Los jóvenes con retraso mental pueden ser registrados antes de completar los requisitos de la insignia Scout (en la Solicitud del joven se especifico la condición del mismo). La Memorización no será necesario para aprender el Juramento, Ley, Lema o Lema, una comprensión del contenido es la meta. Adelanto requisitos pueden ser modificados y adaptados a las necesidades individuales y las insignias de merito pueden trabajarse con de forma alternativa, siempre con su aprobación a nivel de Distrito.

Artículo XI, Sección 3, Cláusula 19 de las Reglas y reglamentos BSA dice en parte: ... en virtud de las normas y reglamentos que se pueden prescribir en consulta con las autoridades médicas, el registro de los niños que son retrasados mentales o discapacitados físicos gravemente ... como los Cub Scouts ... más de 18 años de edad como los Boy Scouts, Scouts o Varsity, y registro de los adultos jóvenes ... más de 21 años de edad como Exploradores, y la participación de cada uno en los respectivos programas de promoción mientras estaba registrado, se autoriza.

Este es un listado de posibles alternativas en adelantos para el joven, después de llenar y que sea aprobada la solicitud:

Possible alternates for required merit badges*

CAMPING: Backpacking, Canoeing, Cooking, Rowing

COMMUNICATIONS: Cinematography, Computers, Electronics, Graphic Arts, Journalism, Photography, Public Speaking, Radio, Salesmanship.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS OR LIFESAVING: Fire Safety, Motorboating, Public Health, Radio, Rowing, Traffic Safety, Wilderness Survival

PERSONAL FITNESS: Archery, Athletics, Backpacking, Canoeing, Climbing, Golf, Horsemanship, Orienteering, Pioneering, Rowing, Skating, Water Skiing.

SWIMMING, HIKING, OR CYCLING: Archery, Athletics, Canoeing, Motorboating, Rowing, Small Boat Sailing, Snow Sports.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: Archaeology, Energy, Fish and Wildlife Management, Forestry, Geology, Nature, Oceanography, Soil and Water Conservation, Weather

*These possible alternates are suggested to give each person, involved in selecting an alternate, a list to choose from that could provide similar learning experience. If, after a careful review of the requirements, it does not seem possible that the individual can meet the requirements of one of the suggested alternates, apply for other alternates, using this form.

It is important that unit leaders use reasonable accommodation and common sense in the application of the alternate merit badge program. This plan is designed to provide advancement opportunity for Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, or Venturers with disabilities.

Application for Alternate Eagle Scout Award Merit Badges

Requirement 5 has been deleted.

Requirements 6 - 11 have been renumbered to 5 - 10. They now read as follows:

1. The Eagle Scout rank may be achieved by a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or qualified* Venturer who has a physical or mental disability by qualifying for alternate merit badges. This does not apply to individual requirements for merit badges. Merit badges are awarded only when all requirements are met as stated.

2. The physical or mental disability must be of a permanent rather than a temporary nature.

3. A clear and concise medical statement concerning the Scout's disabilities must be made by a physician licensed to practice medicine, or an evaluation statement must be certified by an educational administrator.

4. The candidate must earn as many of the required merit badges as his ability permits before applying for an alternate Eagle Scout rank merit badge.

5. The Application for Alternate Eagle Scout Award Merit Badges, No. 58-730  PDF (463 KB) (2008 Edition), must be completed prior to qualifying for alternate merit badges.

6. The alternate merit badges chosen must be of such a nature that they are as demanding of effort as the required merit badges.

7. When alternates chosen involve physical activity, they must be approved by the physician.

8. The unit leader and the board of review must explain that to attain the Eagle Scout rank a candidate is expected to do his best in developing himself to the limit of his resources.

9. The application must be approved by the council committee responsible for advancement, utilizing the expertise of professional persons involved in Scouting for the disabled.

10. The candidate's application for Eagle must be made on the Eagle Scout Rank Application, with the Application for Alternate Eagle Scout Award Merit Badges attached.

* In order for a Venturer to be an Eagle candidate, he must have achieved the First Class rank as a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout.