The Life Scout requirements were identical, except that the Scout had to earn 10 merit badges (including the badges long associated with this rank). That means only 8 of the 21 merit badges are elective. While an Eagle Scout, participate in a Scoutmaster conference. If you are a Scout that intends to earn … Continue reading → Since 1972 both merit badges have been optional, with alternate choices for those who didn't want to do the aquatic requirements. I would guess that, prior to 1972, Lifesaving probably stopped more Scouts from earning Eagle than any other merit badge. For Eagle, only 12 of the 15 Eagle Required Merit Badges are required. Merit badges, badges of rank, and Eagle Palms may be earned by a registered Scout or a qualified Venturer or Sea Scout. Only one of Emergency Prep* or Lifesaving* is required, and only one of Swimming**, Hiking** or Cycling** is required. So a new Eagle Scout who has 31 merit badges would be eligible to receive a Gold Palm, representing 10 badges beyond the 21 required for the rank. It’ll become the 14th Eagle-required merit badge, displacing one of the electives. And effective with Eagle boards of review held on or after May 1, 2021, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion merit badge will be required to earn the rank. Of the 21 merit badges that a Scout must earn before achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, 13 are required. A handful even earn every available merit badge. You may wear only the proper combination of Palms for the number of merit badges you earned beyond the rank of Eagle. Every year the National Council reviews and updates a certain number of merit badges. Numbers 120 and up were added after the list was created in 1987. Please note that 21 total merit badges must have been earned for the Eagle Scout rank, except from 1972-1979, when 24 were needed. Some Scouts earn way more merit badges than the 21 required for Eagle. The patches for the Eagle-required merit badges are distinguishable by the silver ring on the outside edge. Scouts may earn these awards until their 18th birthday. Don’t worry about it. The BSA has never added a requirement to advancement like this and not given a grace period to those it could affect the most. Troop 30 now encourages that each Scout go outside the troop counselor list to find a merit badge This numbering scheme was adopted in 1987 and the Eagle required merit badges had numbers 1 through 14. Return to top. He also had to earn five merit badges of his choosing. Education in diversity and inclusion isn’t just for the Scouts. The Bronze Palm represents five merit badges, the Gold Palm 10, and the Silver Palm 15. For an overview of the BSA Merit Badge Program, read the BSA Introduction to Merit Badges. 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