What is the significance of becoming an Eagle Scout?
The Eagle Scout rank represents the highest level of achievement within the Scouts BSA program. It is a symbol of a Scout’s dedication, leadership skills, and commitment to serving their community. Earning the Eagle Scout rank is not just about acquiring merit badges or learning outdoor skills; it is about character development, leadership, and making a positive impact on society.
Why become an Eagle Scout?
Personal Growth and Character Development
Becoming an Eagle Scout is a journey of personal growth and character development. Throughout their Scouting journey, Scouts learn valuable life skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and resilience. The process of earning merit badges and taking on leadership roles helps them become responsible and confident individuals.
Educational Opportunities
Eagle Scouts are often sought after by colleges and universities because they demonstrate a commitment to excellence, leadership, and community service. Many institutions offer scholarships and financial aid to Eagle Scouts to support their education. Additionally, the skills learned in Scouting can be applied in academic settings, contributing to success in school.
Career Advancement
Employers highly value the qualities and skills that Eagle Scouts possess. Leadership, teamwork, discipline, and a strong work ethic are attributes that make Eagle Scouts stand out in the job market. Many employers recognize the significance of the Eagle Scout rank and are more likely to hire individuals who have achieved this prestigious rank.
Networking and Community Involvement
Eagle Scouts become part of a vast and supportive network of Scouting alumni. This network can provide valuable connections and opportunities throughout their lives. Additionally, Eagle Scouts are often invited to participate in community events and projects, allowing them to continue their service and make a positive impact on their communities.
What are the requirements to become an Eagle Scout?
To be eligible for the Eagle Scout rank, a Scout must meet the following criteria:
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Have been active as a Life Scout for at least six months.
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Have earned a minimum of 21 merit badges, including 14 required ones (see below).
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Hold positions of leadership within their troop.
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Complete a significant community service project.
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Scouts must also be under the age of 18, although certain accommodations can be made for Scouts with disabilities or those who have experienced challenges in their Scouting journey.
Required Merit Badges:
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First Aid
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Citizenship in the Community
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Citizenship in the Nation
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Citizenship in the World
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Communication
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Cooking
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Personal Fitness
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Choose one: Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving
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Choose one: Environmental Science OR Sustainability
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Personal Management
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Choose one: Cycling, Hiking OR Swimming
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Camping
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Family Life
What do I need to complete & turn in before my 18th birthday?
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Earn at least 21 merit badges, including the 14 required merit badges
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Complete at least 6 months of leadership as a Life Scout in approved leadership positions. (See Scouts BSA Handbook or Eagle Scout Rank Application for approved positions.)
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Eagle Scout Service Project
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Final Project report with signatures
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Unit Leader Conference
Before Eagle Board of Review:
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Scout must have completed & turned in all of the above items
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Eagle rank application
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Statement of ambition & life purpose (See Eagle Rank Application)
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Letters of recommendation*
*A Scout may still have the board of review without all of letters turned in, but it is not recommended
For any questions, please contact Eagle Coordinator:
Sammie Shaw
sammie.shaw@scouting.org
806-902-8463
The Eagle Project
Coming up with a project idea
Talk to family, unit leaders, church leadership, a favorite community organization or look online to find a project that meets an area of need and that interests you! Scouts can even use an Eagle Scout Project Idea Generator! Eagle Candidates should read carefully through the Project Workbook to understand the expectations before choosing the project that's right for them.
Submitting the Proposal
After coming up with the project, it's time to begin the proposal. Once the proposal is filled out, it will need to be submitted to the Scout Office at 30 Briercroft Office Park, Lubbock, Texas. A Scout can submit it in person, or have a parent or unit leader bring it in.
Project Approval
After submitting the proposal, it will be reviewed by the Advancement Committee. After it has been reviewed, the Scout will receive an approval or a request for more information, modification of your proposal, or a rejection. If the Scout receives a response, they may retrieve your book from the Scout Office to make adjustments and resubmit changes or if approved, begin your project.
Fundraising
The Project Workbook has helpful information about fundraising to complete the project. If there are any questions, please contact the Scout Office and we will be happy to answer any questions. Here is a helpful document about fundraising.
During Your Project
Make sure to document the project during its process! Make notes, take pictures throughout the project, and keep track of everything and everyone involved. Be working on the "Project Plan" throughout the project!
After the Project is Complete
Finishing the Project Workbook
After the project is complete, the candidate will need to complete the project workbook. The "Project Plan" and the "Project Report" will need to be filled out and signed by the beneficiary and unit leader. After the workbook is complete, it may turned in at the Scout Office.
IMPORTANT: The Eagle candidate will not be able to move forward with the process until the Eagle Scout Rank Application is completed and turned in!
Unit Leader Conference
Scouts will need to complete their Unit Leader Conference before the Eagle Application is turned in. This date should be noted on the application.
Eagle Scout Rank Application
Filling Out Your Application
Scouts should please read through the application carefully to make sure they don't miss anything important such as your Statement of Ambition.
Don't forget to get signatures!
Reference Letters
It is good practice to inform your references that we will be requesting a letter from them by e-mail. Do NOT ask your references to send the letters to you. The Scout Office will send the requests directly to them, and the letters should be sent to our office directly. If you have any questions about this process, please contact the Scout Office.
It is your responsibility to make sure your references send us the letters. You may call us to find out who has submitted letters and who hasn't. We will not continuously make attempts to contact them.
Board of Review
Scheduling Your Board
Once all of your reference letters have been received, the Scout Office will contact you to about scheduling your board of review. It is the Eagle Candidate's responsibility to let the Scout Office know they are ready to schedule their board.
If the candidate needs to proceed before the reference letters have been received, it is their responsibility to contact the Scout Office. (Note: This is not recommended unless under certain circumstances. For example, candidate is leaving for military service or higher education.)
After the Scout office has been notified by the candidate, the Eagle Coordinator will contact the Advancement Committee. The Advancement Committee will contact the Unit leadership to schedule the Board of Review.
After Your Board of Review
Candidates will receive a letter from the Scout Office notifying of their status as an Eagle.
Eagle certificates and cards usually take 3-5 weeks to arrive to the Scout Office from the National Office.
Eagles may contact the office any time to see if their certificates have arrived. Awards are not mailed unless requested. They may be picked up by parents or unit leadership.