99-580: 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. 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
198-491: A Board of Review. Merit badges and rank may be earned by any registered Scout until their eighteenth birthday. Venturers and Sea Scouts who earned First Class as Scouts BSA members may continue to work towards Eagle Scout in their crew or ship until age eighteen. Scouts participate in a Scoutmaster conference as a requirement for each rank. For ranks other than the Scout rank, when all other requirements have been completed,
297-475: A Scout achieves the rank of Eagle Scout regardless of the date of their Eagle Court of Honor . Ranks in the Boy Scouts of America The advancement program for Scouts participating in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America is symbolized by the earning of seven ranks. The advancement program is often considered to be divided into two phases. The first phase from joining to First Class
396-516: A Scout may continue working toward the Star, Life and Eagle Scout ranks, as well as Eagle Palms, while registered as a Venturer or Sea Scout up to their 18th birthday. Scouts with a permanent mental or physical disability may use alternate requirements based on abilities, if approved by the council. Eagle Scout may be awarded posthumously, if and only if all requirements except the board of review are completed before death. A board of review may be held and
495-702: 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. Additionally they must plan, develop, and lead a service project—the Eagle Project —that demonstrates both leadership and a commitment to duty. After all requirements are met, they must complete an Eagle Scout board of review . The board of review can be completed up to 3 months after their 18th birthday as long as all other requirements are completed before their 18th birthday. Venturers and Sea Scouts who attained First Class as
594-505: A column "written" by Pedro that later evolved into a department known as "Hitchin' Rack". Scouts could write a letter addressed to Pedro, and mail it to Irving , Texas, where the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and Boys' Life magazine were headquartered. Responses would be published in the following edition of the magazine. Through his column, Pedro has given advice on camping gear, camping skills, and how to solve problems within with camping, fishing, backpacking, cooking, etc. The second cartoon
693-770: A different aspect of physical health, such as diet, exercise, and drugs. Each month the magazine also features an unusual Boy Scout trip that most Scouts do not normally do. These trips range from a Philmont Scout Ranch adventure to a white water rafting trip. In both versions, Boys' Life features a video game section, which, in addition to new video game reviews, contains cheats for a video game monthly. They also contain technology updates, as well as book reviews. Content includes Special Features, Adventure Stories, Bank Street Classics, Entertainment, Environmental Issues, History, Sports, and Codemasters. Comics have included Bible Stories, Pedro, Pee Wee Harris , Scouts in Action, Rupert
792-487: A gold Palm. The order of bronze, gold and silver follows heraldic traditions of the U.S. military. Completed Palms can be awarded at the same time the Eagle Scout badge is presented. Previously, an Eagle Scout needed to wait three months between each Palm, even if the extra merit badges were earned before becoming an Eagle. This meant that, under the old rules, a youth who became an Eagle Scout at 17 years and 10 months,
891-450: A mascot for the magazine. Pedro first appeared in 1947 according to an account in the magazine for June 1961 in which he appeared on the cover. Pedro's official function is "mailburro," and for years, he appeared at the beginning of the letters to the editor column. A short paragraph detailing Pedro's latest "adventure" was decorated with a cartoon version of the beast by cartoonist Reamer Keller. In every issue since 1989, Boys' Life included
990-446: A period of at least 25 years after earning Eagle Scout. Eagle Scouts who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced enlisted rank in recognition of their achievements. For commissioned officer programs, attainment of Eagle Scout is considered a positive factor in determining service academy appointments and award of college ROTC scholarships. NESA directly administers several Eagle Scout scholarships . The American Legion ,
1089-485: A program to include girls in the Boy Scout program beginning in 2019. With the introduction of Scouts BSA and the acceptance of girls, the age limit for Eagle Scout was extended. In February 2019, the first girls joined the renamed Scouts BSA program. New youth members, girls or boys, 16 years of age or older, but not yet 18 who joined between February 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019, could request an extension to complete
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#17327823473931188-457: A red, white and blue ribbon bar. In 1940, a small eagle pin was added to the bar. Ribbon bars were replaced by embroidered square knot patches in 1947. Over the years, the knot was produced with various background colors to match the different uniforms. Although the Venturing and Sea Scout programs use different uniform shirts, the current knot is available only with a tan background that matches
1287-616: A scarf using the Pedro logo. In the 1990s, Pedro started to appear on T-shirts, sweaters, hats, insignias, etc. Pedro became involved with the Merit Badge Series (the Boy Scouts' award system), showing techniques and tips on how to earn particular badges. This led to "Merit Badge Minute", a new column established in 2010, giving tips for three badges each month. In the January-February 2022 issue, Pedro retired. The comic
1386-588: A scroll inscribed with the Scout Motto, BE PREPARED, with the ends turned up and a knotted rope hanging from the bottom. The knot reminds each Scout to remember the Scout slogan, Do a Good Turn Daily, and the upturned ends of the scroll symbolize cheerfulness in service. The First Class badge combines the elements of the Tenderfoot and Second Class badges. For many years, the First Class badge was used as
1485-486: A series of medals and patches as emblems. The badge for the Scout rank consists of a simple fleur-de-lis , which symbolizes a compass needle. The needle points the Scout in the right direction, which is onward and upward. The Tenderfoot badge takes the fleur-de-lis of the Scout badge and adds two stars and an eagle with an American shield. The stars symbolize truth and knowledge; the eagle and shield symbolize freedom and readiness to defend it. The Second Class badge features
1584-447: A super merit badge to a rank. As a result, the first requirements for tenure were created and Scouts were required to be an active First Class Scout for one year. The initial requirements for what became the service project appeared with a requirement to show satisfactory service and the number of required merit badges increased to 12. In 1936, the ranks of Star and Life became mandatory, and the number of required merit badges rose to 13. It
1683-402: A total of 11, including the six previously earned. Finally, the Scout must pass a Scoutmaster conference, and board of review. Life was originally lower than Star, and originally required earning five specific merit badges concerned with health and fitness (First Aid, Lifesaving, Public Health, Personal Health and Athletics). The ranks were switched in the 1920s, following a decision to recognize
1782-404: A total of more than 100 million hours of service. Each year, new Eagle Scouts add more than three million more hours. Eagle Scouts completed about 9.5 million hours in 2011. 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
1881-401: Is a role model for younger scouts. Life is the second-highest rank attainable, above Star and below Eagle . Life is awarded when the Scout serves actively in the troop, team or crew, serves in a position of responsibility for six months, and performs six hours of community service . A Scout must also earn five merit badges (at least three of which must be required for the rank of Eagle) for
1980-411: Is designed to develop leadership skills and allow the Scout to explore potential vocations and avocations through the merit badge program. The Star and Life ranks require that the scout serve in a position of responsibility and perform community service . Except for Scout rank (and Eagle Palms as of August 1, 2017), all ranks require that the candidate participate in a Scoutmaster conference and pass
2079-507: Is designed to teach the scout Scoutcraft skills, how to participate in a group and to learn self-reliance. The Scout badge is awarded when the Scout demonstrates a rudimentary knowledge of the Scouting ideals and program. Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class have progressively harder requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit . The second phase: Star, Life, and Eagle ,
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#17327823473932178-510: Is published in two demographic editions. Both editions often had the same cover , but are tuned to the target audience through the inclusion of 16–20 pages of unique content per edition. The first edition is suitable for the youngest members of Cub Scouting , the 6-to-10-year-old Cub Scouts, and first-year Webelos Scouts. The second edition is appropriate for 11-to-18-year-old boys and girls, which includes second-year Webelos through 18-year-old Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts and Venturers . If
2277-473: Is the opportunity for a Scout to demonstrate leadership of others while performing a project for the benefit of any religious institution, any school, or their community. The project is not allowed to benefit the Boy Scouts of America or its councils, districts, units, camps and so forth. It also cannot be of a commercial nature or be solely a fund-raising project. There is no official requirement for duration of projects. Eagle Scout requirements have evolved since
2376-478: Is the rank above First Class and below Life Scout. It is the third-highest rank. Star is awarded when the Scout serves actively in the troop, team or crew in a position of responsibility for at least 4 months; performs at least six hours of community service ; and earns six merit badges (four of which must be among the 13 required for Eagle Scout rank). Initially, the Life badge was awarded for five merit badges and
2475-438: Is the rank above Tenderfoot and below First Class. A Scout can work on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks at the same time, but must be earned in sequence. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit . First Class is the rank above Second Class and below Star Scout. A Scout can work on
2574-449: Is the second rank a Scout can earn. A Scout can work on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks at the same time, but each rank must be earned in sequence. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft , physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth, and Scout Spirit . The badge is similar to that of the Scout rank with it adding an eagle and two stars. Second Class
2673-686: Is the subject of a comic strip. In 2018, the BSA announced a pending title change to reflect the addition of girls to Scouts BSA, the renamed program that now accepts scouts of both sexes. The title was changed to Scout Life beginning with the January 2021 issue. In 1911, George S. Barton, of Somerville, Massachusetts , founded and published the first edition of Boys' Life magazine. It was edited by 18-year old Joe Lane of Providence, Rhode Island . He called it Boys' and Boy Scouts' Magazine . At that time there were three major competing Scouting organizations:
2772-487: The American Boy Scouts , New England Boy Scouts , and Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Five thousand copies were printed of the first issue of Barton's Boys' Life , published on January 1, 1911. The more widely accepted first edition is the version published on March 1, 1911. With this issue, the magazine was expanded from eight to 48 pages, the page size was reduced, and a two-color cover was added. In 1912,
2871-519: The Medal of Honor : Eugene B. Fluckey , Aquilla J. Dyess , Robert Edward Femoyer , Walter Joseph Marm, Jr. , Mitchell Paige , Thomas R. Norris , Arlo L. Olson , Ben L. Salomon , Leo K. Thorsness , Jay Zeamer Jr. , and Britt K. Slabinski . At least forty astronauts earned the rank as a youth, including Neil Armstrong and Charles Duke , both of whom walked on the Moon. Businessmen who have earned
2970-495: The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA), which serves as a fraternal and communications board for all Eagle Scouts. The NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award recognizes Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated outstanding achievement at the local, state, or regional level. The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award is given only to Eagle Scouts for distinguished service in their profession and the community for
3069-485: The U.S. Supreme Court Stephen Breyer and 84th U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions . In academia, Eagle Scouts are represented by Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction -winner E.O. Wilson , E. Gordon Gee , former President of Ohio State University , and Kim B. Clark , former Dean of the Harvard Business School , and former president of Brigham Young University–Idaho . Entertainers who earned
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3168-421: The dies . T. H. Foley made the first medals from 1912 until they went out of business in 1915. The eagle pendant and scroll were of die struck bronze washed with silver . Early versions were made with a short double knot and later ones with a long double knot. Only 338 of these medals were issued, making them the rarest version. Some Foleys were issued with a drop ribbon: the ribbon was extended, folded through
3267-460: The 1972 version. In 1975 the badge design partially reverted to the 1956 version. 1985 saw a reversion to the 1956 issue with some minor differences. The border and the eagle were done in silver metalized thread and the Be Prepared text was in blue. In 1986 the metalized eagle changed back to standard thread due to problems with wearing and the scroll and text were enlarged. The metalized border
3366-729: The BSA's highest rank include documentary filmmaker and Academy Award -winner Michael Moore , Academy Award -winning director Steven Spielberg , and Mike Rowe , host of Dirty Jobs . Athletes who have earned Eagle Scout include Basketball Hall of Famer (later U.S. Senator ) Bill Bradley , NBA All-Star Mark Eaton , MLB All-Star Shane Victorino , Daytona 500 winner William Byron , pitcher Jon Moscot , running back David Montgomery , Notre Dame and San Diego Chargers linebacker Manti Te'o , and Philadelphia Eagles guard Landon Dickerson . Religious leaders who have earned Eagle Scout include Cardinal Archbishop Emeritus of Baltimore William H. Keeler , and Howard W. Hunter , 14th president of
3465-481: The BSA's policies. The advocacy group Scouting for All claimed to have received as many as one thousand letters from Eagle Scouts who had done so; the BSA later stated that fewer than one hundred Eagle Scout badges had been received. In 2012, the BSA reaffirmed its policies on the exclusion of homosexuals; again a number of Eagle Scouts returned their badges in protest. In May 2013, the National Council of
3564-406: The Boy Scouts of America purchased the magazine, and made it an official BSA magazine. BSA paid $ 6,000, $ 1 per subscriber, for the magazine. Often, the version of Boys' Life geared towards older boys features buying guides for products, such as cars, MP3 players, digital cameras, sunglasses, and more. Boys' Life had in 2005 a monthly feature called "BL's Get Fit Guide". Each month highlighted
3663-526: The Boy Scouts of America voted to lift the ban on openly gay youth beginning on January 1, 2014, with the ban on openly gay adult leaders remaining in effect. On June 27, 2015, the ban on gay leaders was also lifted. In response, two Eagle Scouts returned their badges in protest of the change to the BSA's policy accepting gay Scouts. Four Nobel Prize laureates are known to be Eagle Scouts: Dudley R. Herschbach , Peter Agre , Robert Coleman Richardson , and Frederick Reines . Eleven Eagle Scouts have been awarded
3762-530: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . Other notable recipients include Sam Berns , an American teen who had progeria and helped raise awareness about the disease, the novelist and adventurer Clive Cussler , and Ross Ulbricht , the creator of the darknet Silk Road . The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) researched the total volunteer hours of the Eagle service projects ever done and it came to
3861-581: The Eagle Scout Award requirements after they turn 18 years of age. In 2020, the first female Eagle Scouts were added to the Boy Scouts of America. On February 8, 2021, nearly 1,000 female Scouts became members of the Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts. Members of the Inaugural Class were commemorated in a special edition of Scout Life magazine; the publication formerly known as Boys' Life . The rank of Eagle Scout may be earned by
3960-608: The Eagle Scout medal had not been finalized by the National Council, so the medal was not awarded until Labor Day, September 2, 1912. Eldred was the first of three generations of Eagle Scouts; his son and grandson hold the rank as well. In the 1960s, the Kansas City area awarded more Eagle Scout badges than any other council in the country, resulting in the creation of the Eagle Scout Memorial there in 1968. In 1982, 13-year-old Alexander Holsinger of Normal, Illinois ,
4059-402: The Eagle Scout medal has undergone several design changes. Changes to the scroll and to the eagle pendant were not always introduced at the same time, therefore types may be somewhat mixed. Scouting historians classify these medals by the five different manufacturers and then by 17 sub-types, with several minor variations. Many variations were caused by quality control issues, mainly due to wear of
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4158-414: The Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million young men and women. Requirements include earning a minimum total of 21 merit badges , including all required badges that were not previously earned, and demonstration of Scout Spirit , service and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. The seven ranks are fully applicable to
4257-497: The Eagle board. There must be at least one district or council Eagle representative. Scouts must attain the requirements for this rank prior to their 18th birthday, though the board of review itself can be done after the 18th birthday. [REDACTED] Scout Tenderfoot Second First Star Life Eagle The program uses
4356-476: The First Aid merit badge was required for First Class rank. After 1990, this was replaced with a series of requirements to demonstrate awareness of advanced first aid techniques, including CPR . A sixth merit badge was added to the requirement for Star rank at that time to maintain its overall requirement of 21 merit badges, and First Aid is still one of the merit badges that is mandatory for Eagle Scout. Star
4455-542: The Invincible, Rocky Stoneaxe, Space Conquerors (1955 to 1975); The Tracy Twins (created by Dik Browne ), Dink & Duff, Tiger Cubs, Webelos Woody, Norby , and John Christopher 's The Tripods trilogy. Boys' Life contracted with the Johnstone and Cushing art agency to produce much of its early cartooning content. Feature columns include Electronics, Entertainment, Fast Facts, History, Hitchin' Rack With Pedro
4554-474: The Mailburro, Think and Grin (jokes page), Science, Scouting Around, and Sports. Two columns, Hobby Hows and Collecting, featured Scouts' own personal hobby tips and collections; Scouts were invited to submit stories for these columns and received $ 10 if they were chosen for publication. There was also a Scouts in Action stories of scouts who helped saved persons lives. Pedro is a fictional burro created as
4653-519: The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) introduced a knot recognizing those Eagle Scouts who are life members of NESA; it uses the standard knot emblem with a silver border. From 1912 to 1943 the BSA issued an index-sized card with information about the Eagle Scout. Wallet-size cards were introduced in 1944 and switched to a plastic credit card style in 1991. Certificates suitable for framing were first issued in 1944. As
4752-678: The National Jewish Committee on Scouting, and the Sons of the American Revolution offer scholarships directed toward Eagle Scouts. Many colleges and universities, local businesses, churches and other organizations offer similar scholarships. After the BSA v. Dale decision in 2000 affirmed the BSA's right to exclude homosexuals, a small number of Eagle Scouts returned their badges to the National Council in protest of
4851-483: 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
4950-463: The Scout appears before a board of review as the final requirement. The awards are generally given at a Court of Honor . The Scoutmaster conference is a meeting between the Scoutmaster and the Scout and is a requirement for each rank. The Scoutmaster reviews the Scout's progress and ensures all requirements have been met. The Scout is expected to show how they have grown in their understanding of
5049-543: The Scout is to have a minimum score of 1290 on the SAT Reasoning Test or 28 on the ACT . Scholarships vary in the amount awarded. The list of Eagle Scouts is extensive. In addition, the accomplishment is considered to be notable as Adult Scouters who earned Eagle Scout as a youth are entitled to wear a square knot emblem with a red, white, and blue striped square knot above the left shirt pocket. Eagle Scouts may join
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#17327823473935148-429: The Scout's attitude and their acceptance of Scouting's ideals and their application. The board also solicits the Scout's opinions on the troop program and on youth and adult leadership. The Eagle Scout board of review is convened by the council or district. Members are selected by council policy and may include troop committee members, district or council Eagle representatives or community members with an understanding of
5247-555: The Scouting ideals, including the Scout Oath and the Scout Law , and how they have applied those ideals. The Scoutmaster will also discuss the next steps in advancement and encourages the Scout to advance. The board of review is a group of three to six members of the troop committee and is the final approval process for Scout rank advancement. The board reviews the Scout to ensure all requirements are met and attempts to determine
5346-532: The Scouts BSA program, and most earning of these ranks occurs within that program. They are also offered to a more limited extent in other older scout programs. Boys%27 Life Scout Life (formerly Boys' Life ) is the monthly magazine of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Its target readers are children between the ages of 6 and 18. The magazine‘s headquarters are in Irving, Texas . Scout Life
5445-502: The Scouts BSA uniform. When the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA) was created in 1969, a gold-colored eagle device was introduced for wear on the Eagle Scout square knot. The Eagle Scout Mentor pin was introduced in early 2004 in a gold-colored version. In early 2006 it was changed to a silver-colored antique finish to match the mother and father pins but in 2007 was changed back to gold-colored. In 2008,
5544-422: The Star badge was awarded for ten. The order was reversed in the 1920s when it was decided that the five-pointed star of Star Scout better represented the five merit badges required for first rank above First Class. That symbolism disappeared when the number of merit badges required for Star was increased to six in 1972. A Star Scout is a responsible scout, a scout who not only follows the Scout Oath and Law, but also
5643-475: The World, Communication, Cooking, First Aid, Family Life, Personal Fitness, and Personal Management. In addition, Scouts must choose one each from the following to round out their required merit badges: Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving; Environmental Science OR Sustainability; and, Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling. The Scout must earn seven additional elective merit badges beyond the required 14 to become eligible for
5742-555: The award include Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton , Marriott International CEO J. W. Marriott, Jr. , and Michael Bloomberg , Mayor of New York City and founder of Bloomberg L.P. Eagle Scouts who have held public office include 38th President of the United States Gerald R. Ford , 22nd U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates , 13th and 21st U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld , 69th U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson , former Associate Justice of
5841-508: The award presented to the Scout's family. The Spirit of the Eagle Award is an honorary posthumous special recognition for any registered youth member who has died in an accident or through illness. The Line of Duty Fallen Eagle Recognition is a recognition for Eagle Scouts who have died in the line of duty in professions such as the military, law enforcement or emergency services. The Eagle Scout Service Project, or simply "Eagle Project,"
5940-465: The award was conceived. A requirement to earn 11 specific merit badges was added in 1914, which underwent minor changes in 1915. The Life–Star order was reversed in 1924, apparently because the five-pointed star of the Star Scout insignia could be associated with the five merit badges required to earn the rank immediately following First Class Scout. In 1927, Eagle Scout began the transition from being
6039-454: The award. If a Scout has earned more than one merit badges where there are alternates, the extras will be counted toward the 21 merit badge requirement total. Palms represent additional advancement for a youth who has stayed active in the unit after achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. A Palm is awarded when the Scout has demonstrated Scout Spirit, leadership and ability; has earned five additional merit badges beyond those required for Eagle or for
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#17327823473936138-438: The badge design is encircled by brown lettering that says "2010 (Rank) Scout", and "Boy Scouts of America". For the Eagle badge, which already had the design surrounded by white lettering ("Eagle Scout"/"Boy Scouts of America") the only change is the addition of "2010" before "Eagle". These badges could be earned during 2010 only. For the Eagle Scout's centennial year of 2012, on the Eagle Scout badge only, it states Centennial on
6237-515: The badge onto the sash. Initially produced on tan cloth, it was later switched to olive for the Scouts BSA uniform and white and blue to match the various Sea Scout uniforms. In 1933, BSA was removed from all of the Eagle Scout insignia, including the badge. The text Eagle Scout and Boy Scouts of America was added to the border, and Be Prepared was added to the scroll. These badges were embroidered with silk thread, switching to cotton in 1940. The production of badges and emblems changed in 1956 to
6336-536: The badge or square knot. The Eagle Scout Award Kit currently includes the Eagle Scout medal, the Eagle Scout badge, a mother's pin, a father's pin and an Eagle Mentor pin. A variety of caps, belt buckles, pins, tie tacks , neckerchiefs and slides, bolo ties, rings, jackets, T-shirts and other items are also available for purchase. Official Eagle Scout insignia is controlled by BSA Supply and requires verification by presentation of an Eagle Scout card or other means before it can be purchased. Since its introduction in 1912,
6435-457: The bar mount on the scroll, then dropped behind the eagle pendant and cut in a swallowtail. The first drop ribbon style medal was issued to the fourth Eagle Scout, Sidney Clapp, a 31-year-old Scoutmaster from West Shokan, New York. Dieges & Clust took over production from 1916 to 1920, basing the design on the Foley. These medals also have the distinguishing extra-long double knot hanging from
6534-478: The beginning. The current design for the Eagle Scout badge was adopted in 1985, with minor modifications in 1986 and 1989. The Eagle Scout medal is of the same basic design as in 1915, with only occasional slight modifications due to changes in manufacturer over time, most recently in 1999. The current design of the other rank badges were finalized in 1990. For the BSA's centennial year of 2010, special rank badges were available. For each badge from Scout through Life,
6633-441: The first bronze, gold, and silver recognitions, Palms are worn in the combination that requires the smallest number of devices to reflect the total number of Palms earned. One gold Palm is equal to two bronze Palms, one silver Palm is equal to three bronze Palms, and one bronze Palm continues to be equal to five merit badges. For instance, a Scout who has earned eight Palms (forty additional merit badges) would wear two silver Palms and
6732-503: The first requirements for service and leadership. In 1965, the requirements for the service project and specific troop leadership were defined, and the number of required merit badges returned to 11. The Eagle Scout candidate was required to plan, develop, and carry out a leadership service project. Minor changes were made to the required merit badge list in 1970. In 1972, the Improved Scouting Program increased to 24
6831-417: The five-pointed star as a symbol of the five badges needed to earn that rank. The Life heart came to symbolize achievement in health and fitness, as the First Aid merit badge was required for both Life and Eagle until 1972, when it became required for all ranks above First Class. Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Scouts BSA division of the Boy Scouts of America. Since its introduction in 1911,
6930-608: The honorary president of the BSA, the signature of the President of the United States appears on all certificates. Replacement of a card or certificate can be made by application through the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA). Eagle Scouts are expected to set an example for other Scouts and to become the leaders in life that they have demonstrated themselves to be in Scouting . They are disproportionately represented in
7029-481: The last Palm; and has taken part in a conference with their unit leader. The insignia is a small metallic palm frond pin or device that is worn on the ribbon of the Eagle Scout medal, on the Eagle Scout square knot or on the Eagle Scout badge. The Palms are awarded in three colors: bronze , representing five merit badges; gold , representing ten merit badges; and silver , representing fifteen merit badges. For each Palm awarded for five additional merit badges beyond
7128-403: The last Stange version but with the ribbon attached through the clutch pins instead of a bar (this led to damage of the ribbon). A small number of sterling silver versions were made, marked with 925 . In later 1999, the dies were laser engraved, giving a much sharper look and the ribbon mount was improved to eliminate wear. The knot went from wire to a molded version in 2001. In the fall of 2006,
7227-625: The military, service academy graduates, in higher education and academia, major professions, the clergy, business and politics. Eagles are more likely to exercise for 30 minutes or more every day, volunteer for religious and nonreligious organizations, have closer relationships with family and friends, be in a leadership position at their place of employment or local community, donate money to charitable groups, and to work with others to improve their neighborhoods. Academic scholarships can be awarded to Eagle Scouts based upon academic, financial need and Scouting participation. The application requirement for
7326-461: The mini-medal after service uniforming committees all contacted the BSA and asked them to stop promoting the medal for wear on military dress uniforms. The Eagle Scout medal is not authorized for wear on any U.S. military uniform. Since its introduction, the Eagle Scout badge has undergone several design changes. Scouting historians have classified these badges into nine different designs, with several minor variations within each type. The cloth badge
7425-464: The national supply division of the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) began to issue replica Eagle Scout medals for specific wear on U.S. military dress uniforms. These medals were designed to be proportionate to other military medals: they contained the same pendant, but no scroll, and a ribbon that had been made thinner and more rectangular in shape. However, in December 2007, NESA stopped selling
7524-479: The new NESA logo. In 1978, Robbins ceased manufacturing Eagle Scout medals and Stange switched to the last design used by Robbins. Minor differences are in the white edged ribbon and the sterling silver markings. In 1980 the price of silver rose dramatically and the medal was changed to silver-plated, die-struck copper. Very early versions were silver-plated and oxidized, thus the scroll and pendant are black. Later versions were oxidized, buffed and lacquered to maintain
7623-458: The number of Scouts achieving First Class within one year of joining is still one of the key measures of unit effectiveness. Studies purportedly have shown that if a Scout achieves First Class within a year of joining, they typically stay in the Scout program for at least three years. Scouts who do so are purportedly more likely to retain Scout values as an adult and achieve the BSA primary mission of "producing useful citizens". From 1972 to 1990,
7722-404: The number of merit badges needed to obtain Eagle, while reducing the list of required merit badges to ten, eliminating badges that required swimming and outdoor skills—both of which were later reinstated, and adding the requirement to show leadership during the service project. In 1978, the number of merit badges needed for Eagle was lowered to the original 21, and the number of required merit badges
7821-449: The official emblem of the BSA. Star has a First Class symbol on a five-pointed yellow star, and initially indicated the five merit badges required to earn the rank. Life has a First Class emblem on a red heart, and initially symbolized the first-aid and health-related merit badges that the rank required. Now it signifies that the ideals of Scouting have become a part of the Scout's life and character. The rank insignia have been around since
7920-424: The pendant. The engraving on the 1930 version is especially fine. In 1933, BSA was removed from all of the Eagle Scout insignia, including the medal. In 1955 the obverse of the eagle pendant was made flat so it could be engraved. BSA was added back to the front and the reverse was returned to a full feathered design in 1969. Medal manufacturer Stange was authorized to begin producing Eagle Scout medals in 1968, at
8019-521: The rank of Eagle Scout also become eligible, although are not required, to join the National Eagle Scout Association . The Scouts BSA's highest award was originally conceived as the Wolf Scout , described in the June 1911 Official Handbook for Boys . The August 1911 version of the handbook changed this to Eagle Scout . The medal illustrated in the handbook was a profile of an eagle in flight, but
8118-413: The requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks at the same time, but must earn them in sequence. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit. At this point, Scouts shift focus from learning physical Scouting method to start developing leadership skills. Originally, First Class
8217-428: The rolled edge now in current use, thus eliminating the various colored backgrounds. The outside oval was then changed to red. With the introduction of the Improved Scouting Program in 1972 came an overhaul of many badges and emblems. The new stylized Eagle Scout badge with no text was a major change that proved to be unpopular. It appears that some Scouters commissioned reproductions of the 1956 badge for issue in place of
8316-461: The same time as Robbins – they created six distinct models. The 1968 version is very similar to the Robbins version, but the bend in the scroll is much flatter, more like a sideways V as compared to the S on the Robbins scroll. The BSA was added back to the front, and the obverse was returned to a full feathered design in 1970. A major re-design of the eagle pendant was made in 1974 to match
8415-525: The scroll. There were 1,640 of this variety awarded, all made of sterling silver . In 1920, the Robbins Company took over production. They produced six distinct variants, all in sterling silver. The first 1920 version was similar to the Dieges & Clust design, but with smaller scroll lettering and the standard single knot. The second 1920 version has more distinctive feathering on the back side of
8514-478: The silver shine. Sterling silver medals were produced from the same dies and from this time were only available on special order. The year 1993 saw a number of changes. The clasp on the scroll was changed from the pin on type to a double clutch back. The pendant was changed to pewter and enlarged due to the lighter rigidity of the material. Custom Fine Jewelry (CFJ) took over the contract in 1999 and has currently created three types. The initial versions were based on
8613-585: The subscription was obtained through registration in the Boy Scouts of America program, the publisher selects the appropriate edition based on the scout's age. In June 2007, Boys' Life garnered four Distinguished Achievement Awards conferred by the Association of Educational Publishers (AEP), including Periodical of the Year. The magazine's mascot is Scout the Maileagle, who answers readers' letters and
8712-444: The writing around the badge. Scout was previously a joining badge, but is now considered the first rank, and is earned by completing certain requirements. As of September 2023, the Scout badge has a gold fleur-de-lis on a tan background. The badge is awarded when the youth demonstrates a rudimentary knowledge of Scouting skills and ideals such as tying a square knot and knowing the Scout oath, law, motto, and slogan. Tenderfoot
8811-432: Was at this time that Eagle Scout became a full-fledged rank. In 1952, age limits were set so that adults over 18 years of age could no longer earn Eagle Scout and the service project requirement was slightly expanded to "do your best to help in your home, school, church or synagogue, and community." In 1958, the number of required merit badges increased again to 16 of the 21 total merit badges needed to obtain Eagle, along with
8910-480: 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 just arrived in the United States earlier in the day of January 31, 1912. Eldred was notified that he was to be awarded the rank of Eagle Scout in a letter from Chief Scout Executive James West , dated August 21, 1912. The design of
9009-447: Was called "The Pedro Patrol". In this comic, Pedro and a group of Boy Scouts taught the readers scouting skills. The comic was discontinued and replaced with "The Wacky Adventures of Pedro." This is a comics section in the magazine, drawn lately by Tom Eagan, then drawn by Tom Eaton, and starting in January 2016, Stephen Gilpin. He also regularly appears in videos and games on the magazine's website. In 1970, Boys' Life Merchandise created
9108-636: Was changed to standard thread in 1989. Later variants increased the thread count of the white stripe to eliminate the visible background. For the 2010 centennial , all of the rank badges had 2010 added to the text. To recognize the Eagle Scout centennial in 2012, a new version was released with Eagle Scout and Centennial in silver and with 1912 and 2012 in gold. Eagle Scout hat pins were produced from 1921 through 1958 with several variations. Eagle Scouts who earned additional merit badges were recognized using Eagle Palms, introduced in 1927. Adults who had earned Eagle Scout began to be recognized in 1934 with
9207-403: Was changed to the current design before any were issued. In their original conceptions, Life Scout , Star Scout (Life preceded Star until 1924) 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. The first Eagle Scout medal
9306-491: Was introduced for Eagle Scouts attending the 2nd World Scout Jamboree in Denmark in 1924 with a design based on the hat pin. The Eagle Scout merit badge was sewn onto the top of the merit badge sash that was also created for the jamboree. The design is quite similar to the current badge. As with other patches of the time, the rank badges were embroidered onto rolls of fabric and then cut. The edges were folded under before sewing
9405-524: Was recognized as the one-millionth Eagle Scout, and Anthony Thomas of Lakeville, Minnesota , was the two-millionth in 2009. Hamilton Bradley of Rome, New York , is the earliest known Black Eagle Scout in BSA history. His Eagle Scout court of honor was held at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 19, 1919, at the Rome Free Academy , according to Rome Daily Sentinel records from the time. On October 11, 2017, Boy Scouts of America announced they would begin
9504-607: Was set at 11 (this was changed to 12 in 1993 with the addition of Family Life). In 2014 the number of Eagle-required merit badges was increased to 13 with the re-addition of Cooking; in 2022, it was increased to 14 with the addition of Citizenship in Society. Scouts must earn the following 11 merit badges as there are no alternates: Camping, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in Society, Citizenship in
9603-769: Was subsequently titled "The Wacky Adventures of Steve" in the March 2022 issue and then renamed to "The Wacky Adventures @ Scout Life" in the April 2022 issue. In late 2022, Pedro was replaced by Scout the Maileagle, who also took over Hitchin' Rack. Writers contributing over the years include Isaac Asimov , Bertrand R. Brinley , Catherine Drinker Bowen , Ray Bradbury , Van Wyck Brooks , Arthur C. Clarke , J. Allan Dunn , Bobby Fischer , Alex Haley , Robert A. Heinlein , William Hillcourt , John Knowles , Arthur B. Reeve , Ernest Thompson Seton , Zane Grey , and Isaac Bashevis Singer . Artists and photographers who have contributed over
9702-420: Was the all around Scout and the final and highest rank. Later ranks were originally recognitions of earning merit badges beyond First Class, and not properly ranks. Now these additional ranks form a second tier where Scouts can further develop leadership skills and explore potential vocations and avocations through the merit badge program. Although Eagle is the highest rank and one all Scouts should strive for,
9801-419: Was unable to earn a single Eagle Palm. The Eagle Scout badge is worn on the left shirt pocket by youth. Adult leaders who earned the rank of Eagle Scout as a youth may wear the square knot on their uniform above the left shirt pocket. The Eagle Scout medal is worn on the left shirt pocket flap of the uniform . It is usually only worn on ceremonial occasions, and can be worn by both youth and adults while wearing
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