how long does it take to reach the eagle scout level in the boy scouts?

Answer 1

Well, you have to have the board of review and complete all requirements before you are 18.

I finished mine at 17, and the Eagle project was a pain in the neck. That's probably the hardest part. It took 8-12 months to get through my project. (I raised money for and built a Parcourse series of exercise stations at a regional park.)

You can get most of the required Merit Badges at camp, but the Eagle project takes major work.

So, from my Arrow of Light to Eagle was the better part of 6 years.

The vast majority of Scouts don't reach Eagle.

Answer 2

Before you can become an Eagle Scout you must spend 6 months as a Life Scout and 6 months as a Star Scout. Prior to that, You must have spent 4 months as a 1st Class Scout.

There are no time-in-rank requirements between the date of joining and the earning of the 1st Class rank, but there are a set number of activities, campouts, and meetings. Depending on how active one's own troop is will greatly determine how fast one moves from a new scout to 1st Class. The national average is 1 year.

So...add that 1 year to the 1 year & 4 months from above and there you have the minimum. Kids who do this are RARE.

Back in the day one had to be at least 13 to become an Eagle Scout. While I was in the troop (1985-1992) we had roughly 20 Eagle Scouts...only one did all of the stuff before he turned 13. (Turning 13 was the last requirement he needed to fill.) Most of us got Eagle when we were 16 or 17. 15 1/2 is the National Average right now...so about 4 1/2 years on average.

Answer 3

It depends.

It took me until I was 17 (6 years) to get mine. But a couple of my friends got theirs when they were 14. It depends on how supportive your parents and your troop is. Also, if you're like me and you tend to procrastinate it will take a little longer.

There are too many variables in play for anyone to give you an accurate timeline on how long it should take you. Some projects move smoother than others. Some kids have trouble with certain merit badges. Or maybe you're active in sports or another extracurricular activity that takes up a good portion of your time.

One thing that you can do that will help is to sit down and talk with an adult leader or an older scout. Draw up a rough timeline from where you are now. Set goals such as "have Eagle project idea by March" or "run for Senior Patrol Leader."

If you are having trouble with merit badges find another scout that is working towards their Eagle and do the merit badges together. Some of the merit badges are simply boring and it will go a lot easier if you've got a friend there doing it with you.

In short, everything is on you. If you want to get it done in 3 years you can certainly do that. If you just want to finish it and you aren't in any big hurry you can do that too.

Answer 4

I will second Willie D's answer. As far as how long, one can do it in as little as two years total if a Troop is very very active and supporting. Do not judge by age. Personally, I found that there is a way to totally circumvent age. At the age of 9, I finished my Arrow of Light. By BSA policy, I was entitled to join a Troop, so I did. By the time I was 12 (and six months if you want to get picky) I earned my Eagle Scout Rank. (Not that my screen name gave away that I'm proud or anything.)

While I took a lot of criticism from older Scouters in my district because they couldnt believe that someone could actually do it that quick, I still encourage scouts to do it as quick as possible. In my experience, if a boy is not at least Life rank by the age of 16, he won't finish Eagle. If a boy can handle the responsibility and is cranking out the merit badges, don't hold him back.

My one word of caution to everyone, make sure when your boys go to camp that they are actually learning something. Personally, I did all but 2 of my badges before Eagle without attending a single summer camp.

I have a little quote I like telling people, "Every boy was born an Eagle, but you must let him fly and he must choose to soar."

Answer 5

What do you have to do to become an eagle scout?

Answer 6

quick answer: if you're good and the troop is supportive, 3 years