Big Bird

@ Moosetracker: I would think then that perhaps the Troop should focus on being an exceptional Troop. Children learn what they live, if it is a mediocre Troop, I suspect it will produce mediocre Scouts. I thought the idea of Scouting was to build character and self-reliance - that needs to be taught, especially in today's world of bullying, irresponsibility and dependence upon "the system". And it needs to be taught by example. @ packsaddle: There is a second post, does that make you feel better?

FYI I earned my Eagle rank in January 1963, I was 13 1/2. I passed my BOR in February. The rule at that time was that you had to be 14 to be awarded the badge. The matter came to the attention of then President Kennedy who had had the same issue when he was 13. The President intervened and the rule was changed. I was officially awarded my badge 29 days before my 14th birthday, and to the best of my knowledge was the first to have been so honored. President Kennedy was to be my sponsor at the Eagle Scout Recognition dinner later that year, but he was killed in Dallas 6 days before. I can assure you that while my Mom facilitated by driving me to Merit Badge counselors, camp and the like when necessary; I was both very adult and very self-motivated. I was not pushed along by anyone, I applied myself and earned every award and office I ever got. I was the Senior Patrol Leader in a Troop of 150 run completely by the Scouts themselves. We would take 100 to summer camp, 120 to Camporee, and never had an issue. I was the second Eagle in the Troops history. Things were different back then. Character, integrity, responsibility and commitment were the hallmarks of the Badge then, I would suggest that they be today as well. Age is irrelevant.