SALT LAKE CITY — Achieving the rank of an Eagle Scout carries with it a special significance, not only in scouting but also as young men enter higher education, business or industry, and community service. Eagle Scouts who join the military are given a one-rank advancement as soon as they enter. According to the Boy Scouts of America, earning an Eagle Scout award is a performance-based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years. Only about five percent of the boys who join a Boy Scout troop earn the Eagle Scout rank. This is represented by the 1.7 million Boy Scouts who have earned their Eagle rank since 1912, when the award was established. The goals of Scouting – citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness – remain important for all scouts, whether or not they attain the Eagle Scout rank. Anthony Bell, who will be a senior at Judge Memorial Catholic High School when classes begin, earned his Eagle Scout award in January. His Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held in May at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Salt Lake City, where Bell and his family are members. Bell began the scouting program as a Cub Scout where boys develop ethical decision-making skills in the first through fifth grades. The Cub Scout program begins in the first grade with the rank of Tiger, and emphasizes shared leadership, learning about the community, and family understanding. The Wolf and Bear Cub activities for second and third graders emphasize character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Webelo Scouts for fourth- and fifth-graders participate in more advanced activities that begin to prepare them to become Boy Scouts. Bell said to become an Eagle Scout, you must work your way up through six ranks and fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. Although many options are available to demonstrate proficiency in these areas, a number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks. "You begin by earning your Tenderfoot, and then earn the ranks of Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle," said Bell. "To advance, a Boy Scout must pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges." Bell said merit badges signify the mastery of certain scout craft skills, as well as help to increase a scout’s skill in an area of personal interest. Of the 120 merit badges available, 21 must be earned to qualify for an Eagle. Of this group, 12 badges are required, including first aid, citizenship in the community, citizenship in the nation, citizenship in the world, communications, environmental science, personal fitness, personal management, camping, and family life. In addition, a scout has a choice between emergency preparedness and lifesaving, and a choice among cycling, hiking, and swimming. "Between the ranks of Life and Eagle, the difference is not so much demonstrating skills such as tying knots, as it is service merit badges," said Bell. "I was an altar server from fifth through seventh grade and I continue to earn service hours required at school. "For my Eagle Scout project, I worked at the state capitol with Allyson Gamble, a family friend, and Judith McConkie, both of whom are Preservation Board members," said Bell. "Since the capitol is currently being renovated, they asked me to complete a timeline for the state of Utah and compare it to a timeline of the United States for one of the displays. I had to find different events and dates such as when Utah became a state. I also had to come up with other popular culture topics that would appeal to the youth. Most of the tour groups that go through the capitol are students in the fourth and seventh grades studying Utah history. "I, and the scouts in my group, came up with events such as the Olympics, when the yo-yo was invented, when the Beatles music band became famous in the United States, and when man first walked on the moon," said Bell. "The whole process spanned over three months. "My Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony was organized by my family," said Bell. "This ceremony can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be. I kept mine simple. All of my scouting leaders gave a reading and talked about me personally. My parents spoke about how proud they were of my accomplishments, and I thanked everyone for all their support. I had great leaders. "My troop continues to meet every Wednesday evening, and I plan to help whenever and however I can," said Bell. "My leaders say I can be a good role model for the younger scouts, and help them stay focused on their goals. I know it would have helped to have had the older scouts organize more service projects and merit badge events. I will also be concentrating on school and preparing to graduate. I will play soccer for a club soccer team this fall and for Judge Memorial next spring."
Stay Connected With Us