Projects for Kids Who Are Aspiring Eagle Scouts

Boy Scouts of America publishes formal Eagle scout guidelines that include tips on suitable Eagle projects, but families should be aware that many troops have their own, unwritten preferences. Technically speaking, the project just needs to benefit a group of people.

Some troop leaders prefer projects with some permanence, like benches at a school, for example, while others approve one-time events like school supply drives or bicycle rodeos. And some have unwritten rules about the amount of time involved.

Of course, you can contest those local "rules," and the national council will back you on it. But the reality is, it's a rare scout who wants to cause dissension in his troop over something like planter boxes.

Likewise, glance back at your troop's recently approved Eagle projects. See what types of projects are accepted and how they are submitted. In the meantime, here are some project ideas that may help get the ideas flowing, too.

Construction Projects

Construction projects are a great way to do something for your community that will have some permanence. Here are some construction projects that you may want to take on. But don't allow yourself to be limited by this list. Instead, use it as a starting point for developing your own unique project.

• Clearing and mulching a mile-long trail at a local wilderness area or at a park
• Building, installing, and planting planter boxes at a community theater or school
• Building and installing instrument storage units in a school band room
• Converting unused storage space into a costume and prop space—including cabinets and shelves—for a community playhouse or high school theater department
• Building a shaded pavilion for a preschool playground
• Installing landscaping or planting trees at a church or school
• Building an award and trophy case for a school or community sports program
• Building and installing bat houses in a conservation area
• Painting a giant U.S. map on a school playground
• Building a pedestrian footbridge, picnic tables, or fences for a school, church, or park
• Building Adirondack-style benches
• Building ADA-compliant ramps or walkways
• Creating a vegetable garden at an elementary school
• Fingerprinting preschoolers for safety and identification 
• Building a labyrinth in a local park for relaxation and meditation
• Organizing a blanket drive and refurbish and clean a local animal shelter

Event-Type Projects

Planning an event is a great way to put your organizational skills to the test while doing some charity work for the community. In fact, some scout troops prefer event-type projects. This list will help get your creative juices flowing.

• Organizing a toy and toiletries supply drive for a homeless shelter that caters to families
• Collecting and refurbishing old bicycles to donate to a homeless shelter or youth group
• Organizing and staffing a youth carnival, bicycle rodeo, or health fair
• Collecting worn-out American flags from civic and school groups throughout the county, then organizing and conducting a flag retirement ceremony
• Organizing a care package drive for troops in the Middle East
• Assembling personal first aid kits for clients at homeless shelters, or to send with church groups going on missions
• Assembling team first aid kits for baseball leagues in underserved communities
• Refurbishing a local thrift store with shelves, new paint, and new flooring, and then doing a donation drive to refresh its merchandise
• Holding a book drive for the local library 
• Collecting and donating magazines and books for senior living facilities
• Hosting a safety seminar for parents and their young children, with experts to talk about the various safety hazards in everyone's homes
• Recruit coaches for the Special Olympics and train them to work with the participants
• Organize a parent/child read-a-thon in the community

Tech Projects

As the world becomes technology-dependent, tech projects are emerging as a great way for Eagle scouts to give back to their communities. Here is a collection of ideas where you can put your technical skills to good use. Let this list inspire you to develop your own unique project.

• Building a computerized inventory management system for a thrift shop or other non-profit organization
• Creating and distributing a weekly newsletter with games, articles, quizzes, and more to patients at a local children's hospital, enlisting the help of patients who are interested in participating
• Teaching computer literacy to senior citizens
• Educating parents and kids about the dangers of cyberbullying through both online and in-person classes
• Cataloging and digitizing a local historical society's photos and documents
• Soliciting donations of computers for a boys and girls club or homeless shelter