Some scouts seek to achieve even beyond the rank of Eagle Scout. While this achievement is not recognized
as a "higher" rank, it does exemplify the desire to continue on the path to excellence. Palms are awarded for each additional five merit badges attained beyond the 21 required to attain
Eagle. No specific merit badges are required (as in the case for Eagle) and therefore are open to the interests of the scout. A Bronze Palm there requires a total of 26 merit
badges, 31 for a Gold Palm, and 36 for a Silver Palm. There is no maximum number of merit badges allowed to be earned by any scout, however, it is recommended that no more than two palms
(indicating an earned 51 total merit badges) ever be worn on the Eagle ribbon. Each Palm awarded still requires a Board of Review and coordination with troop leadership.
The award level seems somewhat out of order with Silver being "higher" than Gold. This concept is in keeping with the awards of Silver Beaver and Silver Buffalo in recognizing Silver as
being the highest possible level of achievement in scouting.
After becoming an Eagle Scout, you may earn Palms by completing the following
requirements:
1. Be active in your troop and patrol for at least 3 months after becoming an Eagle Scout or after award of last Palm.
2. Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your everyday life.
3. Make a satisfactory effort to develop and demonstrate leadership ability.
4. Earn five additional merit badges beyond those required for Eagle or last palm. (Merit Badges earned any time since becoming a Boy Scout
may be used to meet this requirement.)
5. Take Part in a Scoutmaster conference.
You may wear only the proper combination of Palms for the number of merit badges you earned beyond the rank of Eagle. The Bronze Palm represents five merit badges, the Gold Palm 10,
and the Silver Palm 15.
Application for Eagle Palms
