Since its inception in , only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process. Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges , 14 of which are mandatory for the award. 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 medal illustrated in the handbook was a profile of an eagle in flight, but was changed to the current design before any were issued. In their original conceptions, Life Scout , Star Scout Life preceded Star until and Eagle Scout were not ranks, but part of the merit badge system that recognized Scouts who had earned a specified number of merit badges.
Eagle Scout was awarded to any First Class Scout who had earned 21 merit badges. Records show that not only the national officers sat on Eldred's Board of Review, but also included Lord Baden-Powell, who just arrived in the United States earlier in the day of January 31, The design of the Eagle Scout medal had not been finalized by the National Council, so the medal was not awarded until Labor Day, September 2, Eldred was the first of three generations of Eagle Scouts; his son and grandson hold the rank as well.
His Eagle Scout court of honor was held at p. On October 11, , Boy Scouts of America announced they would begin a program to include girls in the Boy Scout program beginning in New youth members, girls or boys, 16 years of age or older, but not yet 18 who joined between February 1, , and December 31, , could request an extension to complete the Eagle Scout Award requirements after they turn 18 years of age.
The rank of Eagle Scout may be earned by a Scout who has been a Life Scout for at least six months, has earned a minimum of 21 merit badges, has demonstrated Scout Spirit, and has demonstrated leadership within their troop, crew or ship.
