Eagle Scout

Eagle Scout. The highest rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Since its inception in 1911, only 4% of Scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process. The Eagle Scout rank has been earned by over 2.5 million youth.

Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges, 14 of which are mandatory for the award. The Eagle Scout must demonstrate Scout Spirit, an ideal attitude based upon the Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership.

This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout. Additional recognition can be earned through Eagle Palms, awarded for completing additional tenure, leadership, and merit badge requirements.

Those who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout also become eligible, although are not required, to join the National Eagle Scout Association.

The first Eagle Scout medal was awarded in 1912 to Arthur Rose Eldred, a 17-year-old member of Troop 1 of Rockville Centre, Long Island, New York. Records show that not only the national officers sat on Eldred’s Board of Review, but also included Lord Baden-Powell who had just arrived in the U.S.

Former Eagle Scouts: Sydney Ireland, Stanford L. Luce, Jr.,