Project possibilities question

[Mrw]

I need some input on this.

I have a boy looking for a project. He does not want to do a care package type project like a couple of our recent ones.

He wants to do a mission type project or an environmental project. No problem there.

Where the question comes up is that he has it in his head that he wants to do his project in some poor country outside the US - the Amazon was mentioned. I tried to encourage him to look closer to home so the troop could help with the work and his answer was that they could help with fund raisers for the travel expenses so he could go do the work.

I hate to be discouraging, but I really think he needs to focus his project planning a little closer to home.

What would be the official (or unofficial, but practical) BSA policy covering this?

[PaulSWolf]

A fund raiser as a project would not qualify, and him doing the work himself would not qualify either.

Try suggesting to him a project involving organizing a troop trip to New Orleans to work on restoration projects, where he would lead the others. Fund raising to facilitate the trip could be part of the project. But he'd have to ensure he was leading, and not just working once they get there.

[Mrw]

Thanks Paul!

[WeeWillie]

Unless he is a 17.999 candidate, let him start the planning process and find out for himself whether or not his project is practical. There is a lot more to be learned from flounderring around than from being told what to do from adults. Unfortunatly that concept is lost to too many parents and leaders.

He can still count the hours he spent researching his 1st project idea toward his hours. It will make interesting E-BOR conversation.