Mehul Trivedi
News Editor

One of the Boy Scouts most time honored traditions is the story of the Hundred Scouts. It estimates that of any 100 scouts, 30 will drop out within the first year, many will become leaders in their field, and everyone will take something from the experience.

But of those 100, only two will become Eagle Scouts, a success rate that is lower than the acceptance rates of even the most demanding colleges.

The difficulty of this achievement cannot be understated as a scout must get 21 merit badges, demonstrate years of sustained leadership, and plan and carry out a major service project successfully.

Over the course of a scouts career, they have the opportunity to gain knowledge in subjects that varied as much as Wilderness Survival to Rifle Shooting. Some of the experiences gained from these badges are wholly unique to scouting. For one, I wove a shelter of reeds and spent a night underneath it, while another required me to learn the correct knots required for sailing.
But often, Merit Badges give you more than an interesting topic for a cocktail party, and spark an interest in someone that determines their career path. (Quote)

Leadership is an integral part of becoming an Eagle Scout, as the requirements call for 18 months in a Scout Troop leadership position. Eagle Scout Jonathan Stewart said this was one of the most important lessons he took from his journey.

“Being an Eagle Scout has a lot to do with being a good leader, and stepping outside your comfort zone in order to accomplish things,” said Stewart.

Though each piece is crucial, Stewart says the project is by far the hardest part.
Though there are no strict rules in determining an Eagle Project, the common denominator is the effect they have on the community. In order to qualify as a permissible project, the Boy Scout Handbook requires them “to be of substantial value to the community”. In addition, every aspect of the project must planned and carried out by the scout, a daunting task.

“ The amount of work and planning that goes into the project makes it difficult for many to finish,” said Stewart.

Getting the rank of Eagle Scout is rare, and of the 83 million boys who have been scouts, two percent have completed their journey, but in the graduating class of 2012, Eagles are represented not only in number, but in community impact. Stewart’s project involved raising over $400 to make 1000 care packages to send to troops overseas. (Add other people’s projects)

For everyone who makes it to the peak of Eagle Scout, the rank represents a lifetime of hard work, and a form of closure.

“I’ve been looking up to Eagle Scouts since I was 6,” said Stewart. “It means a lot to finally be one”.