As scoutmaster, it is my experience that once a scout gets to high school, it gets harder and harder to make time for scouting. I believe that if a scout wants to make Eagle, they should shoot to make it by age 16. I have seen it done by 14, which is amazing. I have seen scouts wait till the day before their 18th birthday, which is nerve racking! The chart below shows different paces to make Eagle. I encourage scouts to look this over, and see how they are doing. I also encourage parents to discuss with scouts their progress, and help them keep on track.
Rank | Target Age | Common Age | Great! | |
Scout | 11 | 11 | 11 | |
Tenderfoot | 11 | 12 | 11 | |
Second Class | 12 | 13 | 12 | |
First Class | 13 | 14 | 12 | |
Star | 14 | 15 | 13 | |
LIfe | 15 | 16 | 14 | |
Eagle | 16 | 17 | 15 |