Trail to Eagle
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 by Troop 175 over the years. Not every boy who joins our Boy Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank. Nationally, only about 4 percent of all Boy Scouts on average, or more than 1 million Boy Scouts have earned the rank since 1911. This list includes many notable Eagle Scouts. 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.
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. A Scout can use this simple Trail to Eagle Scout Schedule (PDF) or (Word) to help him set and track these 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. See the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook (No. 18-927D) (PDF) or (No. 18-936) (Word)
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 (No. 58-730) for alternate merit badges. His BSA local council determines the alternate merit badges for him to earn.
- Trail to Eagle (NESA)
- Eagle Scout Rank Application
- National Eagle Scout Association (NESA)
- Eagle Scout Resources (MacScouter)
- Eagle Scout Resources Projects, Ceremonies, Scholarships
- Eagle Project Planning Guide
- Eagle Palm Application
