You’ve chosen your Eagle project. You’ve gotten approval from all four authorities. You’ve recruited volunteers and invested months of planning. And then—something goes wrong. The beneficiary changes their mind. Funding falls through. The timeline extends beyond expectation. The board of review questions whether your project meets standards.
This happens more often than you’d think. And here’s the good news: an Eagle project “failure” doesn’t have to mean the end of your Eagle journey. This guide walks through real scenarios where projects faced setbacks, how those Scouts recovered, what boards of review actually care about, and your options if your project doesn’t go as planned.
The Reality: How Often Do Eagle Projects Fail?
The Numbers
According to surveys of district Eagle boards:
- 15-20% of Eagle projects face significant delays (not approved on first submission)
- 5-10% are rejected and require major revision before reapproval
- Less than 2% result in complete restarts after multiple rejections
This means if you submit an Eagle project proposal, there’s an 80-85% chance it’ll be approved as-is. But there’s also a real chance your project will need adjustments—and that’s okay.
Why Projects Get Turned Down
Common Reasons for Rejection:
- Routine Maintenance, Not Permanent Improvement (~30% of rejections)
- Painting a fence, mulching a garden, repainting trail markers
- These are ongoing tasks the beneficiary will do again; not a lasting project
- Not Enough Leadership Demonstrated (~25% of rejections)
- Scout did all the work themselves instead of leading others
- No evidence the Scout directed the project; adult did the work
- Insufficient Scope or Hours (~20% of rejections)
- Project was too small; took less time than expected
- Beneficiary decided to do much of the work themselves
- Project became primarily maintenance rather than permanent improvement
- Technical Issues or Non-Compliance (~15% of rejections)
- Didn’t get all four required approvals before starting
- Project violated local ordinances or BSA policy
- Project was on Boy Scout property (not allowed) or benefited BSA (not allowed)
- Financial or Scope Changes (~10% of rejections)
- Beneficiary increased scope mid-project
- Promised funds didn’t materialize
- New management at beneficiary had different vision
Real Scout Stories: Projects That Failed & How They Recovered
Story #1: The Changing Goal Posts
Scout: Marcus, Life Scout, 17 years old
Original Project: Build three benches for a community garden
What Happened: Marcus completed the first three benches on schedule. But when he met with the garden director before sign-off, she asked, “Can you also build planter boxes for the herb section?” Initially they’d only discussed benches.
The Problem: If Marcus added the planter boxes, his already-completed benches became routine (part of a larger project he didn’t lead). But if he refused, he’d miss a major opportunity to help the garden—and the director might not sign off on the benches alone.
The Recovery: Marcus negotiated with the director. He agreed to help design the planter boxes and recruit volunteers, but the garden would build them using volunteers he trained. This meant Marcus led others in a permanent improvement (benches + trained volunteers for boxes = leadership component), rather than doing everything himself.
Result: Board approved the project. Marcus learned about scope creep and negotiation. The garden got extra capacity.
Lesson: When scope changes mid-project, renegotiate to preserve your leadership component. You lead; others execute.
Story #2: The Budget Disaster
Scout: Keisha, Life Scout, 17 years old
Original Project: Install a wildflower garden at a nature center (budget: $800)
What Happened: Keisha got the budget approved. She ordered native plants, seeds, and installation materials. But the supplier had a shortage; prices jumped 40%. Even with donated materials, the budget grew to $1,200.
The Problem: The budget increase required re-approval from the district Eagle coordinator. Keisha was frustrated—she’d already gotten four approvals; now she had to re-justify?
The Recovery: Keisha immediately contacted her Eagle coach and the Eagle coordinator. She explained the supplier issue and provided a new budget breakdown. She also reached out to local nurseries and was able to get a $400 donation, reducing the out-of-pocket to $800 (original budget). Everything was re-approved in one week.
Result: Project was approved with revised budget. Garden was built. Keisha learned to anticipate budget risks.
Lesson: Communicate changes immediately. Don’t hide budget problems—councils would rather help you fix it than discover it later.
Story #3: The Lazy Volunteers Problem
Scout: Tyler, Life Scout, 17 years old
Original Project: Build a new trail at a state park (plan: 100+ hours, 30+ volunteers)
What Happened: Tyler recruited volunteers. On the first workday, half didn’t show up. Those who showed up weren’t effective—they chatted more than worked. On subsequent work days, attendance dwindled.
The Problem: Tyler’s project timeline stretched from 2 months to 6 months. The park director got impatient. Tyler’s leadership was questioned—he’d failed to manage the volunteers effectively.
The Recovery: Tyler changed his approach. He stopped trying to manage large groups. Instead, he recruited 8-10 committed Scouts and friends who were genuinely invested. He scheduled shorter, more intensive work days (Saturdays, 8am-12pm). He provided clear task assignments. He celebrated progress loudly.
With the smaller, more engaged group, the project accelerated. Volunteers felt appreciated. Progress was visible. Tyler’s leadership became obvious.
Result: Project was approved and completed. Tyler learned that leading well means choosing the right team, not recruiting everyone.
Lesson: A small team of committed volunteers > a large group of lukewarm helpers. Lead the team you have, not the team you hoped for.
Story #4: The Complete Restart
Scout: James, Life Scout, 17 years old
Original Project: Restore playground equipment at an elementary school
First Attempt: James proposed refinishing and repainting existing playground structures. He got approval and started the project.
What Happened: Midway through, the school district policy changed—all playground structures required liability certifications James wasn’t qualified to manage. The school backed out of the project.
The Challenge: James had already invested 2 months. He was devastated. But he was also determined to become an Eagle.
The Recovery: James’s Scoutmaster said, “We need to honor your work, but this project won’t work. Let’s find a new one that uses the skills you’ve developed.”
James pivoted. He identified a different elementary school with a community garden that needed expansion. He applied the same project management skills. He got full approval from all four authorities before starting (lesson learned). He completed the project in 3 months.
Result: James earned his Eagle Scout rank. His first project taught him resilience. His second project succeeded because of lessons from the first.
Lesson: Not every project will work. That’s okay. Learn from it and try again. Grit is what Eagle is about.
What Boards of Review Actually Care About (Spoiler: Not Perfection)
What Gets You Approved:
You demonstrated leadership
- Did you lead others, or did you do all the work?
- Could you describe decisions you made and how you managed people?
- Can you explain what you’d do differently next time?
You planned responsibly
- Did you get all four approvals before starting?
- Did you anticipate problems?
- Did you communicate with stakeholders?
You completed something of value
- Even if not perfect, did the beneficiary find it valuable?
- Is there a lasting impact?
- Can others see the improvement?
You learned something meaningful
- Can you articulate what you learned?
- How did the project change you as a leader?
- What would you do differently?
What Gets You Turned Down:
You did all the work yourself
- No volunteers led; maybe they helped, but you did the heavy lifting
- No evidence of delegation or instruction
- Board asks: “How is this leadership?”
You didn’t get proper approvals
- Missing signatures on the proposal
- Didn’t get approval before starting work
- Didn’t involve the beneficiary in planning
The project is routine maintenance
- Painting/mulching/repainting things that need redoing regularly
- Beneficiary will pay someone to do this again next year anyway
- No permanent improvement
You abandoned it
- Didn’t finish the project
- Let adult volunteers take over midway through
- Stopped communicating with beneficiary
Decision Tree: Is Your Project in Trouble?
Does your project need more volunteers?
→ Recruit Scouts from your troop or other groups. Make it a fun, inclusive event.
Did scope change?
→ Renegotiate with beneficiary and Eagle coordinator. Document the change in writing.
Did beneficiary go silent?
→ Reach out immediately. Sometimes they get busy. Follow up weekly until project is done.
Did funding fall through?
→ Apply for donations from local suppliers, churches, or community organizations. Ask your family to help fundraise if needed.
Did you realize it’s routine maintenance?
→ Stop. Talk to your Eagle coach and coordinator. It’s better to pivot now than submit and get rejected. Pivot to a new project if needed.
Are you running out of time?
→ Focus on leadership component even if you don’t finish everything. Boards care more about leadership than perfection. Finish what you can with volunteers; explain remaining work in documentation.
Did the board reject it initially?
→ Read their feedback carefully. What specifically did they question? Resubmit with changes addressing their concerns. Boards often approve on resubmission.
If Your Project Gets Rejected: Here’s What to Do
Step 1: Understand Why (Get Specific Feedback)
Contact your Eagle coordinator. Ask:
- “What specifically didn’t meet Eagle standards?”
- “What would make this approvable?”
- “Do I modify this project or start a new one?”
Don’t assume—get clarity.
Step 2: Options You Have
Option A: Modify the Existing Project
- Add a permanent improvement component
- Recruit more volunteers to demonstrate leadership
- Increase scope to meet hour/impact requirements
- Resubmit when modifications are complete
Option B: Add a Second Project
- Keep the first project (as portfolio piece/learning experience)
- Start a completely new Eagle project
- Get approval for new project
- Complete the new project; submit that one
Option C: Completely Restart
- Abandon the rejected project entirely
- Find a new beneficiary and project idea
- Start the approval process from scratch
- This is less common, but sometimes necessary
Step 3: Communicate with Your Scoutmaster & Coach
Your Scoutmaster must sign off on your project. They’re your ally. Work with them to understand the board’s concerns and plan your next steps.
Step 4: Resubmit with Written Response
When resubmitting:
- Include a cover letter explaining how you addressed concerns
- Provide additional documentation (photos, volunteer logs, beneficiary letter)
- Be specific about changes you made
- Show humility + determination
Boards appreciate Scouts who listen to feedback and improve.
Common Eagle Project Mistakes (Learn from Others)
Mistake #1: Not Getting All 4 Approvals Before Starting
The four required approvals are:
- Benefiting Organization Representative
- Scoutmaster
- Committee Chairman (or troop’s Eagle advisor)
- District or Council Eagle Board Representative
Missing even one means your project is invalid. Get all four signatures in writing before you start a single day of work.
Mistake #2: Choosing a Project That’s Too Small
“Too small” is vague, but generally:
- If it takes fewer than 50-75 hours with volunteers, it might be too small
- If it’s work the beneficiary could do in a weekend, it might be too small
- If it doesn’t require significant leadership (just you and one friend doing work), it’s probably too small
Unofficial guideline: 100+ hours of volunteer work is a safe target.
Mistake #3: Doing All the Work Yourself
This is the #1 reason projects fail boards. Remember: Eagle projects are leadership projects, not service projects. You must lead other people; you can’t just volunteer a lot.
Your job is to:
- Plan the project
- Recruit volunteers
- Assign tasks
- Supervise the work
- Manage problems
- Ensure quality
You should do some of the work, but not most of it.
Mistake #4: Not Getting Financial Commitments in Writing
If the beneficiary promised $1,000 for materials, get that in writing with a signed letter specifying exactly what they’ll pay for. Handshake agreements fall apart. Written commitments hold weight if something changes.
Mistake #5: Scope Creep Without Renegotiation
Beneficiary keeps asking for “just one more thing”? The project keeps growing? Set boundaries. Renegotiate scope and get new approval from the district Eagle coordinator if the project changes significantly.
Legal & Practical Considerations
Projects That Won’t Get Approved:
- Any project on BSA property (troop property, Scout camp, council facilities)
- Any project that benefits a BSA unit (even if beneficiary is non-BSA, you can’t use BSA property)
- Projects that require special licenses you don’t have (electrical work, plumbing, etc. without licensed supervision)
- Projects that violate local ordinances or regulations
- Projects for family members or private businesses (beneficiary must be community/non-profit/school/religious organization)
Projects That Are Always Risky:
- One-day projects (possible, but hard to demonstrate leadership)
- Entirely indoor projects (less verifiable; boards like seeing tangible results)
- Fundraising-only projects (boards view as activity, not project)
Timeline: When to Worry & When Not to
| Timeline | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Months 1-2 | On track | Continue work; document progress |
| Month 3 | Starting to slip | Assess: Can you accelerate? Do you need more help? |
| Month 4-5 | Significantly behind | Talk to Eagle coordinator. Discuss options. |
| Month 6+ | Seriously delayed | Pivot or restart. Don’t let it linger beyond reason. |
| Submitted | Awaiting approval | Wait 2 weeks. If no response, follow up with coordinator. |
| Rejected | Regroup | Understand why. Fix issues. Resubmit. |
Real Quote from an Eagle Board Chair
“We don’t care if the project is perfect. We care if you led well. Did you plan it? Did you recruit people? Did you handle problems? Did you learn? If yes to these, you’re an Eagle. The quality of the benches matters less than the quality of your leadership building them.”
FAQ: Project Failures & Recovery
Q: If my project is rejected, do I start over from scratch?
A: Usually no. Most boards explain what needs changing. Modify and resubmit. Complete restart is rare.
Q: Can I do a project that was already partially completed?
A: No. You must do an original project that didn’t exist before. Finishing someone else’s work doesn’t count.
Q: What if I run out of time before aging out?
A: Age 18 is the cutoff for Eagle. If you’re running out of time, talk to your Scoutmaster immediately. Councils can sometimes expedite if you’re close.
Q: Do colleges see that my Eagle project was rejected initially?
A: No. They just see “Eagle Scout.” Whether it took one project or three doesn’t matter.
Q: If my project fails completely, can I still become an Eagle?
A: Yes, by starting a new project. But you must complete an approved project before Eagle can be granted. There’s no way around the project requirement.
Q: What if the beneficiary won’t sign off?
A: If they’re happy with the work but won’t sign (rare), you can go to the board with documentation. Boards sometimes approve despite beneficiary hesitation. But this is uncommon.
Your Action Plan If You’re Struggling
This Week:
- Identify what’s going wrong (scope, funding, leadership, timeline)
- Talk to your Eagle coach/Scoutmaster
- Contact the beneficiary and ensure they’re still on board
Next Week:
- Create a recovery plan specific to your problem
- Adjust timeline if needed
- Recruit additional help if needed
Week 3+:
- Execute modified plan
- Document everything (photos, volunteer logs, emails)
- Keep Eagle coordinator in the loop
- Stay determined—most projects can be salvaged
Mindset Shift: Failure Is Part of Scouting
Eagle Scout projects are supposed to be challenging. They’re supposed to push you. Some struggle—and that’s the point. Learning to overcome obstacles, adapt, communicate, and persist is exactly what Eagle Scout teaches.
Your project doesn’t have to be perfect. It has to show that you demonstrated leadership under real-world constraints. Boards respect Scouts who faced challenges and persevered.
You’ve got this.
