What is an Eagle Scout?
Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is the highest advancement honor in Scouts, representing many years of dedication, skill-building, and leadership. It requires completing over 200 requirements spread over 6 rank advancements, earning a minimum of 21 merit badges, volunteer hours at each rank, serving in a peer elected leadership role, planning and leading a major service project, then sitting for a final board of review. The process generally takes several years, typically starting at 11 years old and culminating around age 17.
What does an Eagle Scout Service Project entail?
The hallmark of the Eagle rank is a project that must benefit the community, an institution of faith, or a school, but NOT Scouting USA.
- Planning and Execution: The Scout must plan, develop, and lead the project, not just perform the labor.
- Work Hours: While there is no minimum hour requirement, a "reasonable benchmark" is often considered to be around 100 hours(including planning, organizing, and execution).
- Leadership Requirement: The project must demonstrate leadership, requiring the Scout to organize volunteers, coordinate logistics, and manage safety.
- Approvals: The project must be approved by the beneficiary, the Troop Committee, and the Council before work begins.
