Requirement · part of 7.0.4.5. Choosing Eagle-required badges for Star or Life
7.0.4.5. All of a set count for Life; only one counts for Eagle
Required Often forgotten
A Scout who earns Cycling, Hiking and Swimming has three that count as Eagle-required for Life rank. Only one of them serves toward the merit badges required for Eagle; the other two count toward the optional badges making up the total of 21.
Notes and warnings
Note. The arithmetic that confuses people. Cycling, Hiking and Swimming are all Eagle-required, so all three count toward the "any three" for Life. At Eagle only one of the three can fill that slot; the other two become part of the optional badges making up 21.
Where this step comes from
- Guide to Advancement (2025), Section 7.0.4.5 · All three of Cycling, Hiking and Swimming count as Eagle-required for Life; only one serves toward Eagle.