wildhorse

The time in rank for tenderfoot, 2nd and 1st class were removed but covered by 60 days of physical activity and showing improvement, 5 troop or patrol activities and 10 troop patrol activities. The more active the boy and troop the faster those can be met. Part of the problem is the diversity of skills -- some scouts can cook, read a compass, know first aid etc... before they hit scouting. Others don't have a clue. The phrase "It is about the Boy" should be the guide. It is not good for the boy to be just checked off but to actually learn the skill. This requires active program. Unfortunately, when boys start hitting the ages of 14.5 and up, schools, churchs, sports etc.. start demanding a great deal of there time without bending. I believe this is part of why those motivated to Eagle are younger than originally. Every Eagle that comes out of our troop must be proficent in the skills -- this is just right and best for the boy.

1st rule = don't get caught 2nd rule = clean up scene

To all those who asked: you are welcome to use the post. Please use the source as Scoutmaster Mull's Sons

In Scouting we must remember it is what is best for the boy. As a Scoutmaster and parent I told one of my sons to relax on worrying about his Eagle project. He promptly contacted, setup and wrote up his Eagle project -- then proceeded to get signatures. I was still concerned about maturity and asked another Scoutmaster his opinion. He ask me if this was any other boy what would be my response. I honestly had to reply Great job and let him fly with his project. He received his Eagle at 14. My biggest surprize was the maturity now demonstrated -- due to his determination he grew in so many more ways than just leadership. I am still wondering if he was invaded by aliens but I am glad I backed his diligent efforts instead of expecting him to fall to my expectations

We stepped up to the plate when asked and we are proud of every boy we have gotten to know. But there were a few things we did not realize when we stepped into the Scoutmaster and Asst. Scoutmaster shoes. We did not realize our interactions and time spent with our own sons would be so much less than with the other boys. We did not realize that to make sure my sons did not face what many Scoutmaster's sons deal with (whispers of favoritism) We would insist they performed faster, better and more proficent than any other scout to earned every rank, every award, every merit badge. We did not realize that watching us help others would make our sons do the same. We didn't realize that each time they had to figure it out, practise a skill on their own plus be very good at what ever they were doing, it would teach them to go after the things they want. We spent a great deal of time feeling guilty about the time we did not spend with our boys. It wasn't until their ECOH, we understood their views are so much different ours. They told us: You taught us to strive to be the best at everything we do. You taught us that we could achieve anything with hard work and practise. You taught failing is part of learning and not the end. You taught us to take care of others and help them on their trail -- it will help us also. You showed us you believed in our skills and did not need to hover. We KNOW we have earned every rank, merit badge and award even if we were a Scoutmaster and Ast. scoutmasters' sons. You taught us what the Eagle Challange really means and to not take it lightly. You taught us that even if others are proud of you -- you must be proud of yourself. You taught us Eagle is a beginning. You taught us to soar. We knew you would be there if we fell. But boy it felt good Dad that we could pick ourselves up and go on. Thanks Mom and Dad foreverything and more. We've got it from here.