Eagle Scout facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eagle Scout |
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The Eagle Scout medal and rank badge
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| Owner | Scouting America | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Created | 1911 | ||
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The Eagle Scout is the highest award a young person can earn in the Scouts BSA program, which is part of Scouting America. Since it began in 1911, only about four percent of Scouts have achieved this special rank. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Over 2.75 million young people have earned the Eagle Scout rank.
To become an Eagle Scout, you need to earn at least 21 merit badges. Thirteen of these badges are specifically required, and you can choose the others. An Eagle Scout must also show strong Scout Spirit. This means living by the Scout Oath and Law, helping others, and showing leadership. A big part of this is planning and leading a large service project for the community. When a Scout earns this rank, they receive a special medal and a badge. These show everyone their amazing accomplishments. Scouts can earn even more recognition through Eagle Palms for continued service and merit badges.
Young people who earn the Eagle Scout rank can also join the National Eagle Scout Association. This group connects Eagle Scouts from all over the country.
Contents
History of the Eagle Scout Award
The idea for Scouting America's highest award started in 1911. It was first called the Wolf Scout in the Official Handbook for Boys. Soon after, in August 1911, the name changed to Eagle Scout. The first medal design showed an eagle flying, but it was quickly changed to the design we know today.
The very first Eagle Scout medal was given in 1912 to Arthur Rose Eldred. He was 17 years old and from New York. Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, was even part of the review board for Arthur. Arthur Eldred was the first of three generations in his family to become an Eagle Scout. His son and grandson also earned this high rank.
In 1982, Alexander Holsinger from Illinois became the one-millionth Eagle Scout. Anthony Thomas from Minnesota was the two-millionth in 2009. Hamilton Bradley of Rome, New York, is known as the earliest Black Eagle Scout in Scouting America's history. He earned his award in 1919.
In 2017, Scouting America announced that girls could join the Boy Scout program starting in 2019. The program was renamed Scouts BSA. This change also meant that the age limit for earning Eagle Scout was adjusted for new members. In 2020, the first female Eagle Scouts were recognized. On February 8, 2021, nearly 1,000 female Scouts became part of the first class of female Eagle Scouts. Their achievement was celebrated in a special edition of Scout Life magazine.
How to Become an Eagle Scout
To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Scout must be an active Life Scout for at least six months. They must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges. Scouts also need to show strong Scout Spirit and leadership within their troop. A key part is planning and leading a service project. This project, called the Eagle Project, shows leadership and commitment. After completing all requirements, Scouts attend an Eagle Scout board of review. This review can happen up to three months after their 18th birthday, as long as all other requirements were finished before turning 18.
Scouts with a permanent mental or physical disability may use different requirements. These are based on their abilities and must be approved by their local council. Special honorary awards, like the Spirit of the Eagle Award, recognize young members who pass away. The Line of Duty Fallen Eagle Recognition honors Eagle Scouts who die while serving in professions like the military or emergency services.
The Eagle Scout Service Project
The Eagle Scout Service Project is a chance for a Scout to lead others. They perform a project that helps a religious institution, a school, or their community. The project cannot directly benefit Scouting America or be for commercial purposes. It also cannot be only about raising money. There is no set time limit for how long the project must take.
Evolving Requirements Over Time
The requirements for Eagle Scout have changed over the years. In 1914, Scouts had to earn 11 specific merit badges. This number and the list of badges changed a few times. In 1927, Eagle Scout started to become a true rank, not just a merit badge award. This meant Scouts also needed to be active for a certain amount of time.
The idea of a service project also grew over the years. By 1965, Scouts had to plan, develop, and carry out a leadership service project. In 2026, the number of required merit badges returned to 13 after the discontinuation of Citizenship in Society.
Currently, Scouts must earn these 10 merit badges: Camping, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communication, Cooking, First Aid, Family Life, Personal Fitness, and Personal Management. They also choose one from each of these groups: Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving; Environmental Science OR Sustainability; and Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling. Finally, Scouts must earn seven more elective merit badges to reach the total of 21.
Eagle Palms: Extra Recognition
Eagle Palms are extra awards for Eagle Scouts who continue to be active. To earn a Palm, a Scout must show Scout Spirit, leadership, and ability. They also need to earn five more merit badges beyond those required for Eagle or their last Palm. A Scout also has a meeting with their unit leader.
The Palm is a small metallic palm frond pin. It is worn on the ribbon of the Eagle Scout medal, on the Eagle Scout square knot, or on the Eagle Scout badge.
Palms come in three colors: bronze for five extra merit badges, gold for ten, and silver for fifteen. If a Scout earns more Palms, they wear a combination that uses the fewest pins. For example, two silver Palms and one gold Palm mean eight Palms (40 extra merit badges).
Eagle Scout Insignia and Apparel
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The Eagle Scout badge is worn on the left shirt pocket by young Scouts. Adult leaders who earned Eagle Scout as a youth wear a special square knot emblem above their left shirt pocket. The Eagle Scout medal is worn on the left shirt pocket flap. It is usually worn only for special ceremonies.
The Eagle Scout Award Kit includes the medal, badge, and pins for parents and mentors. Many other items like caps, belt buckles, and jackets are also available. Official Eagle Scout items are special and require proof of earning the rank to purchase.
The Eagle Scout Medal
The Eagle Scout medal has changed its design several times since 1912. The medal is usually made of metal, often silver-plated. It features an eagle pendant and a scroll. In 1933, the letters "BSA" were removed from the medal, but they were added back in 1969. In 1974, the eagle pendant was redesigned to match the new National Eagle Scout Association logo. In 1980, due to the rising price of silver, the medal began to be made of silver-plated copper. In 2025, the "BSA" lettering on the lower portion of the medal was removed when the organization changed its name.
The Eagle Scout Badge
The cloth Eagle Scout badge was first introduced in 1924. It was sewn onto the merit badge sash. The design is very similar to the badge used today. Early badges were on tan cloth, then olive, and later white and blue for Sea Scouts. In 1933, "BSA" was removed from the badge. The words "Eagle Scout" and "Boy Scouts of America" were added to the border, and "Be Prepared" was added to the scroll.
In 1956, badges started to have a rolled edge, which is still used today. The outer oval changed to red. A major redesign in 1972 created a new, simpler badge without text, but it was not very popular. The design mostly returned to the 1956 version in 1975. In 1985, the badge featured silver metalized thread for the border and eagle, with blue "Be Prepared" text. Later, the metalized thread was changed back to standard thread because it wore out easily.
For the 2010 centennial, "2010" was added to all rank badges. In 2012, for the Eagle Scout centennial, a new version featured "Eagle Scout" and "Centennial" in silver, and "1912" and "2012" in gold. In 2025, the text "Boy Scouts of America" on the badge was changed to "Scouting America" when the organization changed its name.
Other Special Insignia
Eagle Scout hat pins were made from 1921 to 1958. Adults who earned Eagle Scout as youth can wear a red, white, and blue ribbon bar, or later, an embroidered square knot patch. The Eagle Scout Mentor pin was introduced in 2004. The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) also has a special knot for its life members.
Certificates of Achievement
From 1912 to 1943, Eagle Scouts received a small card. Wallet-size cards started in 1944, and plastic credit card style cards began in 1991. Certificates suitable for framing were first given out in 1944. The President of the United States signs all Eagle Scout certificates as the honorary president of Scouting America.
Life After Becoming an Eagle Scout
Eagle Scouts are expected to be role models for other Scouts and leaders in their communities. They often become leaders in many areas, including the military, higher education, business, and politics. Eagle Scouts are more likely to stay active, volunteer, have strong family ties, and work to improve their neighborhoods.
Scholarship Opportunities for Eagle Scouts
Many academic scholarships are available for Eagle Scouts. These scholarships consider academic achievements, financial need, and participation in Scouting.
Adult Eagle Scouts and Their Impact
Many famous and successful people have been Eagle Scouts. Adult Scouters who earned Eagle Scout as youth can wear a special square knot emblem on their uniform. Eagle Scouts can join the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA). NESA helps connect Eagle Scouts and offers awards like the NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award for local achievements. The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award is given for outstanding service in a profession and community for at least 25 years after earning Eagle Scout.
Eagle Scouts who join the U.S. Armed Forces may receive a higher starting rank. Earning Eagle Scout is also a positive factor for getting into military academies and receiving college ROTC scholarships.
NESA offers several scholarships directly. Other groups like the American Legion, the National Jewish Committee on Scouting, and the Sons of the American Revolution also offer scholarships for Eagle Scouts. Many colleges, businesses, and churches provide similar opportunities.
Notable Eagle Scouts
Many well-known people have earned the Eagle Scout rank. These include four Nobel Prize laureates: Dudley R. Herschbach, Peter Agre, Robert Coleman Richardson, and Frederick Reines. Twelve Eagle Scouts have been awarded the Medal of Honor, a very high military honor.
At least forty astronauts were Eagle Scouts, including Neil Armstrong and Charles Duke, who both walked on the Moon. Famous businessmen include Walmart founder Sam Walton and Marriott International CEO J. W. Marriott, Jr.. Michael Bloomberg, former Mayor of New York City, also earned the award.
Eagle Scouts who have held public office include 38th president of the United States Gerald R. Ford. Other leaders include former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Donald Rumsfeld, and former U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Former associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Stephen Breyer and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions were also Eagle Scouts.
In education, Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction-winner E. O. Wilson and former President of Ohio State University, E. Gordon Gee, were Eagle Scouts. Entertainers include Academy Award-winning director Steven Spielberg and TV host Mike Rowe.
Athletes who earned Eagle Scout include Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Bradley (who later became a U.S. senator) and MLB All-Star Shane Victorino. Religious leaders include Cardinal William H. Keeler and Howard W. Hunter, a former president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Other notable recipients include Sam Berns, who helped raise awareness about progeria, and novelist Clive Cussler.
Impact of Eagle Scout Service
The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) has found that Eagle Scout service projects have contributed over 100 million volunteer hours. Each year, new Eagle Scouts add more than three million hours of service. In 2011 alone, Eagle Scouts completed about 9.5 million hours.
January 31 is recognized by NESA as National Eagle Scout Day. This day honors Eldred's Board of Review in 1912. The date a Scout's Board of Review happens is the official date they achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
Images for kids
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A Scout taking the Eagle Scout Charge during his Court of Honor aboard the USS Oscar Austin
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