2025 Eagle Rank Application

Scoutbook New Scoutbook Feature Requests
1

there is a new 2025 Eagle Rank application out when should I see it in ScoutBOOK? have 3 scouts every soon who will need it.

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2

Unfortunately, the Scouts BSA program office did not provide IT with an advanced copy so it will take some time to get the new application implemented. The developers are aware of the need and will get it implemented. Watch the Change Log for an announcement.

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3

ok, will be on the lookout for it, thanks

4

With GTA Changes I do not expect most council Advancement Committees to be up and running for this by 1/1/25 - it will take some time.

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5

Since the Corporation Name Change takes place on February 8, 2025, I am guessing that the new form (December 2024) will be required after that date. Hopefully, Scoutbook will incorporate the change prior to that date.

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6

@FrankBailey

The updated application has been released but BSA IT was not given an advance copy. The developers are now working to switch Scoutbook to the updated version. Watch the Change Log category for its availability.

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7

There are multiple issues with the new December 2024 Eagle Scout Rank application (ESRA). In my opinion, these issues make this new form unusable, until it’s updated. I have emailed Garfield Murden with the details.

Summary: It appears that whomever updated the previous fillable PDF form, did not fully test or check their changes. Here is a small list of the major issues:

  1. The “date joined” block in the upper right, does not correctly size the font of the entered dates, so this results in unviewable and non-printable info.
  2. ALL date fields on the entire form, allows both alpha and numeric data, and does not limit the year fields to two numbers. This allows non-valid data in the two-digit year field.
  3. In the requirement #2 reference fields, the “auto-font” resize was not enabled, limiting how much viewable data can be entered. Also the Name block is more narrow than it could be, it needs to be resized. All entry fields in Req #2 need auto-font resize re-enabled.
  4. The zip code field in the upper left corner, for the candidate does not allow Zip+4 format
  5. In the requirement #3 non-eagle MB fields, auto-font resize is disabled, you cannot enter legible merit badge names.
  6. The Life rank board of review date on page 1 is no longer linked to the same data on page 2, as it was in all previous versions of the ESRA
  7. The fields are not correctly set for expected “tab order”. Tab order is where the cursor pops to expected next logical field, with each successive tap of the tab key. For those of us who touch type, it’s very frustrating to pop all over the form, when you should get to the next logical field.
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8

Agreed on issues listed. Bravo to GanttEdmiston for the succinctly captured bug list.

I have 2 prospective Eagle Scouts & I’m attempting to help them fill out the form electronically but have resorted to printing the applications. Regardless, I’ve continued to pursue troubleshooting the electronic version. I’ve tried 2 different Windows laptops - 1 with Adobe Pro, 1 with Adobe Reader. I’ve tried troubleshooting approaches on both systems which landed me on this thread after multiple, unsuccessful attempts to correct the form.

PLEASE upload a properly formatted/updated Eagle Scout application ASAP but only AFTER ensuring the changes allow for a successful completion by the candidate. Filling out this form should not be the most difficult step in an Eagle Scout’s application process.

9

National does not monitor these forums.

If needed ASAP, I’d do one of 2 things. a) Use a “full” version of Adobe Acrobat to put text on top of the fields or b) print and breakout the old pen. I assume no one still has a type writer.

To get it fixed, someone will have to request their council open a member care ticket.

You can also email advancement.team@scouting.org. I have no idea how responsive the people on the other end are.

10

Thanks Matt! I didn’t know National doesn’t have eyes on these posts.

I’m fortunate enough to have a full Adobe license & I started to go down that route – putting text boxes on top of the existing fields – but realized the masses aren’t going to necessarily have that option nor know how to tackle it even if they do have a full license! That’s what brought me to the forum.

Noted on going thru local council & sending an email to advancement.team@scouting.org. I’ll go at it both ways & see what I can stir up.

As for the typewriter… so you’re saying that all the young whipper-snappers these days aren’t asking for both an iPhone & a Smith Corona?! I’m SHOCKED!

Happy New Year!

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11

I can confirm that this is still an issue. I had a scout email me last night asking how to work around the issues with data being cut off or fonts not resizing.

He had the old app all done and signed - just hadn’t sent it to council yet. He was only filling the new one out “to be safe”.

It would be good to have some dates that make it clearer for scouts in this transition period. Dates like “do not use old app after” or “new app must be used starting” or “both will be acceptable until”.

12

Release is not known - I would also check with your council to see if they are even ready for what this process calls for - Most are not as it is a rather large change with references - see if they are demanding the 2025 EA or not as all the same data (other than Ref changes) is on the old one.

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13

My son just filled out the new application, available at https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/512-72825-Eagle-Scout-Application_WEB.pdf and we are seeing the same issues.

Create Fillable PDF Online will allow me to open up the document and see the fields and edit them, but when we save the form it is broken again.

Thanks for making a clear post about the issue.

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