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 2 million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1912. 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.

For more information, please see http://www.nesa.org/trail.html