Back in February, the W. D. Boyce Council held a special celebration in Bloomington to recognize more than 80 young men and women who earned Eagle Scout, the highest award in Scouts BSA, in 2024. Over the past year I have written about several of these Eagle Scouts, their community service projects, and the adventures they had along the way. 

One of the ideas that adult leaders try to instill in Eagle Scouts candidates is captured in a phrase: “Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle.” It is a way of saying that Eagle Scout is not a box to check and leave behind. The leadership, character, and self-confidence that distinguish an Eagle Scout stay with that person for life. By the time a young man or woman reaches the rank of Eagle Scout, the Scout Oath and Law should be a part of who they are.

I have been involved in Scouting long enough that I believe (and I am not alone) there is something exceptional about Eagle Scouts. Their achievement pushes them to lead, compels them to communicate with others and be part of a team, and teaches lessons about planning, process, and perseverance. It lays the groundwork for a life of community service.

Scouting is by no means the only way to instill these characteristics in young people. Other youth organizations, church, school, sports, and the values and examples of parents and family all help shape young people into healthy, productive adults. But you have to admit, Scouting has a pretty good track record.

Since the first Eagle Scout award was presented in 1912, more than 2 million have earned the rank. That may seem like a lot, but it is only a fraction of the millions who have worn a Scout uniform in 115 years. That is by design. If it was easy, everyone would do it and its value would be diminished.

As leaders and promoters of Scouting, we like to parade out a long list of Eagle Scouts who have gone on to achieve great things in business, science, music, politics, sports, and every other imaginable endeavor. Astronaut Neil Armstrong often tops that list, along with Gerald R. Ford, 40th president of the United States, moviemaker Steven Spielberg and many others. One of the most recent superstar Eagle Scouts is David Montgomery of the Detroit Lions. Check out this inspiring video: https://youtu.be/iWM7OdNM1CU?feature=shared.

These celebrity Eagles are all well and good, but there are many thousands more who are not household names, but whose impact in our communities is profound. They are the people we meet every day: teachers, ministers, police officers, retired and active members of the armed services, EMTs, firefighters, small business owners, electricians, construction workers, plumbers, fathers, mothers, neighbors, co-workers, and friends. You may not know they ever wore a Scouts BSA uniform or served on summer camp staff or learned to start a fire with flint and steel. But they are better at whatever life they have chosen because the Scout Oath and Law guide them in everything they do.

I never achieved Eagle Scout myself, but I have had connections with enough who have taken the journey to know the difference it can make. The imprint of Scouting on so many young lives is real and it is lasting. And you don’t have to be famous for that.

Scout On!

Scott Fishel wears several hats in Scouting, including a longtime association with Troop 178 in Morton. You can contact him at [email protected]. Find a Scout unit in your community at beascout.org.