have asked to provide a recommendation. 

• Sample Letter for guidance on filling out district letters.
• Monroe District Recommendation Letter
• Northampton District Recommendation Letter
• Warren District Recommendation Letter
• Lehigh District Recommendation Letter
• Carbon-Luzerne District Recommendation Letter 

6. Process to submit your Eagle Application to Minsi Trails Council: 

• Minsi Trails Council Service center is accepting Eagle Applications Monday through Friday 10 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturday 10 AM to 1:30 PM.  Closed on holiday's.   Please refer to the council website calendar for closed holiday's dates. 

  • Physical Address: Directions to Minsi Trails Council Service Center, 991 Postal Road, Allentown, PA 18109

  • Mailing address: Minsi Trails Council, PO Box 20624, Lehigh Valley, PA 18002-0264

• Prior to your arrival or mailing to Minsi Trails Council, you must fill out and include:

  • "Eagle Application Submission Form"

  • "Eagle Candidate Application Checklist" 

7. Information Regarding Rank Advancement (17 year old Life Scouts)

• Refer to the Scouts BSA COVID FAQ website for information regarding Eagle rank requirements relating to COVID-19.
  • Please note, temporary changes made to Scouts BSA advancement requirements to address the COVID-19 pandemic will expire March 1, 2022
     
• Download the Minsi Trails Council Instructions to Eagle Candidates Applying for Extensions as of 1/1/2022
   
• Click to open the link for requesting an extension of time to earn the Eagle Scout Rank
   
  • Request for Extension of Time 

8.  Additional Resources:

• Local Media Information
  • Use this information to contact local Print and TV Media.

• Eagle Scout Ceremonies -- Inviting Elected Officials and/or Distinguished Guests 
  • This form provides guidelines for inviting distinguished guests to your Eagle Ceremony.

Upcoming Minsi Trails Eagle Scout Events or Gatherings