Eagle question

[RandyPrice]

Has this happened to you? Been asked to be part of an Eagle BOR and feel that the Scout in question isn't really Eagle material? I was recently asked to be on the Eagle BOR of one of our scouts that I have known for many years. It was openly known that he was bribed to complete his Eagle. He had a crappy attitude towards scouting and only did it to achieve his bribe. I spoke with several of the other people on the BOR and was told if a scout has fulfilled all the requirements you really can't deny them their Eagle. I guess it's true but to me it diminishes the achievement.

[King Ding Dong]

That's a tough one. What about the parent that says you can't get your drivers license until you get your Eagle ? Or if you want to go on that senior trip ? I suspect many parents use a stick or carrot. I suppose a lot on how it framed. Prove to me you can be responsible if you want the use of my car.

[Horizon]

His inspiration might not be right, but if he lives by Oath and Law and did the work - he has earned it.

 

Some get Eagle without trying - they just do it because they love Scouting and wake up one day and realize that all that they need is a project.

Some want a checkbox for college applications, are prevented from getting their driver's license, are bribed somehow, etc.

 

This one sounds pretty clean in knowing about the outside influence - but was he a good Scout?

 

I have several boys in my unit who are dragged to meetings and campouts by mothers who know nothing about Scouting, but want their boys in it (Asian immigrant community). I consider it part of my job to make the boys like and enjoy Scouting - since they have to be here anyways.

[Eagledad]

Actually I have seen Boards deny Eagles for not demonstrating scout spirit. But National rarely supports that reasoning. You can make a personal statement though. Barry

[Stosh]

If one has a problem with serving on an EBOR because of the issues described, the simple solution to the whole thing is... "No, thank you". One doesn't need to participate in issues they feel uncomfortable about.

 

Stosh

[packsaddle]

'openly known.....' If that's the case, the problem started long before the EBOR. And it's the failure of the program as much as the boy. If he has all the requirements signed off and if he 'passes' the review (remember, it is a review, not a test) then he's going to advance. The time to address all this was years ago. Use this as a 'wake up call' for the leaders...the boy is done.

[frankpalazzi]

If one has a problem with serving on an EBOR because of the issues described, the simple solution to the whole thing is... "No, thank you". One doesn't need to participate in issues they feel uncomfortable about.

 

Stosh

Agreed. I, too, would just politely decline.

[fred johnson]

'openly known.....' If that's the case, the problem started long before the EBOR. And it's the failure of the program as much as the boy. If he has all the requirements signed off and if he 'passes' the review (remember, it is a review, not a test) then he's going to advance. The time to address all this was years ago. Use this as a 'wake up call' for the leaders...the boy is done.

Very well said. The EBOR is not the time to present a new standard to the scout. Create a feedback loop to the unit leaders and ask them what happened. Help the unit leaders develop ways to deal with and improve such advancement.

[Basementdweller]

So explain to me again, why these unscout like boys get to the EBOR and their crappy attitudes, thieving, fighting, drug abusing, porno watchin, and general bad influences are all of a sudden a problem.

 

 

No sympathy here.... You should have spoke up at second class, first class, star or life.......You missed your chance for quality control.

 

The SM has failed as well. He needs to grow a pair and learn to say no..... Of course the SM might think the lad is fine.

[King Ding Dong]

So explain to me again, why these unscout like boys get to the EBOR and their crappy attitudes, thieving, fighting, drug abusing, porno watchin, and general bad influences are all of a sudden a problem.

 

 

No sympathy here.... You should have spoke up at second class, first class, star or life.......You missed your chance for quality control.

 

The SM has failed as well. He needs to grow a pair and learn to say no..... Of course the SM might think the lad is fine.

Unless the OP is IH or COR he can speak up until he turns blue. He has no power other than to leave the troop.

[Basementdweller]

So explain to me again, why these unscout like boys get to the EBOR and their crappy attitudes, thieving, fighting, drug abusing, porno watchin, and general bad influences are all of a sudden a problem.

 

 

No sympathy here.... You should have spoke up at second class, first class, star or life.......You missed your chance for quality control.

 

The SM has failed as well. He needs to grow a pair and learn to say no..... Of course the SM might think the lad is fine.

Sure he has power......

 

How many campfires did he share with the SM and CC? He should have spoke up. I now have two ASM's and I listen to what they say.

 

I am not talking about tearing the youth to shreds in a conversation..... Just mention your concern. Boy rotten scout jimmy said that his dad will get him a new playstation if he earns Star. or Dad said jimmy rotten scout will get a car if he earns Eagle.

 

Many times the SM, I know I am, is completely oblivious to this nonsense, especially in a larger troop.

 

But again, Maybe the SM doesn't see things the same way as the OP

[WAKWIB]

So explain to me again, why these unscout like boys get to the EBOR and their crappy attitudes, thieving, fighting, drug abusing, porno watchin, and general bad influences are all of a sudden a problem.

 

 

No sympathy here.... You should have spoke up at second class, first class, star or life.......You missed your chance for quality control.

 

The SM has failed as well. He needs to grow a pair and learn to say no..... Of course the SM might think the lad is fine.

When I've seen some bad apples reach Eagle, they are usually the son of the SM or CC. Even if they are not, it's still obvious that they have been given a pass on many requirements along the way. Hopefully, situations like this are the exception and not the rule in the OP's troop.

[qwazse]

I see two options for the OP, Decline participation in the BOR making clear that your understanding of the boy's character doesn't warrant a BOR. Participate, express your reservations to the boy, and ask him to explain how you may be mistaken. I would only suggest this to a scouter who has worked with a lot of boys and sat in on a number of BORs.

[jpstodwftexas]

I was just removed from a Troop's Committee because Troop Scoutmaster was chicken SH*T. I showed up in Full Uniform, I sat in on BOR along with the ASM and 2 Other Committee Members. I work hard to set a good example, but he is the Star Quarterback. And He gets what he wants. If Your Not One of the Good Ol' Boys..you have Problems. If Your asked to sit on an Eagle BOR and Feel that the Scouts today are not earning Eagle politely refuse and don't explain yourself other than a Polite " I am sorry but I have already agreed to help a friend do something that night type answer." If you ruffle feathers your on the outs like I am.

[qwazse]

I was just removed from a Troop's Committee because Troop Scoutmaster was chicken SH*T. I showed up in Full Uniform, I sat in on BOR along with the ASM and 2 Other Committee Members. I work hard to set a good example, but he is the Star Quarterback. And He gets what he wants. If Your Not One of the Good Ol' Boys..you have Problems. If Your asked to sit on an Eagle BOR and Feel that the Scouts today are not earning Eagle politely refuse and don't explain yourself other than a Polite " I am sorry but I have already agreed to help a friend do something that night type answer." If you ruffle feathers your on the outs like I am.

Oh, I forgot to mention that standing your ground can sometimes wind up with you finding yourself with a little more free time.