Trail to Eagle
Significance of the Eagle Scout Rank
The
fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special
significance, not only in Scouting but also as he enters higher education,
business or industry, and community service. The award is a
performance-based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained
over the years. Not every boy who joins a Boy Scout troop earns the Eagle
Scout rank; only about 5 percent of all Boy Scouts do so. This represents
more than 1 million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1911.
Nevertheless, the goals of Scouting—citizenship training, character
development, and personal fitness—remain important for all Scouts, whether
or not they attain the Eagle Scout rank.
Progression
To earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement
rank in Scouting, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of
leadership, service, and outdoor skills. Although many options are
available to demonstrate proficiency in these areas, a number of specific
skills are required to advance through the ranks—Tenderfoot, Second Class,
First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. To advance, a Boy Scout must pass
specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges.
Merit Badges
Merit badges signify the mastery of certain outdoor
skills, as well as helping boys increase their skill in an area of
personal interest. Of the 120 merit badges available, 21 must be earned to
qualify for Eagle Scout. Of this group, 12 badges are required, including
First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation,
Citizenship in the World, Communications, Environmental Science, Personal
Fitness, Personal Management, Camping, and Family Life. In addition, a
Scout has a choice between Emergency Preparedness and Lifesaving and a
choice among Cycling, Hiking, and Swimming.
Scoutmaster Conferences
At each of his rank advancements, a Boy Scout takes
part in a Scoutmaster conference. These conferences help the Scout to set
goals for himself in line with his individual talents and abilities. At
each conference, the Scoutmaster helps him evaluate how well he
accomplished his present goal and then works with him in setting new
goals.
Service and Responsibility
Beginning with the Star rank, and continuing through
Life and Eagle, a Scout must demonstrate participation in increasingly
more responsible service projects. At these levels, he also must
demonstrate leadership skills by holding one or more specific youth
positions of responsibility in his patrol and/or troop.
Steps in Advancement
Advancement, one of the eight methods by which the aims
of Scouting are achieved, has four steps through each award level.
First, the Scout learns. Much of his learning
comes from other boys in his patrol or troop and by active participation
in troop program. His patrol activities are directed toward the skills he
needs. Every troop hike, camping trip, or other activity offers potential
learning experiences. A Scout learns to pitch a tent by pitching one, to
use a compass by finding directions, and to cook a meal by having to
prepare and eat it.
Second, the Scout is tested. The specific
requirements determine the kind of testing. Verbal testing is sufficient
in some instances. In other instances, a Scout must demonstrate his skills
by doing.
Third, the Scout is reviewed. The purpose of the
review is to ensure that all requirements for advancement have been met.
This includes a check of the Scout's attitude and practice of the ideals
of Scouting, in addition to his Scoutcraft skills. The decision regarding
whether a Scout has met the required standards to qualify for rank
advancement begins with the troop and, for the Eagle Scout rank, is
approved by the district, local council, and finally, the National
Council.
Fourth, the Scout is recognized. The final step
in advancement involves presentation of the badge, usually at a ceremony
before the entire troop.
Boy Scouts With Disabilities
Boy Scouts with disabilities may qualify for the Eagle
Scout rank. Each Scout must earn as many of the required merit badges as
he can. He then submits an application for alternate merit badges. His BSA
local council determines the alternate merit badges for him to earn.
Eagle Scout Rank Application
Eagle Scout
Leadership Service Project Workbook