Chisholm Trail (CT) Advancement Overview
The Chisholm Trail Advancement Committee stands as a pillar of support for all levels of Scouting — from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA, and Venturing Crews & Ships. At the heart of this committee are two essential subcommittees: Eagle Scout Advancement and the Chisholm Trail Merit Badge Fair.
The Eagle Scout Advancement subcommittee plays a vital role in guiding Scouts on their path to Eagle. Its goal is to provide valuable advice to units on all matters related to Eagle Scout advancement, review and approve Eagle Scout Service Plans, and lead the charge by conducting the Eagle Scout candidate boards of review. This is the culmination of years of hard work and determination — ensuring each Scout reaches the pinnacle of their Scouting journey with the honor they’ve earned.
The Chisholm Trail Merit Badge Fair subcommittee’s mission is to bring together Scouts from across the district in a celebration of learning and growth. The team works tirelessly to organize and lead the annual Merit Badge Fair, an event that is not only a key part of advancing Scouting in America but also supports the larger work of the CT Activities Committee. It’s a gathering where Scouts can explore new skills, achieve new merit badges, and take one more step forward in their adventure.
Beyond these focused efforts, the CT Advancement Committee is tasked with nurturing advancement throughout the entire Scouting program. It promotes advancement opportunities, offers guidance on advancement procedures to units and the district, supports the CT Training Committee in refining these procedures, and helps identify outstanding youth members and leaders for special awards and recognition.
In all, the Chisholm Trail Advancement Committee stands ready to support Scouts at every stage, guiding them, recognizing their achievements, and ensuring that every advancement is a step toward becoming the best version of themselves.
Eagle Scout Board of Review Process
The Journey to Eagle: A Scouting Adventure Like No Other!
Can you feel the excitement? The Scouting Spirit is ALIVE, and YOU are on the brink of achieving the most prestigious rank in Scouting—the Eagle Scout! The path is clear, and it’s ready for you to embark on the adventure of a lifetime! Ready to soar to Eagle? Let’s break it down!
Step 1: Download the Official Documents!
First thing’s first: Get your hands on the latest Eagle Scout Rank Application and Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook. These documents are your roadmap to greatness, and they can be found right here: BSA National Council Forms Page. Make sure you’re working with the latest versions!
Step 2: Complete Requirements #1–6
You’ll need to complete all requirements outlined in the official Eagle application (don’t forget to refer to the Guide to Advancement). From meeting with your leaders to crafting your life statement, this is where the hard work starts paying off. You can submit certain parts of the application, like personal references and the certification, after your 18th birthday, but keep in mind that all other requirements need to be completed before then. Get that Eagle board of review scheduled within 90 days of your 18th birthday!
Step 3: Get That Application Signed!
Your troop has your back! If your troop uses tools like Troopmaster, Scoutbook, or Troop Webhost, ask for the Eagle Application Assistance Report to help with all the dates you’ll need. You’ll fill out your Eagle application (yes, you can use the fillable PDF!) and get your Scoutmaster and Troop Committee Chair to sign it.
Step 4: Visit Ms. Smeaton for Verification!
Bring that application (with original signatures) and your Life Statement to Ms. Smeaton at the council office. She’ll verify all your advancement and registration dates. Then—get ready!—she’ll email you a copy of the verified Eagle application. Go ahead and pick it up at the council office, then get it ready for the board of review!
Step 5: Schedule Your Eagle Board of Review!
Reach out to your District Eagle Subcommittee Representative (Bob Rauner) and schedule your board of review. These are typically arranged a few weeks ahead of time to allow time for contacting your personal references. Once scheduled, send an electronic copy of your verified application to the district representative. Make sure your references send their letters directly to the district representative (NO peeking!).
Step 6: Prepare Your Final Documents!
Before your board of review, make sure to have three copies of your Eagle Service Project Workbook (all sections, including signatures), your Life Statement, and your verified Eagle application ready to go. Your district representative will coordinate with your troop leaders to gather the review team. You’re getting closer—this is it!
Step 7: The Board of Review!
The big day is here! You’ll face your Eagle Board of Review—show them all you’ve learned, the skills you’ve gained, and the leadership you’ve demonstrated throughout your Scouting adventure. If all goes well (and we KNOW it will!), the board will sign your original application!
Step 8: Final Touch: Eagle Credentials!
Take your signed application to Ms. Smeaton at the council office. She’ll finalize everything and notify you when your Eagle credentials have arrived from the BSA National Office! The Eagle ceremony is just around the corner—get ready for the celebration!
Need Help or Have Questions?
Bob Rauner, our District Eagle Advancement Subcommittee Chair, is here for you! You can reach him at bob_rauner@dell.com. Additionally, Ms. Smeaton is always there to assist at keri.smeaton@scouting.org or by calling 512-617-8610.
Let’s go, future Eagle! The trail ahead is paved with hard work, determination, and the heart of a Scout. Keep your eyes on the prize, and remember—you are not just working toward a rank; you are embodying the very essence of Scouting! Keep your spirit strong and soar high—Eagle Scout is waiting for you!
Finding an Eagle Scout Project
If you are a Life Scout in Chisholm Trail District, and you are having trouble finding an Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project, don’t despair. Eagle Scout Projects are available…county, city, and community non-profit organizations in the Williamson County/Travis County area have projects ready for you to do. Here are some excellent sources of Eagle Scout Leadership Service Projects which include funding by the non-profit organization:
City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department
301 W. Bagdad Street, Suite 250, Round Rock, TX 78664
Contact: Randy Gordon, Parks Manager
Phone: (512)218-5540 Direct line: (512)341-3340
Website
Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department
350 Discovery Blvd, Suite 207, Cedar Park, Texas 78613
Contact: Gary Boyd, Director
Phone: (512)260-4226 Direct line: (512)260-4226
Website
Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District
16318 Great Oaks Drive, Round Rock, TX 78681
Contact: Rachel Hagan
Phone: (512)255-7871 Direct line: (512)388-5607
Website
Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farm
10621 Pioneer Farms Drive, Austin, Texas 78754
Contact: Mike Ward or Miss Celeste
Phone: (512)837-1215
Website
Round Rock Cemetery
Round Rock, Texas 78681
Contact: Mike Chatron
Phone: (512) 680-8064
Website