Eagle Palms recognize Eagle Scouts who keep growing by earning more merit badges and continuing to lead. Each set of five extra badges earns a Bronze, Gold, or Silver Palm. Any extra badges you earned before Eagle can count right away.
Why it's worth it
An Eagle Palm says you didn't stop at Eagle. Each one stands for five more merit badges and a continued example of leadership in your troop. It's a reason to try subjects you never had time for, like Welding, Programming, or Scuba Diving, and to be the Scout younger members turn to when they're stuck on a rank, a badge, or their own Eagle project.
Start this week
- Count your merit badges beyond the 21 needed for Eagle. Extra badges earned before Eagle can count toward Palms right away.
- List five badges you've always been curious about but never tried.
- Ask your Scoutmaster where the troop needs help most right now, like teaching new Scouts or coaching a Life Scout on their project.
- Message a counselor for your first Palm badge, with a parent copied.
Requirements · 3
Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab) (updated 2025).
Note: Extra merit badges you have when your Eagle is validated earn Palms right away, one for every 5 beyond the 21; after that, earn more Palms with these requirements.
- Requirement 1
Since earning Eagle or your last Palm, show Scout spirit by living the Oath and Law; share how you've carried out your duty to God and lived the Oath and Law day to day
Tip: Keep living Scout spirit after Eagle. Be ready to share examples and talk about your duty to God.
For example: Share a recent example of Scout spirit, like staying with a younger Scout who struggled on a long hike, and talk about how your duty to God or your values have grown since your Eagle board of review.
- Requirement 2
Keep setting a good example by taking on responsibility or showing leadership
Tip: Mentor younger Scouts, take on a troop role, or lead a project. Your example matters even more now.
For example: Leadership after Eagle might be teaching the new-Scout patrol to cook, coaching a Life Scout through their project proposal, serving as a troop instructor, or working on summer camp staff.
- Requirement 3
Earn 5 more merit badges beyond those needed for Eagle or your last Palm (any earned since you became a Scout count); Bronze = 5, Gold = 10, Silver = 15
Tip: Track your badges beyond Eagle and plan the next five. Try badges in areas you've never explored, like a trade or a new sport.
For example: A Bronze Palm set could explore new ground: Welding, Programming, Public Speaking, Wilderness Survival, and Kayaking. For Gold or Silver, try five in a career field you're thinking about.
Ask yourself
- What do you want to learn now that Eagle isn't the goal anymore?
- Which younger Scout have you helped most since Eagle, and what did you learn from it?
- How has being an Eagle Scout changed the way you act at school or work?
- Which new merit badge surprised you the most?
Good questions to ask your Scoutmaster
- Where could I make the biggest difference in the troop right now?
- Which Scouts could use a mentor, and how should I approach it?
- Which merit badges have older Scouts enjoyed most after Eagle?
Helpful reads
For leaders & parents
- Recognize Palm earners at courts of honor so younger Scouts see that growth continues after Eagle.
- Invite Eagle Scouts to teach skills or mentor younger Scouts as part of their continued leadership.
People & places that can help
- Scoutmaster — Can help track Palm progress and leadership opportunities.
- Merit badge counselors — Talk with them early; they can explain what each badge expects.
- Scouting America (opens in a new tab) — Official Palm rules and merit badge requirements.
- Scouting America Merit Badges (opens in a new tab) — Browse every merit badge and its requirements to plan your next five.
- National Eagle Scout Association (opens in a new tab) — Ways for Eagle Scouts to stay connected, serve, and learn about scholarships.
Pairs well with
Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.