As you know in February 2019, the Boy Scouts of America will start admitting girls into our Scouts BSA program. With that comes a lot of questions involving advancement when it comes to the Eagle Scout Rank.
The current policies of the BSA indicate that, except in extraordinary circumstances, a youth desiring to achieve the rank of Eagle must do so before the youth’s 18th birthday. This will continue to be our policy.
As girls enter our Scouts BSA program, they should have the opportunity to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout.
The Boy Scouts of America approved a set of temporary transition rules regarding extensions for youth over 16 but not yet 18 years of age on February 1, 2019, to complete the requirements for the Eagle Scout award.
1. Youth 16 years of age or older, but not yet 18, on February 1, 2019, who register as members of Scouts BSA on or before December 31, 2019, may request extensions to complete the Eagle Scout Award requirements after they turn 18 years of age.
2. Requests for extensions must be received no later than thirty (30) days after turning 18 years of age. Extensions must be in writing by submitting the designated form to the National Service Center, and the form must be received no later than January 7, 2020. Only the National Council may grant extensions. The actual extension will be based upon the individual’s registration date and age at the time of the request and will provide not more than twenty-four months from the date of initial registration to complete all requirements.
3. In the interest of fairness, these temporary transition rules apply to all youth joining Scouts BSA during 2019–both girls and first-time joining boys.
The Boy Scouts of America and the Lake Erie Council will continue to preserve the integrity of the Eagle Scout Award through our advancement committees, staff, and volunteers.
