IMPLEMENTATION DETAILS FOR FIRST-TIME MEMBERS ENTERING
SCOUTS BSA
Temporary Transition Rules
On February 1, 2019, the Boy Scouts of America will begin admitting girls into Scouts BSA.
One of the characteristics of Scouting—for over a hundred years—is that no matter when you join,
however long you stay, or the rank you attain, the Scouting experience prepares you for life. And for
some, the pinnacle of their Scouting experience is achieving the highest rank of Eagle Scout.
The 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 18
th
birthday. This will continue to be our
policy.
It is in the interests of the entire BSA, and in fact our nation, that all girls who join the BSA in
2019 should have an opportunity to earn their Eagle badge should they diligently and promptly
complete all requirements. Accordingly, after carefully considering recommendations from
stakeholders, including feedback from volunteers and professionals, the National Executive
Committee of the Boy Scouts of America has approved the following 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.
To preserve the integrity of the Eagle Scout Award, no exceptions to or waivers of any of the
requirements for the Eagle Scout Award are permitted under this limited exception, and all
requirements must be completed while the individual is a registered member of Scouts BSA, or after
achieving the First Class Rank in Scouts BSA (as specified in the BSA Guide to Advancement).
Since the BSA has determined that the minimum period of elapsed time to complete the
requirements of the Eagle Scout rank is approximately 19-20 months, the extension is not available
to any youth who is under 16 years of age on February 1, 2019 (as they will have adequate time to
earn their Eagle before turning 18) nor to any youth who has already turned 18 years of age on
February 1, 2019 (as they will be ineligible to join Scouts BSA).
1. Beginning on February 1, 2019, youth 16 years of age or older, but not yet 18, 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. 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.
Recognition
In keeping with established policy, the Eagle Scout rank is earned when the candidate’s
award has been approved by the National Council.
The BSA will not recognize a first female Eagle Scout to avoid potentially introducing
incentives for leaders, troops or Scouts to prioritize expediency or engage in behavior counter to
Scouting’s values.
Instead, the BSA will officially recognize our Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts in the
fall of 2020, providing young women who join Scouts BSA the needed time to complete all
requirements. This Inaugural Class will be celebrated nationally and collectively commemorated.
It is our hope and expectation that local units will ensure substantial individual recognition
of their first female Eagle Scouts in a manner befitting their great accomplishments.
IMPLEMENTATION DETAILS FOR FIRST-TIME MEMBERS ENTERING
SCOUTS BSA
FAQ
Q: Is the BSA changing the Eagle Scout requirements for girls joining Scouts BSA
in 2019?
No – the Eagle Scout rank requirements are not changing.
Q: Can troops, districts or councils amend or adjust the requirements/process?
No. Eagle Scout requirements are set by the National Council and cannot be adjusted by a
troop, district or council. In fact, the Eagle Scout rank is earned when it is approved by the
National Council.
Q: Will work completed while girls participated unofficially before the
introduction of Scouts BSA count towards Eagle requirements?
No. To preserve the integrity of the Eagle Scout Award, all requirements must be completed
while the individual is a registered member of Scouts BSA, or after achieving the First-Class
Rank in Scouts BSA (as specified in the BSA Guide to Advancement, an individual after
earning First Class Rank in Scouts BSA may transfer primary membership to Venturing or
Sea Scouts and continue to work on Eagle Scout requirements).
Q: Will work that female Venturers or Sea Scouts completed count toward Eagle
Scout requirements?
To preserve the integrity of the Eagle Scout Award, all requirements must be completed while
the individual is a registered member of Scouts BSA, or after achieving the First Class Rank
in Scouts BSA (as specified in the BSA Advancement Guide, an individual after earning First
Class Rank in Scouts BSA may transfer primary membership to Venturing or Sea Scouts and
continue to work on Eagle Scout requirements).
Q: Will camping nights from current Venturing and Sea Scouts that count for
requirements for the Order of the Arrow, also count for the Eagle Scout rank?
No.
Q: Will this extension always be available for all youth that enter Scouts BSA?
No. These are temporary transition rules and will not be available to any youth who is under
16 years of age on February 1, 2019 as they will have adequate time to earn their Eagle before
turning 18.
Q: Can the first female Eagle Scout be identified based on the earliest Board of
Review date?
No. The Eagle Scout rank is earned when it is approved by the National Council; that date
will be noted to recognize this inaugural class.
