Congratulations! I think, unfortunately, every post in this thread is correct. Both sides of the issue. Sadly, the SM has been reduced to a signature on a piece of paper for a boy to achieve Eagle. The rank itself is being reduced to a set of requirements to be fulfilled.
While it seems this particular Scout is an exception, many young scouts are pushed to Eagle by their parents as early as possible. Most times this leads to scouts either burning out early or worse, leaving scouting after achieving it's highest rank. In scouting as in most things in life, the process is infinitely more important than the result. The rank is designed to recognize those scouts who show exceptional leadership and scout spirit in the troop environment.
The singular most important components to what makes a true Eagle Scout are Leadership and Scout Spirit. These two aspects of the Eagle rank are diminished by BSA making it easier to be an Eagle (by reducing it to a set of requirements).
One question that was not answered. How did this scout do an Eagle project with out his Scoutmasters approval? Did this troop committee, district, and council approve all the preliminary requirements without the Scoutmaster's knowledge or endorsement? Is the first time the SM was brought into the equation when the scout asked for a SM Conference?
Sir, I hope your son stays in scouting and gives back at least until his 18th birthday.
TES
