The Eagle Scout rank may be achieved by a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or qualified* Venturer or Sea Scout who has a physical or mental
disability by qualifying for alternative merit badges. This does not apply to individual requirements for merit badges. Merit badges are
awarded only when all requirements are met as stated. See the Guide to Advancement, topic 10.2.2.3, for details.
The physical or mental disability must be of a permanent rather than of a temporary nature (or a disability expected to last more than
two years or beyond the 18th birthday). This request must include a written statement from a qualified health-care professional related
to the nature of the disability. This person may be a physician, neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, etc., or an educational
administrator as appropriate.
Before applying, he must earn as many of the Eagle-required merit badges as possible. However, if a permanent disability clearly
precludes completing specific merit badges, a Scout who has earned at least First Class may apply for an alternative merit badge
without waiting until all other Eagle-required merit badges are complete. Any alternatives must present the same challenge and
learning level as those they replace. Unless the Scout has been approved for registration beyond the age of eligibility, all merit badges
must be completed by the 18th birthday (reference Guide to Advancement, topic 10.1.0.1–10.1.0.2).
1. Obtain a clear and concise statement related to the nature of the disability from a qualified health-care professional.
2. The unit leader meets with the candidate and his parent or guardian to determine the alternative merit badges to replace those
impeding his progression.
3. The unit leader, parent or guardian, and the Scout (if possible) prepare supporting letters to accompany the application.
4. The district and council advancement committees, in turn, review the proposed alternative merit badges. They may choose to
speak with the Scout, his parent or guardian, or unit leader. If the council advancement committee approves, then the candidate
may start work on the merit badges.
Note: In approving the application, the district and council advancement committees must utilize the expertise of a health-care
professional involved with youth who have disabilities.
5. Upon completion of the Eagle Scout rank requirements, using the alternative merit badges, the candidate appears before a board
of review. This approved application must be attached to the Eagle Scout Rank Application.
6. Following a successful board of review, the council processes both applications and forwards them to the National Advancement
Program Team. Local council action on alternative merit badges does not require national approval.
The Purpose of the Eagle Scout Award
A recipient of the Eagle Scout Award is a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or qualified Venturer or Sea Scout who applies the principles of the
Scout Oath and Law in his daily life. He has achieved the qualities below with determination and persistence.
• Capacity for leadership and a concern for others
• Ability to help others through skills he has learned
• Ability to live and work cooperatively with others by meeting his responsibility to his unit
• Concern for self by improving his physical fitness to the limits of his resources
Possible alternatives for required merit badges*
* These possible alternatives are merely suggestions that could provide similar learning experiences. The list is not considered all-inclusive. It is
important for unit leaders to use reasonable accommodation and common sense in the application of the alternative merit badge program.
CAMPING
Backpacking
Canoeing
Kayaking
Pioneering
Rowing
Search and
Rescue
Wilderness
Survival
COMMUNICATIONS
Digital Technology
Electronics
Graphic Arts
Journalism
Moviemaking
Photography
Programming
Public Speaking
Radio
Salesmanship
Signs, Signals,
and Codes
EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS
OR LIFESAVING
Fire Safety
Motorboating
Public Health
Radio
Rowing
Safety
Traffic Safety
Wilderness Survival
PERSONAL FITNESS
Archery
Athletics
Backpacking
Canoeing
Climbing
Golf
Horsemanship
Rowing
Skating
Water Sports
SWIMMING,
HIKING,
OR CYCLING
Archery
Athletics
Canoeing
Kayaking
Motorboating
Rowing
Small-Boat Sailing
Snow Sports
ENVIRONMENTAL
SCIENCE OR
SUSTAINABILITY
Energy
Fish and Wildlife
Management
Forestry
Nature
Oceanography
Soil and Water
Conservation
Weather
APPLICATION FOR ALTERNATIVE
EAGLE SCOUT RANK MERIT BADGES
