Becoming an Eagle Scout is a prestigious milestone that truly proves a Scout’s mettle in leadership, service, and personal growth. Fewer than 10% of Scouts attain the Eagle rank, and those who do often carry its values into their academic, professional, and personal lives. But earning the rank is only part of the journey; sharing your Eagle Scout project with others is an important step that can create connections, inspire service, and strengthen your council’s legacy.

What Does It Take to Become an Eagle Scout?

Eagle Scouts are known for their integrity, preparedness, and commitment to making a positive impact. That’s why the journey to achieving Eagle rank is designed to help Scouts develop essential life skills, such as project management, leadership, and perseverance. 

Scouts must advance through six prior ranks (Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life) before beginning the process of earning Eagle. Along the way, they learn essential outdoor skills, participate in service projects, demonstrate leadership within their troop, and complete a series of merit badges. Each of these steps contributes to their growth as individuals and citizens.

How to Become an Eagle Scout

There are several requirements for becoming an Eagle Scout and a detailed application process:

• Merit badges. Scouts must earn at least 21 merit badges. These include 14 that are required for Eagle, such as First Aid, Citizenship in the Nation, Environmental Science or Sustainability, and Personal Management. The full list can be found on Scouting America’s official site.

• Leadership roles. Scouts must serve in a leadership position within their troop for a minimum of six months after achieving the Life rank. This ensures they have the opportunity to guide others and make real contributions to their unit.

• Eagle Scout Service Project. The hallmark of the Eagle Scout rank is the service project. This project must benefit the community, a school, or a religious institution. Scouts must plan, develop, and lead the project from start to finish. Visit the Eagle Scout Project Showcase to get tips, ideas, and examples.

• Scoutmaster conference and Board of Review. After completing all requirements, Scouts attend a conference with their Scoutmaster and prepare for a final Board of Review. This is a formal interview to assess their experiences, leadership, and readiness to earn the rank.

• Eagle application and verification. Scouts must fill out the Eagle Scout Rank Application, in which personal information, a list of earned merit badges, details of the service project, and recommendations must be documented. The completed packet is reviewed and verified by local council representatives to ensure accuracy and completeness.

• Timeline. Scouts must complete all requirements before their 18th birthday.

Reasons to Showcase Your Eagle Scout Project

Completing your Eagle Scout project is an achievement worthy of pride and recognition. Once you’ve done this, sharing it with others can amplify its value in important ways.

Build a Strong Network

Documenting and showcasing your Eagle project, whether online or at a troop event, can open doors. Future employers, colleges, and community leaders often view Eagle Scouts as exceptionally driven and community-minded. By sharing your story, you demonstrate initiative, planning ability, and leadership — qualities that stand out on applications and in interviews.

Inspire Younger Scouts

When you share your project at a troop meeting, Eagle ceremony, or council event, it can motivate other Scouts to think bigger about their own service goals. Your experience becomes a roadmap for someone else’s journey, helping to raise the overall quality and ambition of service within your council.

Strengthen Your Council’s Legacy

Publicizing your Eagle Scout project through your council’s website, local media, or social media not only elevates your personal profile, but also highlights the broader impact of Scouting in your community. Councils such as Laurel Highlands encourage Eagle Scouts to stay engaged after their rank is earned, and one way to do that is by helping to promote the value of Scouting.

Celebrate the Spirit of Service

Eagle projects often represent dozens or even hundreds of hours of service. From building accessible nature trails to renovating food pantries or planting community gardens, these projects deserve to be seen. They remind the public of how young people can lead meaningful change and provide tangible benefits to society.

Becoming an Eagle Scout is one of the most respected achievements in youth development. It reflects years of dedication, skill-building, and leadership. But the journey doesn’t end with the final badge or Board of Review. By showcasing your Eagle Scout project, you help preserve the values of Scouting, support your council, and inspire others to follow your lead.

Whether you’re just starting your trail to Eagle or celebrating its completion, take pride in your story — and share it. Your impact can go further than you think.

Share Your Eagle Scout Accomplishments With the Laurel Highlands Council

If you live in the western parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, or West Virginia, enrolling your child in the Scouting America Laurel Highlands Council is an excellent way for them to benefit from countless programs and experiences that will mold them into capable, kind, and community-oriented people — and, one day, Eagle Scouts.

If you’ve put in the time, effort, and leadership to complete your Eagle Scout project, it’s time to share it with the world! Gain well-deserved recognition, celebrate your success, and make valuable connections that can help your future. Submit your project details and photos today, and let’s show everyone what Eagle Scouts can accomplish!

Scouting’s programs and outdoor adventures give young people the opportunity to try new things, provide service to others, build self-confidence, and develop leadership skills. The Scouting America Laurel Highlands Council serves youth members and volunteer adult leaders throughout Western Pennsylvania, Western Maryland, and parts of West Virginia. We aim to beneficially involve every eligible child and their family in the fun and adventure of our programs. 

So what are you waiting for? Join now!