As a long-time Scoutmaster, I'd respectfully suggest that Boy Scouting isn't about achieving the rank of Eagle Scout or about earning merit badges. Learning citizenship and leadership, and learning to live the Scout Law and Scout Oath are the goals.
If you read traditional BSA literature, that's what will be stated as the goal of Scouting. One of the finest Scouts I've ever had the pleasure to know left the Troop at the age of eighteen as a First Class Scout. He lived the Law and Oath and went on every campout and service project. He taught every younger Scout and led by example.
After several Scoutmaster's Conferences and talks with his parents, it became clear that he wasn't concerned with rank. He wanted to learn and teach Scouting skills, to camp, to serve, and to teach.
The rank of Eagle Scout is a high ideal, but I've seen too many young men who wear the rank of Eagle Scout who never truly earned it - and too many First Class, Star, Life - or even Tenderfoot Scouts - who better exemplify what it means to be a Boy Scout.
And don't get me started on fourteen-year-old Eagle Scouts.
How about 13 year old Eagle Scouts? ;^)
I was involved in a discussion with an LdS Scouter last night who, in his zeal to promote LdS Scouting, used the example of a 13 year old "Eagle" to try and make his point.
However, I do have to give Scoutmaster's post a big bump. What he says is absolutely correct.
I have learned to "categorize" Scouts 3 ways;
1. those who are gung-ho, love Scouting and are Eagle bound,
2. those who enjoy it, want to be with friends, but are not rank motivated, and
3. those who are there only because parent(s) make them attend.
The first two are easy to work with, the third, not so much, but try and teach them the values contained within the Oath and Law.
That's why I enjoy being a leader so much, so many types of Scouts and just as many ways to have an impact on their lives.
Scouts (and the Amish) will inherit the Earth.
Oh... Hillybilly Hand Fishers will too!