Eagle Scout

Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable by a Scout in several national Scouting organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The term Eagle Scout is used to refer to a Scout who has achieved this honor. 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 2003, 12 specified and 9 elective), and service in a leadership position in the Scout Troop. The highly respected rank is considered to be a significant honor, and is looked upon as an achievement even much later in life. In the BSA, only two or three percent of new Scouts 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.