Significance
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
4 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 Scoutcraft skills, as well as helping boys increase their
skill in an area of personal interest. Of the more than 100 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.
Required Eagle Scout Merit Badges and Requirements
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.
