What Does Eagle Scout Mean?
Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program (formerly Boy Scouts of America). Earning Eagle Scout signifies that a young person has demonstrated exceptional skill in outdoor activities, leadership, citizenship, and community service.
The rank is so respected that it is recognized by the United States military — Eagle Scouts who enlist are eligible for advanced rank upon entry. Many colleges and employers also view Eagle Scout as a significant achievement that demonstrates discipline, leadership, and follow-through.
The phrase "Eagle Scout" is both a rank and an identity. Once earned, it is a lifelong distinction. As the saying goes: "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle."
History of Eagle Scout
The Eagle Scout rank was first awarded on August 21, 1912, just two years after the founding of the Boy Scouts of America. Arthur Rose Eldred became the first Eagle Scout, earning the rank at age 17.
Since then, more than 2.5 million scouts have earned the Eagle Scout rank. The requirements have evolved over the decades, but the core values — leadership, service, skill development, and character — have remained constant for over a century.
In 2019, the program was renamed from "Boy Scouts" to "Scouts BSA" to reflect the inclusion of young women. The first female Eagle Scouts were recognized in 2021, marking a historic milestone in the program's history.
Why Eagle Scout Matters
College Admissions
Eagle Scout stands out on college applications. Many universities offer Eagle Scout scholarships, and admissions officers recognize the discipline and leadership it represents.
Career Advantage
Employers value Eagle Scouts for their proven leadership, project management skills, and follow-through. It is a lifelong credential on your resume.
Military Recognition
Eagle Scouts who enter the U.S. military may receive advanced rank upon enlistment — a direct acknowledgment of the leadership skills developed in scouting.
Personal Growth
The journey to Eagle Scout builds time management, public speaking, teamwork, and self-discipline — skills that benefit you for life.
The Journey from Scout to Eagle
The path to Eagle Scout typically takes 3 to 5 years. Here is what the journey looks like at each stage. For full details, see our complete Eagle Scout requirements guide.
Scout
Day 1Learn the Scout Oath, Scout Law, motto, slogan, and basic outdoor skills. This is where every Eagle Scout journey begins.
Tenderfoot
1-3 monthsFirst aid basics, physical fitness, outdoor cooking, and knot tying. Your first real rank advancement.
Second Class
3-6 monthsNavigation with map and compass, fire building, nature observation, and swimming basics.
First Class
6-12 monthsAdvanced first aid, orienteering, service hours, and a full range of outdoor skills. Many scouts aim to reach First Class within their first year.
Star Scout
1-2 yearsEarn 6 merit badges (4 Eagle-required), serve 6 hours of community service, and hold a leadership position for 4 months.
Life Scout
2-3 yearsEarn 11 merit badges (7 Eagle-required), serve 6 more hours of community service, and continue in a leadership role.
Eagle Scout
3-5 yearsEarn 21 merit badges (13 Eagle-required), complete your Eagle Scout service project, serve 6 months in a leadership position, and pass your Eagle board of review.
Famous Eagle Scouts
Eagle Scouts have gone on to become presidents, astronauts, business leaders, and innovators. Here are just a few notable Eagle Scouts:
Neil Armstrong
First person to walk on the Moon
Gerald Ford
38th President of the United States
Rex Tillerson
Former U.S. Secretary of State and CEO of ExxonMobil
Michael Bloomberg
Businessman and former Mayor of New York City
Steven Spielberg
Academy Award-winning filmmaker
Sam Walton
Founder of Walmart
Robert Gates
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense
Buzz Aldrin
Apollo 11 astronaut, second person on the Moon
Eagle Scout by the Numbers
Only ~6% of scouts earn Eagle
Making it one of the most selective youth achievements in the country
21 merit badges required
13 Eagle-required plus 8 electives from 138 available badges
Must be completed before age 18
Most Eagle Scouts earn the rank between ages 16 and 17
~60,000 new Eagles per year
Approximately 60,000 scouts earn Eagle Scout annually in the U.S.
Average Eagle project: 100+ hours
Including planning, fundraising, execution, and documentation
11 U.S. astronauts were Eagle Scouts
Including Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the Apollo 11 mission
How to Start Your Eagle Scout Journey
The first step is to join a Scouts BSA troop. Youth ages 11 through 17 are eligible. Visit scouting.org or contact your local council to find a troop near you.
Once you have joined, start working on your rank requirements. Focus on reaching First Class within your first year, then begin earning merit badges. See our complete Eagle Scout requirements guide for a detailed breakdown of everything you need.
Explore the full list of 138 merit badges to find badges that match your interests and start planning your path.