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/
- *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 (January 2025 printing) are both updated frequently. Using an outdated document may result in the rejection of a submission! Both are fillable PDF’s.
Eagle Award Candidate Guidelines
(Section updated 1/23/2025)
Download the Eagle Scout 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
- District/Council Contact Information
- Service Project hours log
- 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.
Eagle Project Workbook
(Use workbook dated 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.
- Adobe Reader can be downloaded here.
- For Mac users, the above link will take you to a page where you should download the appropriate version for the version of the Mac OS you are using.
- The Eagle Project Workbook can be downloaded here.
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.
Eagle Scout Rank Application
Go to the official Scouting Forms from the National Council to download the current Eagle Scout Application.
- 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. Contact information can be found on the Staff Directory.
Recommendation Letters
(Section updated on 1/13/2025)
Request recommendation letters reasonably in advance of when you anticipate your Eagle Board of Review.
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.
- Carbon-Luzerne District Recommendation Letter
- Lehigh District Recommendation Letter
- Monroe District Recommendation Letter
- Northampton District Recommendation Letter
- Warren District Recommendation Letter
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 holidays. Please refer to the council website calendar for closed holidays dates.
Physical & Mailing Address
Minsi Trails Council Service Center
991 Postal Road
Allentown, PA 18109
Prior to your arrival or mailing to Minsi Trails Council, you must fill out and include:
Information Regarding Rank Advancement (17 year old Life Scouts)
- Download the Minsi Trails Council Instructions to Eagle Candidates Applying for Extensions as of 1/2/2025
- Complete the Request for Extension of Time to Earn the Eagle Scout Rank application
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.