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Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable by a Scout in several national Scouting organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP). The term Eagle Scout is used to refer to a Scout who has achieved this honor.
Eagle Scout rank in the BSA The rank is awarded upon completion of a community service project designed and directed by the Scout, the acquisition of a certain number of merit badges (21 as of 2004, 12 specified from specific sets of lists from various categories, with flexibility to accommmodate boys with physical disabilities, and 9 elective), and service in a leadership position in the Scout's Troop. The highly respected rank is considered to be a significant honor, and is looked upon as an achievement even much later in life. Only four percent of Scouts who join ever attain it. The Eagle Scout Court of Honor is a special ceremony in honor of a new Eagle Scout.
In the BSA, after achieving the rank of Eagle, a scout may also earn Eagle palms. Eagle palms are awarded for earning a certain number of merit badges over and above those required for the rank of Eagle, and for continuing to serve actively in the troop for a specified period of time. It is a rare occasion when any young man attains the Eagle rank. Eagle Scouts are expected to set an example for those to follow them. They are expected to become the leaders in life that they have demonstrated themselves to be in Scouting.
Once an Eagle Scout, one is always an Eagle Scout. Adult leaders in the BSA may wear a red, white, and blue square knot on their uniform to indicate that they are Eagle Scouts.
Eagle Scout Oath: On my honor, I will do my best, do my duty to God. On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty to my country, and to obey the Scout Law. I thoughtfully recognize the obligations and responsibilities of the rank of Eagle Scout. On my honor, I will do my best, to make my training an example, and to make my rank and influence account for better Scouting, in my troop, in my community and in my contact with other people, regardless of race, color or creed, always to this I pledge my sacred honor.
Eagle Scout rank in the BSP In the Boy Scouts of the Philippines a Scout must earn a total of 21 merit badges, consisting of 15 specified badges and 2 specialist ratings (a specialist rating involves 3 merit badges and a community project). After achieving the rank of Eagle, a Scout may earn an Anahaw award for earning 2 additional specialist ratings.
The BSP highest rank went through a number of name and requirement changes through the years.
- Eagle Scout (1936-1962)
- José Rizal Scout (1962-1976)
- Scout Citizen Award (1976-1994)
- Eagle Scout (1994-Present)
As of 2003, there are about 123,000 Scouts in the Philippines who have attained this highest rank since 1936.
A roughly equivalent award in the United Kingdom and several other countries is the Queen's Scout.
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