John B. Smith, Jr, BSA Adult Volunteer
“There are steps to the BSA (Boy Scouts of America) Eagle process that are not illustrated through photos.
For instance…
Scouts typically begin a long yet enjoyable journey to Eagle as a “Scout” rank. After completing various requirements at that rank (which may take 6 months to a year), he or she then advances to “Tenderfoot” rank. The scout completes another set of requirements and acquires various skills at that rank, and then progresses to “Second Class” rank. Then to “First Class,” then “Star,” then “Life.” and, finally “Eagle.”
Additionally, each scout learns various citizenship and professional skills by learning and completing requirements outlined through achieving merit badges, throughout their entire scout career. Some merit badges are required, others are electives. Some are “First Aid,” “Swimming,” “Hiking,” “Citizenship in the Nation,” “Nature,” “Environmental Science,” and about another 129 merit badges. … learning various trades and skills, hopefully in a fun way and atmosphere.
Each rank has its own set of requirements and skillsets to be completed. Beyond the Scout rank, each rank progressively takes longer to complete typically.
The higher ranks (First Class, Star, Life, Eagle) are typically Leadership ranks… these scouts provide leadership to the rest of the Troop and help younger and / or beginner scouts.
Towards the end of each rank, their is an adult conversation (called a Scoutmaster Conference) with the Scoutmaster; and them a Board of Review (BoR) whereby the Scouts sits with three more adults for discussion and approval to proceed to the next rank.
After Life rank, the scout has several adult conversations to help a) complete any remaining requirements and b) plan his/her Eagle project. For most scouts, those conversations include talking with their scoutmaster, their Eagle adviser, their Eagle Project adviser, their Eagle Project beneficiary(-ies), the BSA (Boy Scouts of America) District Advancement Chair, etc.
While every scout’s journey / path is similar, no two are the same.
All of this…Â while making friends, learning partially in the wilderness on campouts, around campfires in the outdoors.
The mission statement of BSA is “to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.”