Re: Early Eagles

Calvin's views are very sage. It is wholly inappropriate to delay or
attempt to restrict Scouts on their path to Eagle. Often leaders attempt
to do this in the well-intended, but yet misguided hope of "keeping the
Scout in the program longer"...or wanting them to "be more mature before
they achieve the award because it will mean so much more to them..."
Each Scout is an individual, and cannot be stereotyped by age,
personality, or other traits. But if they have the "fire" to seek and
achieve the Eagle, they should be encouraged, not thwarted.

Delaying actions can result in Scouts becoming frustrated and leaving the
unit altogether. Troops that have well rounded and exciting programs and
promote special opportunities (high adventure, Exploring, jamboree,
active camping, aquatics, etc.) will find that Scouts tend to become
excited about those programs. Hence they
remain active longer, even when they become older teens and are faced with
more competition for their time and interests (sports, band, "gasoline and
perfume" etc.) In practice we have found that Scouts active in such
programs "slow down" a little on advancement to enjoy the program
activities and events, and wind up achieving Eagle later in their teens.
Some zoom right up to Life when they are 12 or 13, then hold for a few
years to actually complete Eagle, but it is *their choice* and not
something leaders should attempt to manipulate.

Moreover, some never reach Eagle, by choice, yet they are getting just as
much out of the program as some of the Eagles are. One Scout told me, I
don't want to be an Eagle, I just want to enjoy the camping and
activities, and although it wasn't what I wanted to hear, I respected his
views. He went to a World and a National
Jamboree, was an Explorer, and thoroughly enjoyed years of outdoor/high
adventure activities. He didn't get Eagle, and yet
turned out to be just as outstanding if not more so than some of the young
men who have earned the award.

The Eagle is certainly a milestone, but is not a finale. Just as
commencement really means a beginning, so to is the Eagle Award. What a
wonderful opportunity to have younger Eagle Scouts remaining active with
the unit and passing on their skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm to the
younger Scouts. And for those who choose other paths, and leave Scouting
after earning the Eagle Award, that is certainly their prerogative, but
the fact they left as Eagles is so much better than never achieving that
wonderful goal.

Help them to have exciting opportunities such as Exploring, High
Adventure, National and World Jamborees, and the richness of life that
is embodied in Scouting, and most will not only remain
active, but will return the favor in countless and untold ways throughout
their lives.

Best wishes,

Bob Amick, Explorer Advisor, High Adventure Explorer Post 72, Boulder, CO
Longs Peak Council Exploring Training Chair

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