How can a 15-yr-old girl become an Eagle Scout?

Question

I really want to become one, but I'm kind of starting from scratch and don't know where to begin. Also there's the whole gender issue...

Answer 1

No, sorry, BSA doesn't allow girls to earn the rank of Eagle Scout (there are some co-ed sections of BSA, including Venture Scouts, but not as part of the general program).

The Girl Scouts have a Gold Award, earning which is often referred to as "along the lines of earning the Eagle Scout" though the requirements are very different. But one nice thing about the Gold Award is that any girl starting GS at a late age can earn it - you don't have to go through the ranks as you do with Boy Scouts (I admit I know little of the Boy Scout methods, but my understanding is that you have to work your way up to Eagle Scout - with the Gold Award, you don't have to have earned the Silver or Bronze awards first. There are some things you have to earn before working on a Gold Award project, but they can be accomplished even by new Girl Scouts).

The Gold Award qualifies you for a higher rank when joining the military, just as the Eagle does, and there are plenty of college scholarships designed for girls who've earned the Gold Award.

Answer 2

The best way is to sleep with the Scout Leader and then threaten to tell everyone if he doesn't make you an Eagle Scout.
This works particularly well if you are a girl under 18 or a boy of any age.

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Answer 3

Hello Tialiarhetta:

The Eagle Scout designation cannot be earned by young women at this time. You can buy a copy of the Boy Scout handbook and complete all of the requirements, but you will not be recognized by BSA as an Eagle Scout.

There are many other awards in a similar vein that you can earn, of course. If you are interested in BSA awards, the Venturing division has some great awards that are recognized by the military as on par with the Eagle and can be earned by young men or young women.

The Silver award is similar to the Eagle, as is the RANGER. However the RANGER award focuses more on outdoor adventure and leadership, whereas the Silver is more of a civic leadership award.

The Sea Scouts have the Quartermaster award, and is highly coveted by the US Navy.

At 15, you are behind the power-curve, so to speak, and if you truly want to earn these awards, you need to move quickly, as it takes a minimum of two years and they must be earned (but need not be presented) prior to the candidate's 18th birthday.

As having earned the Eagle Scout award, and counseled other Scouts, I would have to say that the GSUSA Gold is difficult to earn, and carries equal the weight of the Eagle.

You may also want to explore the Congressional Award: http://www.congressionalaward.org/congress/about/about.htm

Best of luck with your pursuits.

Keep on Scoutin'

Answer 4

Well, first you sue the BSA into allowing girls to join- a battle that has been fought and lost several times already.

Then, you join a troop, and work your tail off to learn and demonstrate a wide range of skills, completing the requirements and getting the paperwork submitted before you turn 18- so you better get moving. The lawsuit alone is going to take a big chunk f the three years you have available.