The window for Eagle boards of review of the Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts is from October 1, 2020 to February 8, 2021. As such, all Eagle Scout credentials will be dated February 8, 2021 so that we commemorate this milestone alongside the recognized “birthday” of the Boy Scouts of America.
This adjustment was implemented so that Scouts were not unfairly prohibited from being part of the Inaugural Class due to COVID-19; however, we recognize that the extended window means that participating Scouts could experience a delay in receiving their Eagle Scout credentials if we waited to process all of the applications as originally planned.
After receiving significant feedback confirming that concern, we have decided to administratively adapt the plan so that the national organization will process the credentials of the Inaugural Class in batches on a rolling basis starting in October as they are received. Due to reduced staffing and to ensure timely response to the Eagle application, only electronic applications will be accepted. Local Councils that need assistance with Scout Executive Verification of Eagle applications can send the scanned paper applications to advancement.team@scouting.org to be processed.
This update:
- Ensures Scouts can reference their Eagle Scout rank for academic, vocational, and military recognition, including scholarships and advanced enlistment grade,
- Enables Scouts earning the Eagle Scout rank to hold their Eagle Courts of Honor right away after getting their credentials so that they do not have to wait to celebrate the achievement until February 2021, and
- Allows the BSA to retain the collective completion date as planned as one Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts and to align with February 8th, the recognized “birthday” of the Boy Scouts of America.
To facilitate processing through the Eagle Form in ScoutNET PAS, certain modifications will be made. The constraints on being age 18 and over will be removed so that the Eagle Form can be initiated and processed, if over 18-years old. In addition, there will be a Default BOR Date entry of February 8, 2021, that must be selected for those in the Inaugural Eagle Class. There will also be a button to set the record as an Inaugural Eagle Class Member. These changes will be released over the next several weeks.
Additionally, the BSA will provide customizable press materials to councils prior to the October 1st window opening so that they are empowered to help Scouts celebrate and commemorate the milestone locally.