Trail to Eagle

Star, Life and Eagle are the ranks where Scouts take charge of their own growth. A Scout works toward all three in four areas:

• Merit badges. Earning them with counselors; Eagle requires a set of required badges plus electives. See merit badges and the BSA's page of Eagle-required merit badges.
• Leadership. Serving in a position of responsibility for the required time. Positions are listed in the leadership policies. Life Scouts also teach younger Scouts using the EDGE method: Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable.
• Service. Hours of service to others, ending with the Eagle service project.
• Participation and Scout Spirit. Being an active member of the Troop, which is discussed at the Scoutmaster Conference.

The Scoutmaster Conference and the Board of Review each come after the requirements are complete, just as they do for every rank.

The Eagle Scout service project

The Eagle project is the Scout's chance to apply what they have learned: plan, lead others and see a project through to help the community. It is the biggest difference between Eagle and the earlier ranks.

The usual path:

1. Meet with the Eagle Advisor, with a parent present.
2. Choose a project and a project beneficiary, such as a school, church or other organization, and write a proposal using the BSA's Eagle project workbook.
3. Get the proposal approved by the Troop committee, the project beneficiary, the Scoutmaster and the district.
4. Carry out the project, write the report and get the beneficiary's signature.

Do not begin work on the project until the proposal has every required signature. Start early. Writing the project up and scheduling reviews takes time.

Applying for Eagle

When the requirements are complete, the Scout assembles an Eagle application and binder with help from the Eagle Advisor, holds a Scoutmaster Conference and meets with the Committee Chair. All requirements and paperwork must be done and turned in before the Scout's 18th birthday. The Eagle board of review can happen after the 18th birthday.

For Eagle, the board of review is run by the district rather than the Troop. The Eagle Advisor will tell the Scout how it is scheduled and send questions to help the Scout prepare. The BSA's Eagle Scout workbook page has the current application and workbook. Wear a full Class A uniform, know what every patch represents, and be ready to recite the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout Motto, Scout Slogan and Outdoor Code.

A Scout becomes an Eagle Scout the day they pass the Eagle board of review.

Eagle Court of Honor

Troop 33 recognizes each new Eagle Scout with an Eagle Court of Honor, with a slide show of the Scout's years in Scouting, a guest speaker and a speech by the new Eagle. A coordinator works with the family on the details. Most are held at Los Altos United Methodist Church, with two to five Eagle Scouts honored at a time.

Eagle Palms

A Scout who keeps advancing after Eagle can earn Eagle Palms. The requirements are in Scouting America's Eagle Palms requirements (PDF).