The following guidelines will help the prospective Eagle Scout candidate find a project that is both suitable to his area council and consistent with TPWD’s and Brazos Bend State Park’s’ mission.

Project selection

• Choose a project that has value to the park.
• Look around for ideas; write down several which interest you.
• Original ideas are preferred. Look for services to perform, programs to present, problems to solve, or projects to build.

Project Write Up

• As part of your Eagle Scout requirements a write up will be submitted to your area council for approval. Please provide us with a copy of this project plan.
• Expect two to six months to complete the project.

Leadership

• You must demonstrate the leadership of others.
• You must take the initiative to choose your project and coordinate with the park.
• Don’t wait for others to do your job.
• Make sure your team has the proper training and/or tools to do the job.
• Adults cannot lead your project; they may only give advice and/or suggestions.

Park Role and Responsibility

• To see that the project is consistent with TPWD standards and mission
• To facilitate the completion of your project
• To co-ordinate efforts of park staff to assist in project when and where it is possible
• To provide feedback regarding the course of the project

Scout Role and Responsibility

• To choose an appropriate project
• To submit a written plan to the park
• To co-ordinate activities with the park staff in advance
• To keep the park staff informed as to the progress of the project regularly (at least monthly)
• To provide tools and training to the scout team, as needed
• To provide project funding, as necessary
• To demonstrate initiative
• To complete the project in a timely fashion

General information

• Presently the park has few building project needs.
• Funding for park projects is limited and monetary support of the chosen project should not be expected.
• Any tools required for a project should be supplied by the Eagle Scout candidate.
• Program and service projects are welcomed.
• Once assigned a staff project co-coordinator communicate with that person primarily by email. Telephone communication with staff in the field is near impossible.

Suggestions for projects

• Conduct fishing clinics for young people (information will be provided)
• Conduct nature programs at park
• Conduct public surveys
• Reclaim and repair park fence lines
• Plant native trees in selected areas
• Paint park facilities
• Repair park signage
• Repair park map kiosks
• Obtain new park maps for kiosks
• Maintain park equestrian trails
• Make improvements to park Equestrian area
• Make improvements to Youth Group Camping area
• Work with park prairie restoration group
• Hand grub Chinese Tallow trees in the park

When you are ready to discuss the project you have chosen or if you would like to suggest a project, contact Richard Taylor, richard.taylor@tpwd.state.tx.us.  Be prepared to verbally present a concept plan and to establish the necessary lines of communication with your point of contact at the park.