Below is information pertaining to an extension for new scouts who join during 2019 that are 16/17 years of age. Below is basic information from the BSA document. Please be sure to read the full document which is also attached. It is important when applying for this transition, to work closely with our District’s and/or Council’s Advancement Committee to insure all requirements are completed correctly.
Please consult with your Scoutmaster six months prior to your 18th birthday, if you would like to request an extension. Requests for extensions must be received by the National Council no later than thirty (30) days after turning 18 years of age.
Temporary Transition Rules
On February 1, 2019, the Boy Scouts of America will begin admitting girls into Scouts BSA. One of the characteristics of Scouting—for over a hundred years—is that no matter when you join, however long you stay, or the rank you attain, the Scouting experience prepares you for life. And for some, the pinnacle of their Scouting experience is achieving the highest rank of Eagle Scout.
The policies of the BSA indicate that, except in extraordinary circumstances, a youth desiring to achieve the rank of Eagle must do so before the youth’s 18th birthday. This will continue to be our policy.
It is in the interests of the entire BSA, and in fact our nation, that all girls who join the BSA in 2019 should have an opportunity to earn their Eagle badge should they diligently and promptly complete all requirements. Accordingly, after carefully considering recommendations from stakeholders, including feedback from volunteers and professionals, the National Executive Committee of the Boy Scouts of America has approved the following temporary transition rules regarding extensions for youth over 16 but not yet 18 years of age on February 1, 2019 to complete the requirements for the Eagle Scout award.
To preserve the integrity of the Eagle Scout Award, no exceptions to or waivers of any of the requirements for the Eagle Scout Award are permitted under this limited exception, and all requirements must be completed while the individual is a registered member of Scouts BSA, or after achieving the First Class Rank in Scouts BSA (as specified in the BSA Guide to Advancement).
Since the BSA has determined that the minimum period of elapsed time to complete the requirements of the Eagle Scout rank is approximately 19-20 months, the extension is not available to any youth who is under 16 years of age on February 1, 2019 (as they will have adequate time to earn their Eagle before turning 18) nor to any youth who has already turned 18 years of age on February 1, 2019 (as they will be ineligible to join Scouts BSA).
- Beginning on February 1, 2019, youth 16 years of age or older, but not yet 18, who register as members of Scouts BSA on or before December 31, 2019 may request extensions to complete the Eagle Scout Award requirements after they turn 18 years of age.
- Requests for extensions must be received no later than thirty (30) days after turning 18 years of age. Only the National Council may grant extensions. The actual extension will be based upon the individual’s registration date and age at the time of the request and will provide not more than twenty-four months from the date of initial registration to complete all requirements.
- In the interest of fairness, these temporary transition rules apply to all youth joining Scouts BSA during 2019–both girls and first-time joining boys.
For complete details of this transition, please review the attached document.