Eagle Scout
| Eagle Scout | ||
|---|---|---|
| Medal | Badge (Youth) |
Square Knot (Adult) |
| Eagle Scout Palms | ||
| Bronze | Gold | Silver |
Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable by a Scout in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and is used as a title of a Scout who has achieved this honor. From its introduction in 1911, the rank of Eagle Scout has been earned by more than one million Scouts, many of whom have gone on to lives of great distinction.
Eagle Scout is considered to be a significant lifetime achievement— it is the only Boy Scout rank that may be worn on an adult Scouter's uniform— thus the phrase "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle".[1] About four percent of Scouts attain the rank, and many have become notable for accomplishments in their later life and career.[2] 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 the military, service academy graduates, the major professions, business, and politics. [3]
History
In 1911, Scouting's highest award was conceived of as the Wolf Award, but was quickly changed to Eagle Scout. The medal shown in the Official Handbook for Boys (1911) was a profile of an eagle in flight, but was changed to the current design before any were issued. As originally conceived, Life Scout, Star Scout and Eagle Scout were not ranks, but part of the merit badge system that recognized Scouts who earned a number of merit badges. Eagle Scout was awarded to any First Class Scout who had earned 21 merit badges.[4] Eight of the first nine Eagle Scouts did not earn Life Scout or Star Scout.[5]
The first Eagle Scout medal was awarded in 1912 to Arthur Rose Eldred, a 17 year-old member of Troop 1, Oceanside, Long Island, New York. In a letter from Chief Scout Executive James West, dated August 21, 1912, Eldred was notified that he was to be awarded Eagle Scout. The design of 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 are also Eagle Scouts.[6] [7] Since then more than one and a half million Boy Scouts have earned the rank. In 1982, 13 year-old Alexander Holsinger, of Normal, Illinois, was recognized as the one millionth Eagle Scout. 49,328 Scouts attained the Eagle Scout rank in 2002, more than in any other year.[8]
Eagle Scout requirements have evolved over the years. A requirement to earn 11specific merit badges was added in 1914, with some changes in 1915.[9] The Life–Star order was reversed in 1924, apparently because the 5-pointed star of the Star Scout insignia could be associated with the 5 merit badges required to earn the first rank after First Class Scout.[5] In 1927 the transition from Eagle Scout being a super merit badge to a rank began with the first requirements for tenure: the Scout had to be an active First Class Scout for one year. The number of required merit badges increased to 12. The ranks of Star and Life became mandatory in 1936 along with an increase of required merit badges to 13– this is when Eagle Scout became a full-fledged rank. In 1952, age limits were set so that adults could no longer earn Eagle. 1958 saw another increase in the number of required merit badges to 16 of the 21 needed to obtain Eagle, along with 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 eturned to 11. 1970 saw a minor change in the required merit badge list. The Improved Scouting Program in 1972 increased the number of merit badges needed to obtain Eagle to 24 while reducing the required merit badges to 10 and eliminated badges that required swimming and outdoor skills. Until 1972, Explorers who were also registered as an assistant Scoutmaster in a troop could work on Eagle until age 21.[10] In 1978 the total needed for Eagle was dropped back to the original 21 with a change of required merit badges to 11 and eventually to the current 12 in 1999.[5]
Eagle Scout hat pins have been produced since 1921 with several variations.[11]The cloth badge was introduced in 1924 for the Eagle Scouts attending the World Jamboree in Denmark. Since Eagle Scout was part of the merit badge system, the badge was worn at the top of the merit badge sash. Eagle Scouts who earned more merit badges were recognized by the Eagle Palms introduced in 1927. Adults who had earned Eagle Scout began to be recognized in 1934 with a red, white and blue ribbon bar. In 1940, an eagle device was added to the bar. Ribbon bars were replaced by embroidered square knot patches in 1947.[12] Over the years, the knot was produced with various background colors to match the different uniforms.[13] When the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award was created in 1969, a gold 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-plated version, and was changed in early 2006 to pewter to match the mother and father pins.
Eagle Scout requirements
The rank is awarded when the Scout:[14]
- Has six months active tenure as a Life Scout.
- Demonstrates Scout Spirit
- Earns 21 merit badges, including 12 from the required list
- Serves for six months as a leader in the troop, team or crew.
- Plans, develops, and gives leadership to a service project (generally known as Eagle Project). This is a major point of the award and the requirement best known by the general public when Eagle Scout is mentioned: it demonstrates both leadership and a commitment to duty.
- Takes part in a Scoutmaster conference before his eighteenth birthday.
- Completes an Eagle Scout Board of Review.
Scouts with a permanent mental or physical disability may use alternate requirements, based on the Scout's abilities, and approved by the council.
Eagle Scout may be awarded posthumously, if and only if all requirements are completed before death. A board of review may be held and the award presented to the Scout's family. Such Scouts may also be considered for the Spirit of the Eagle Award.
Venturers who have attained First Class as a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout in a troop or team may continue working for the Star, Life, and Eagle Scout ranks and Eagle Palms while registered as an Venturer up to their 18th birthday.
Eagle Palms
Eagle Palms but are not themselves a rank, but are awarded as an additional recognition to an Eagle Scout for earning more merit badges and completing tenure and leadership requirements.[15] Palms are awarded in the order of bronze, gold, and silver, repeating for additional palms.
Insignia and apparel
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 the badge or square knot. The Eagle Scout badge is worn on the left shirt pocket by youth.[16] 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. [1]
The Eagle Presentation 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, pin, neckerchiefs and slides, bolo ties, rings, jackets, t-shirts and other items are also available for purchase.[17]
Other opportunities
Eagle Scouts can join the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA), an organization that serves as a fellowship and communications board for all Eagle Scouts. The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA) is a special award, given only to Eagle Scouts, for distinguished service in their profession and the community for a period of at least 25 years after earning the Eagle Scout rank. Only about 1 in 1000 of all Eagle Scouts have been honored with this prestigious award.
Eagle Scouts who enlist in the US military may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.[18][19]
Scholarships
NESA directly administers several Eagle Scout scholarships:[20]
- Hall/McElwain Merit Scholarship
- Mabel and Lawrence S. Cooke Eagle Scout Scholarship
- National Elks Foundation Scholarship
- NESA Scholarship
Other organizations that offer scholarships for Eagle Scouts:
- American Legion: Eagle Scout of the Year[21]
- National Jewish Committee on Scouting: Eagle Scout Scholarship Programs[22]
- Sons of the American Revolution: Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship[23]
Many colleges and universities, local businesses, churches and other organizations may offer scholarships directed towards Eagle Scouts.
History of the Eagle Scout medal
| 1912-1915 | 1916-1920 | 1920 | 1920-1930 | 1930-1933 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1933-1954 | 1955-1969 | 1969-1978 | 1968-1970 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970-1974 | 1974-1978 | 1978-1980 | 1980-1993 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993-1999 | 1999 | 1999-2001 | 2001-present |
|---|---|---|---|
From its introduction in 1912, the Eagle Scout medal has undergone several design changes. Scouting historians classify them by five different manufacturers and then by 17 sub types, with several minor variations within each sub type[24]
- 1912—1915, T. H. Foley, The T. H. Foley company produced the first Eagle Scout medals until they went out of business in 1915. This is the earliest and rarest Eagle Scout medal and is made of bronze washed in silver. Only 338 of these medals were awarded, of which there are several minor variations.
- 1916—1920, Dieges & Clust, The Dieges & Clust company produced the Eagle Scout medals during this time. The most distinguishing feature is the extra long double knot hanging from the scroll. There were 1,640 of this variety awarded, all made of sterling silver.
- 1920, Robbins Type 0, The Robbins company made Eagle Scout medals from 1920-1978, all in sterling silver. There are six major Robbins' types, with many variations therein. This 1920 is very similar to the Dieges & Clust design, with the major differences being in a smaller scroll lettering and the standard single knot.
- 1920—1930, Robbins Type 1, There are four distinct sub types of this medal: 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d. The major differences from the Foley, Dieges & Clust, and Robbins 0 designs is that the Robbins 1 design has much more distinctive feathering on the back side.
- 1930—1933, Robbins Type 2, There are two distinct sub types of this medal: 2a and 2b and they generally considered the finest ever made due to their fine engraving. The Robbins 2a design was only briefly made in late 1930 and had even nicer engraving than the 2b, especially on the obverse side.
- 1933—1954, Robbins Type 3, This design is the same as the Robbins 2b design except that the 'BSA' letters were removed from the from of the Eagle. There are no known variations of this design.
- 1955—1969, Robbins Type 4, This design is the same as the Robbins 3 design except that the observe side was made flat so it could be engraved. There are no known variations of this design.
- 1969—1978, Robbins Type 5, The 'BSA' letters were added back to the front side and the obverse side was returned to a full feathered design. There are no known variations of this design.
- 1968—1970, Stange Type 1, The BSA authorized the Stange company to begin producing Eagle Scout medals in 1968 at the same time as the Robbins company. The difference in this and the Robbins 4 design is the the Robbins 4 design has more of an "S" in the bend of the scroll whereas in the Stange 1 design the bend of the scroll is more of a "V". The Stange medals are also sterling silver.
- 1970—1974, Stange Type 2, The Stange company changed its design to include a full feathered back shortly after the Robbins company did with its Robbins 5 design. There are other minor differences in the Robbins 5 and Stange 2 designs.
- 1974—1978, Stange Type 3, A major redesign of the Eagle was done to match the new NESA logo. The "V" scroll design remained.
- 1978—1980, Stange Type 4, When the Robbins company ceased making Eagle Scout medals, the Stange company switched to the last design used by Robbins, causing confusion; but there are minor differences: a white edged ribbon and some differences in the sterling silver markings.
History of the Eagle Scout badge
| 1924-1932 | 1933-1955 | 1956-1972 | 1972-1974 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975-1985 | 1985-1986 | 1986-1989 | 1989-present |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
From its introduction in 1924, the Eagle Scout badge has undergone several design changes. Scouting historians have classified eight different designs, with several minor variations within each type[25]
- 1924—1932 The cloth Eagle Scout badge was introduced in 1924 and was based on a hat pin from 1921– the design is quite similar to the current badge. As with other patches of the time, the badges were embroidered onto rolls of fabric and then cut. The edges were folded under before sewing the badge to the uniform. The first versions were specially created for Eagle Scouts attending the World Jamboree in Denmark. Initially produced on tan cloth, it later switched to olive for the Boy Scout uniform and white, black and blue to match the various Sea Scout uniforms.
- 1933—1940 The text "Eagle Scout" and "Boy Scouts of America" was added to the border. These badges were embroidered with silk thread, switching to cotton in 1940. A version on green cloth was added to match the Explorer uniform.
- 1956—1972 The production of badges and emblems changed to the rolled edge now in current use, thus the various colored backgrounds were eliminated. The outside oval changed to red.
- 1972—1975 With the introduction of the Improved Scouting Program came an overhaul of many badges and emblems. The new stylized Eagle Scout badge was a major change that proved to be unpopular.
- 1975—1985 The badge design partially reverted to the type 3 version.
- 1985—1986 The badge now reverted to the type 3 version with some minor differences. The border and the eagle were done in silver Mylar and the "Be Prepared" text was in blue.
- 1986—1989 The Mylar eagle changed back to silver thread due to problems with wearing. The scroll and text were enlarged.
- 1989—present The Mylar border was changed to silver thread. Later variants increased the thread count of the white stripe to eliminate the visible background.
Awards similar to Eagle Scout
As Eagle Scout is the highest award in the BSA's Boy Scout program, it is considered comparable both to the highest awards in other BSA programs as well as to the highest awards in other Scouting organizations.
In other BSA programs
- Arrow of Light, Cub Scouts
- Denali Award, Varsity Scouts
- Silver Award, Venturing
- Quartermaster Award, Sea Scouts
- Wood Badge, a leadership program for adult Scouters
In other Scouting organizations
- Baden-Powell Award, Baden-Powell Scouts
- Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of the Philippines
- Gold Award, Girl Scouts of the USA
- Gold Medal of Achievement, Royal Rangers
- King Scout, The National Scout Organization of Thailand
- President's Scout, The Singapore Scout Association
- Queen's Scout or King's Scout Award, United Kingdom and several other countries
- Queen's Venturer Award, Scouts Canada (formerly the Queen's Scout Award)
- Springbok Scout Award, South African Scout Association
See also
- Eagle Scouts in popular culture
- List of Eagle Scouts
- List of Distinguished Eagle Scout Award recipients
- Advancement and recognition in the Boy Scouts of America
- History of merit badges
Footnotes
- ^ a b Insignia Guide 2005. Boy Scouts of America. 2005. #33066E.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "Eagle Scouts". BSA Fact Sheet. Boy Scouts of America. Retrieved 12 February.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "One Hundred Scouts and More Scout Statistics". Troop 923. 2006. Retrieved 19 May.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ BSA Editorial Board (1911). The Official Handbook for Boys. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, Page and Company.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ a b c Peterson, Robert (2002). "Evolution of the Eagle Scout Award". Scouting Magazine. Boy Scouts of America. Retrieved 22 May.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "The BSA's First Eagle Scout: Arthur Rose Eldred". Eagle Scout Resource Center. 2006. Retrieved 6 March.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ Ray, Mark (Winter 2005). "Eagle Scout Heritage Celebration Brings History to Life". Eagletter. Vol:31 (No:3): pp: 8–9.
{{cite journal}}:|issue=has extra text (help);|volume=has extra text (help)CS1 maint: year (link) - ^ "Famous Eagle Scouts". Troop 179. 2006. Retrieved 19 May.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "Eagle Scout Requirements: A Comparison of the BSA's Eagle Requirements since 1911". Troop 97. 2003. Retrieved 6 March.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ Walton, Mike (1996). "When Eagle Age Limit Was Imposed". Scouts-L Archive. Retrieved 7 March.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ Murray, Craig. "Eagle Scout Miniature Badge Pin". Boy Scout Badge History. Retrieved 24 May.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ Crowl, George. "Illustrated History of BSA Square Knot Evolution" (PDF). Retrieved March 24.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ Murray, Craig. "Eagle Square Knot". Boy Scout Badge History. Retrieved 24 May.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "Eagle Rank Requirements". U.S. Scouting Service Project. Retrieved 17 May.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "Eagle Palm Rank Requirements". U.S. Scouting Service Project. Retrieved 17 May.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "Boy Scout/Varsity Scout Uniform Inspection Sheet,Item #34283" (PDF). Boy Scouts of America. 2000. Retrieved 6 March.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "ScoutStuff.org". Boy Scouts of America. Retrieved March 24.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "AFRS Instruction 36-2001, Recruiting Procedures for the Air Force" (PDF). US Air Force. 2005. Retrieved 6 March.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "Military Personnel Procurement Manual, Volume 2, Enlisted Procurement" (PDF). US Marine Corps. 2004. Retrieved 6 March.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "NESA Scholarships". National Eagle Scout Association. Retrieved 24 May.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year". American Legion. Retrieved 24 May.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "Eagle Scout Scholarship Programs". National Jewish Committee on Scouting, BSA. Retrieved 24 May.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship". Sons of the American Revolution. Retrieved 24 May.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ Murray, Craig. "The Eagle Scout Medals". Boy Scout Badge History. Retrieved 6 March.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ Murray, Craig. "The Eagle Badge". Boy Scout Badge History. Retrieved 21 May.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help)
References
- "Eagle Scout Resource Center". 2006. Retrieved 6 March.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help)