Department Resources

Scout Service Projects

The Fairfax County Park Authority receives numerous requests annually for scout projects. FCPA has established the following Scout Project Guidelines to help a scout candidate propose a volunteer project that benefits county residents, the scout, and the Fairfax County Park Authority.

Requirements

1. The scout must submit a project proposal at least four months before the scout’s 18th birthday. The Park Authority generally does not accept projects with emergency deadlines due to a scout's impending 18th birthday.

2. The scout is prepared to act in a professional manner in communications (phone calls, meetings, e-mails, etc.) with the Scout Project Coordinator.

3. The proposed project is of a scope and level that can be accomplished by the scout and their crew. Complicated projects that require too much adult participation or have safety issues will be rejected.

4. The scout has read the appropriate scout organization guidance thoroughly (Eagle, Gold, Stars and Stripes or other scout workbook). The scout must read and sign the Fairfax County Park Authority Scout Project Agreement.

Park staff will review these guidelines with the scout to address any questions the scout may have regarding the Park Authority’s expectations. Please note that The Fairfax County Park Authority Project Coordinators have other official duties that take priority over scout projects. Scout project meetings must be arranged around the park staff’s schedule.

Project Selection

The Park Authority welcomes and encourages project proposals from individual scouts. The feasibility of proposals is judged on a case-by-case basis to determine if the project is a benefit to the Park Authority and the community and if it meets Park Authority standards.

Scouts can use the Beautification Checklist as a basis for finding areas of need at their chosen park. The scout must initiate a meeting with park staff to present a proposal or to discuss project ideas listed in the County’s online Volunteer Management System (VMS). Only park sites that are accepting project proposals will have listings in VMS.

There are also scout project opportunities in Group Volunteer Listings. Those lists display general types of projects that are accepted at sites. These potential projects are consistent with projects that staff members have overseen in the past. Please note that the listing of a project does not mean that staff has specific locations where this type of work is needed or desired. Ultimately, it is up to the scout to identify where this work can be done. See a list of ineligible projects.

Applying through VMS allows scouts to attach a project proposal to an online application. After receiving the proposal, the volunteer coordinator for the specified park will contact the scout to arrange a meeting time to discuss the proposed project(s).

Scout proposals should include this information:

Name
Contact phone numbers
Contact emails
Target project start date
Target project end date
Section of the county or specific park for the project
Type of project: History, Recreation, Nature, Trail work, Building, Habitat restoration, Education.
Details of the project (may include Beautification Checklist)

Scout Responsibilities

The scout prepares the necessary paperwork to get the project approved through his or her troop and scout organization. It is the responsibility of the scout to make arrangements with park staff to obtain any necessary signatures.
The scout determines the source of funding for the project. The Park Authority does not have funds budgeted for scout projects, however in some cases the agency may be able to provide materials, such as mulch for trails.
The scout is responsible for pursuing donation of materials. The Park Authority does not allow fundraising on Park Authority property.
The scout must review and sign the FCPA Scout Project Agreement.

Project Cancellation

Reasons a scout may not successfully complete a Scout Award Project with the Park Authority include:

Project is not completed in the time agreed upon in the project plan. Exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances such as an extreme weather event, medical issue, family death, etc.
The quality of work on the project does not meet the agency's standards as defined in the project.
The scout or volunteer(s) disrespect the park’s property, personnel, or members of the community.
The scout does not take the initiative and lead the project to completion. If someone other than the scout takes the lead on the project, such as park staff, a parent, scout leader, or other member of the volunteer group, the scout will be issued a warning, and an attempt will be made to resolve the issue. If someone other than the scout continues to direct the project, the Park Authority staff has the discretion to end the project.

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Department Resources

Scout Service Projects

Requirements

Project Selection

Scout Responsibilities

Project Cancellation

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