Eagle Scout Rank Alternate Requirements
- The Eagle Scout rank may be achieved by a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or qualified* Venturer who has a physical or mental disability by qualifying for alternative merit badges. This does not apply to individual requirements for merit badges. Merit badges are awarded only when all requirements are met as stated.
- The physical or mental disability must be of a permanent rather than of a temporary nature (or a disability expected to last more than two years or beyond the 18th birthday).
- The request must include a written statement from a qualified health professional related to the nature of the disability. This may be a physician, neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, etc., or an educational administrator as appropriate.
- Before applying, he must earn as many of the Eagle-required merit badges as possible. Any alternatives must present the same challenge and learning level as those they replace, and must be completed by the 18th birthday. If physical activity is involved, a physician must approve it.
- The Application for Alternative Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges must be completed prior to qualifying for alternative Eagle Scout rank badges.
- The alternative merit badge(s) chosen must be of such a nature that they are as demanding of effort as the required merit badge(s).
- When alternatives chosen involve physical activity, they must be approved by a qualified health-care professional.
- The unit leader and the board of review must explain that to attain the Eagle Scout rank, a candidate is expected to do his best in developing himself to the limit of his abilities and resources.
- The application must be approved by the council advancement committee, utilizing the expertise of professionals involved with youth who have disabilities.
- The candidate’s application for Eagle must be made on the Eagle Scout Rank Application, with the Application for Alternative Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges attached.
* In order for a Venturer to be an Eagle candidate, he must have achieved the First Class rank as a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout.
No council, district, unit, or individual has the authority to add to, or to subtract from, any advancement requirements.
For more detailed information about alternative requirements see the Guide to Advancement. (In particular, for the Eagle Scout rank, see sections 10.2.2.0, and 10.2.2.3-10.2.2.4 on pages 62-63.)