Eagle Palms

Eagle Palms are a way for Eagle Scouts to keep learning and growing after reaching the Eagle Scout rank. These awards recognize Scouts who have earned extra merit badges beyond the 21 required for Eagle Scout. By working on Eagle Palms, Scouts stay active in their troops and continue to develop important skills. Each Palm represents a commitment to self-improvement and learning.

Earning Eagle Palms allows Scouts to keep exploring new interests. Each additional merit badge covers unique skills or subjects, from sports to technology, and helps Scouts learn more about their world. Eagle Palms give Scouts the chance to go beyond the basics, challenging them to gain new knowledge and abilities.

Eagle Palms also encourage Scouts to set an example in their troop and community. By staying involved and leading others, Eagle Scouts build leadership skills and show younger Scouts the importance of hard work and dedication. This involvement helps make the troop stronger and encourages a culture of service and teamwork.

Finally, working toward Eagle Palms helps Scouts continue living the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law in their everyday lives. They keep setting goals and pushing themselves, even after achieving Eagle Scout rank. Earning Eagle Palms shows a commitment to personal growth, responsibility, and helping others.

Download the Eagle Palms Requirements

Eagle Palms Workbook / Worksheet

Eagle Palms Check Off Sheet

Help with Answers for Eagle Palms Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the Eagle Palms requirements listed below.

Showing Scout Spirit: Living the Scout Oath and Law Every Day

To earn Eagle Palms, Scouts need to show Scout spirit by actively living out the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law in their daily lives. This isn’t just about knowing the words—it’s about truly following these principles in everything you do. Scout spirit means being trustworthy, helpful, and kind, not just in Scouting but in school, at home, and in your community.

Doing your duty to God is also an important part of this requirement. This might mean setting aside time for personal reflection, attending religious services, or helping others in ways that reflect your beliefs and values. The goal is to show respect, service, and responsibility, staying mindful of your duty in both small actions and bigger decisions.

For the Eagle Palm requirement, think of specific ways you’ve put the Scout Oath and Law into practice since reaching Eagle Scout or earning your last Palm. Maybe you’ve helped organize a service project, shown loyalty by supporting friends or family, or taken on extra responsibility in your troop. Scouts can share examples like volunteering, helping classmates, or showing patience and kindness at home.

For more suggestions on Scout spirit and examples of living these values, check out my article on Scout Spirit. Showing Scout spirit is about making these principles part of who you are and continuing to grow as a positive role model in your troop and community.

Leading by Example: Showing Responsibility and Leadership

For Eagle Palms, Scouts need to set an example by accepting responsibility and demonstrating leadership. This requirement encourages Eagle Scouts to keep growing as leaders and role models. It’s about stepping up, staying dependable, and supporting others in your troop and community. When you lead by example, you show younger Scouts what it means to live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Taking responsibility can mean different things. It might involve taking charge of a troop activity, like organizing a campout or a service project. It could also mean handling your own tasks well, whether it’s keeping track of gear, managing your time, or being prepared for troop meetings. When you show that you are responsible, others learn to trust you and may even follow your lead.

Demonstrating leadership doesn’t always mean having a formal position. Leading can also mean guiding others, helping new Scouts, or encouraging your patrol to work together. Look for small ways to lead, like showing others a skill, lending a hand, or stepping in when someone needs support. You might even suggest new ideas to make activities better for everyone.

Earning Eagle Palms means showing that you are a reliable, respectful leader who works well with others. Keep looking for chances to accept responsibility, lead by example, and make a positive difference in your troop and community.

Earning Extra Merit Badges: Growing Skills with Each Eagle Palm

To earn Eagle Palms, Scouts continue to challenge themselves by earning more merit badges beyond the 21 required for Eagle rank. For every five additional merit badges, a Scout can receive a new Palm: Bronze for five badges, Gold for 10, and Silver for 15. These Eagle Palms encourage Scouts to keep exploring new interests and developing skills in a wide range of areas.

You can choose new merit badges based on your interests or hobbies. For example, you might work on Photography if you enjoy taking pictures, or Game Design if you like creating games. Fishing is a great choice if you want to improve your outdoor skills, and Wood Carving lets you explore creative craftsmanship. Merit badges like Animation or Inventing can be fun if you want to try something completely new.

See the complete list of merit badges here.

By earning additional merit badges, Scouts show a commitment to learning and personal growth. Working on new badges also keeps you involved in the troop and often provides chances to teach skills to younger Scouts. Each Eagle Palm represents not only the badges you’ve earned but also the time and effort you’ve put into developing new abilities and achieving personal goals.

Recognizing Eagle Palms

If you’re looking for ways to recognize Eagle Palms, this helpful resource offers ideas on honoring Eagle Scouts who earn these awards. One suggestion is to recognize Eagle Palms at regular troop Courts of Honor, and for Scouts nearing age 18, consider a “career accomplishments” presentation. This can include highlights of their Scouting journey, displays of memorabilia, and moments for the Scout to share memories. This type of recognition shows younger Scouts the lifelong adventure in Scouting and honors the Scout’s achievements. For more information, check out this article on recognizing Eagle Palms.

What are Eagle Palms?

They are awards that Eagle Scouts can earn by completing additional merit badges beyond the 21 required for Eagle rank. Each Palm shows extra achievement and a commitment to learning.

How many merit badges do I need for each Eagle Palm?

For every five additional merit badges, you earn one Eagle Palm. The Bronze Palm represents five merit badges, the Gold Palm 10, and the Silver Palm 15.

Do Eagle Palms have requirements beyond earning merit badges?

Yes. Besides earning five additional merit badges, you also need to demonstrate Scout spirit, accept responsibility, and show leadership. This includes living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life.

When can I start working on Eagle Palms?

You can begin earning Eagle Palms as soon as you earn your Eagle Scout rank. Any merit badges beyond the 21 required for Eagle count toward your first Palm.

Can I wear all of my Eagle Palms at the same time?

You can only wear the proper combination of Palms for the total number of extra merit badges you’ve earned. For example, if you have earned 20 additional badges, you would wear a Silver Palm and a Bronze Palm.

How do Eagle Palms benefit me?

Eagle Palms encourage you to stay active in Scouting, build new skills, and serve as a role model. Each Palm shows your dedication to personal growth and helping others.

Do Eagle Palms have an age limit?

Yes, you must earn all Eagle Palms before your 18th birthday. This is the same age requirement as for earning the Eagle Scout rank.

Eagle Palms give Eagle Scouts the chance to keep learning, growing, and challenging themselves after earning the Eagle rank. These awards recognize Scouts who continue to earn merit badges and set examples of leadership and responsibility. For each five additional merit badges, Scouts can earn one Palm: Bronze for five badges, Gold for 10, and Silver for 15. Each Eagle Palm represents more time, effort, and commitment to learning.

Earning Eagle Palms allows Scouts to dive into new interests. Each new merit badge completed opens up a new skill or hobby, like photography, camping, or personal fitness. These badges keep Scouts engaged, helping them stay active in Scouting and develop valuable life skills.

Beyond earning extra badges, Eagle Palms require Scouts to show ongoing leadership and Scout spirit. This means following the Scout Oath and Scout Law every day and taking on roles that help others. Earning Eagle Palms shows a dedication to personal growth, setting goals, and contributing to the troop and community.

For Eagle Scouts, Eagle Palms are a chance to keep pushing forward, learning new things, and setting a strong example for other Scouts. These awards honor those who keep reaching higher, showing that the path doesn’t end at Eagle rank.