Merit Badges after Eagle Scout?

[Ranger707]

I've never known this...but is it possible that after achieveing the rank of Eagle Scout, can one still earn more merit badges? In my situation, i just finished my Eagle Project, and I have more than enough merit badges to earn the rank...but I don't have enough to complete all the Eagle Palms.

So if anyone could answer my question, that'd be great. Thanks.

[Rick Tyler]

I've never known this...but is it possible that after achieveing the rank of Eagle Scout, can one still earn more merit badges?

A scout can continue to earn merit badges until his 18th birthday, regardless of rank.

Now go finish your Eagle Scout requirements...

[Mrw]

That is just one more benefit of earning Eagle before you are pressed to finish because of your age.

You can continue to earn badges and palms!

[Chief J]

Yes, you can earn a Palm for each additional five merit badges above the 21 needed for the rank of Eagle. There are other requirements also, i.e., Active in your Troop for 3 months, show leadership in your Troop during those 3 months, have a Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review.

Best of Luck,
Chief J

[Ranger707]

Awesome. Thank you guys so much. I'm still 16 and almost done with Eagle. Woohoo

[wagionvigil]

Ranger when you fill out your Eagle Application only put down the MB you want to count for Eagle. That is the number of spaces to fill in do not write the extras on the application or they cannot be used for the Palms. WE had a very bright young man from this area with 30 MB when he became Eagle. WWhen he filled out his application he wrote the extras in the margin of the application. Those could not be used for palms unless he took them over again.

[Ranger707]

Yeah I see...thanks for the advice

[PaulSWolf]

Ranger when you fill out your Eagle Application only put down the MB you want to count for Eagle. That is the number of spaces to fill in do not write the extras on the application or they cannot be used for the Palms. WE had a very bright young man from this area with 30 MB when he became Eagle. When he filled out his application he wrote the extras in the margin of the application. Those could not be used for palms unless he took them over again.

That makes no sense. It sounds like someone at the troop or local council doesn't understand the rules.

1) Only the 21 merit badges listed on the application in the appropriate spaces are entered into the database for transmittal to National.
2) The application for Palms is kept locally, and can easily be checked against the records.
3) The application for palms specifically states ANY merit badge earned as a Scout, above the 21 required for Eagle (or used for previous Palms), may be used for Palms.
4) A Scout should NEVER have to "take a badge over again", and in fact, the BSA database will not let you list a badge a second time, even if the name changes (like Atomic Energy - which became Nuclear Science).

[Lynda J]

Kevin is really upset that they didn't change the number on Nuclear Science when it replaced Atomic Energy. The requirements are a lot different. He loved AE and wants to earn NS. He plans of earning it but it won't count toward Palms. But it is up to him.