The highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America and one of the most prestigious awards a youth can receive anywhere in the world is Eagle Scout. It is important on a college application, in a job resume, and as part of a community effort because less than 4% of scouts attain this milestone. However, there is no mystery to becoming an Eagle Scout. This is a very clear path that will be positively impacted by consistency, leadership, and a sincere desire to provide service. Here is how to achieve eagle scout rank:
Understanding the Full Eagle Scout Requirements
A Scout has to accomplish a lot of things to be awarded the rank of Eagle Scout. They are the completion of 21 merit badges (14 of these are merit badges specifically required by BSA), serving in a position of leadership for a minimum of six months in the troop, and consistently demonstrating Scout Spirit by following the Scout Oath and Law and participating in an Eagle Scout Service Project: a substantial, self-planned community service project.
There is also the time factor; the scouts have to be able to earn the Eagle Scout award before turning 18 years old, but there are extensions in certain situations for the scouts with disabilities.
The Eagle Scout Service Project: The Heart of the Achievement
This rank is truly distinguished by the Eagle Scout Service Project. It is not assigned, but the scout must devise his or her own, plan it, find volunteers to do it, obtain materials and funds to do it, and record it in a detailed project book. Eagle Scout project ideas should be for the benefit of a community, school, religious group, or other public institution, NOT BSA.
Ideas that have been successful have ranged from the creation of park benches for public areas to large-scale book drives for schools to the provision of sensory gardens for special needs centers to the building of shelving systems for food pantries. The best projects address a true, documented need and demand real leadership to execute.
A Year-by-Year Advancement Strategy
The scouts who make it to Eagle smoothly begin early (usually at Tenderfoot or Second Class). A realistic schedule would be:
- Years 1-2: Concentrate on basic rankings (Tenderfoot through First Class) & gain your first 10-12 merit badges.
- Year 3: Strategically work towards required merit badges; start to take on leadership positions like Patrol Leader.
- Year 4: Research and design your Eagle Project and finish any necessary merit badges.
- Year 5 (before 18th birthday): Implement the project, fill out the Eagle Scout application, and plan for the Eagle Board of Review.
The Eagle Board of Review
The troop committee and community leaders hold a formal board of review as the final step. Scouts will be given this opportunity to review their scouting experiences, describe their service project, and show their commitment to Eagle Scout responsibilities. It is an important discussion, not an interview, but preparation is key. Be prepared to talk honestly about the importance of scouting in your life and review your project workbook, along with your merit badge history.
What Eagle Scout Means Beyond Scouting
Eagle Scouts are regularly acknowledged in college applications, military service (Eagle Scouts may be accepted at a higher rank in the U.S. Armed Forces), scholarship programs, and professional hiring. Beyond the awards, Eagle Scouts always tell us that the rank has provided them with a structure for their leadership, discipline, and service and that this structure has helped them throughout their adult lives. Begin early and remain consistent, and you will reach the summit!