My dad earned 42 merit badges...just because 21 was the minumum requirement. I moved on on DeMolay after making Eagle. Served as 7th Preceptor, Senior Councilor and Master Councilor. They needed some leadership. I was able to double the size of the chapter and keep folks active. I headed off to UCSD at age 17 and didn't have much time for Scouts or DeMolay. 18 to 22 units per quarter doesn't leave much free time. I graduated in June 1972 at age 19 with a degree in Molecular Biology.
The broad range of skills acquired in Scouts via merit badges and leadership positions continues to pay dividends. Attaining a particular rank is like getting a gold star on a spelling test. It's what you learned on the way that matters.
Yep. That's what I love about merit badges. My oldest son has 21 now, and my youngest has 15. I hope to keep them going getting as many of them as they find interesting and possible to complete. Even the ones like Bird Study are just incredible for general knowledge and opening their little teenage minds to new things. :-)
I know you meant more than merit badges, too, but I'm just the mom and not really involved in other parts of their Scout lives like my husband is...