Eagle Scout
Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Since its inception in 1911, only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process.[2] The Eagle Scout rank has been earned by over 2.5 million youth.[3]
For other uses, see Eagle Scout (disambiguation).Eagle Scout
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.[4]
Impact[edit]
The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) researched the total volunteer hours of the Eagle service projects ever done and it came to a total of more than 100 million hours of service. Each year, new Eagle Scouts add more than three million more hours.[102] Eagle Scouts completed about 9.5 million hours in 2011.[103]
January 31 is officially recognized by NESA as National Eagle Scout Day in recognition of Eldred's Board of Review he sat in 1912. The important date of an Eagle Scout's Board of Review is the officially recognized date a Scout achieves the rank of Eagle Scout regardless of the date of their Eagle Court of Honor.[102]