The Trail to Eagle (TTE) program is a Nationally accredited week-long specialty provisional camp: with a specifically designed program for older Scouts to give them the opportunity to work on the merit badges they need to finish the Eagle Scout rank requirements. We are not a session of resident summer camp; we are a one-week unique 100 % provisional camp with a highly structured program that is hosted at D-Bar-A Scout Ranch. But we are not meant to replace summer resident camp we are meant to compliment it.

Scouts must be 13 years old by September 1 of the camp year and be First Class rank at the time of attending camp. Trail to Eagle founder Ed Basar and his all-volunteer staff have been proud to sponsor this event for 30 years, and the staff continues to set the bar high every year.

Trail to Eagle is a week-long provisional camp, which means you can come as an individual Scout without your home troop.

Since its inception in 1994, over 3,200 Eagle candidates from 15 states, 39 councils, as well as from the Far East and Trans-Atlantic Councils, have attended this unique, one of a kind program. One of the largest attended camps had 191 Scouts participate from six states, eleven different councils, and a Scout from Shanghai, China. Scouts from nearly every corner of the Michigan Crossroads Council have participated in this event.

Over 64% of our candidates have attained the rank of Eagle Scout and even more are still working on achieving this lofty goal. We have 50 staff members who have been with the program for ten years or more. There is a ratio of one staff member for every two youth.

 The Scouts have earned, on average, over 1,000 merit badges each year with an average of over six merit badges per Scout. TTE is not a merit badge mill, but rather a highly structured week that allows ample time to work on merit badges. A Scout must earn the merit badge; they are not just given one.

All participants, who are called “Eagle Candidates” will be divided into provisional troops, and will be based out of the cabins at D-bar-A Scout Ranch. Overseeing the Scouts will be at least three Scoutmasters and a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM), many of whom are Eagle Scouts, and in most cases have gone through the TTE program. All meals will be served in Wyckoff Lodge Dining Hall.

While the emphasis is on earning merit badges, there will be many other high adventure activities which all add to the fun. These include: flag ceremonies, a water ball competition, “Basarball” (volleyball), Boy Scout Jeopardy, chess tournament, a camp wide Vesper Service, and the ever-popular Order of the Arrow ice cream social.

Throughout the week, the Eagle candidates are competing for the highly coveted Troop Spirit Award. Troops demonstrate their spirit with cheers and songs performed at assemblies before and during all meals.

One of the MOST sought-after distinctions is the George Thomas Award. This award is presented to Eagle Candidates who exhibit the same spirit and enthusiasm that this outstanding Scouter showed for the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Upon completion of the Trail to Eagle Camp, there is a special honors ceremony for the Eagle Candidates. The special event is open to and highly encouraged for all parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends to attend.
 
Requirements to attend Trail to Eagle Program

Registered BSA/Venturing Youth Members

13 years old and At least First Class Scout

Uniforms

       As an Eagle candidate you are encouraged to set the standards and be an example for other Scouts to follow. One of those examples is wearing a complete Field uniform at important functions.  The Trail to Eagle program is such an occasion and every Eagle candidate that registers for our Trail to Eagle week must have a complete Field uniform for formal programs and an activity uniform (scout shorts and Tee shirts) at all times.  
We know this might be an added expense but one worthy of investing in the future of an Eagle Scout.

Trail To Eagle Staff