Subject: Re: Completion of all the requirements-standards
Amick Robert (amick@SPOT.COLORADO.EDU)
Tue, 8 Oct 1996 14:22:31 -0600
On Tue, 8 Oct 1996, Thomas C. Stoddard wrote:
> I have. Otherwise I couldn't look the 15-year old in the eye who
>dutifully went through a complete 90-day project according to the written
>requirements --
> > Bruce E. Cobern wrote:
>> I'm sure we ALL (who have worked in Advancement over any extended period
>> time) come across the Scout who wakes up to the 3 month requirement for
>> Personal Management MB two months before his 18th birthday. I am also
>> sure that most of these Scouts somehow manage to complete the MB. How
>> many of us have looked such a Scout in the eye and said "forget it,
>>there is no way you can now make Eagle?"
Bruce is once again, right on!
May I assume you would deny the Eagle for the "near 18 year old" on that
basis? Seems a little "harsh" especially if the candidate was not given a
"heads up" by the adults who are supposed to be keeping an eye on his
advancement. Perhaps such such an oversight constitutes extenuating
circumstances which are worthy of a "second look." The counterpoint will
always be "well we can't do everything for them" but under the
circumstances it seems they have otherwise fulfilled all the requirements
and are only constrained by one relatively small aspect.
Have you considered the lifelong impact this would have on a
Scout? Is it really worth punishing him to that degree? Is it not better
to look at the "larger picture" and give the Scout the benefit of the
doubt? He might learn far more from someone who is compassionate and
understanding than from having a "door slammed in his face."
There is an old axiom that the "spirit of the law" is far more important
than the "letter of the law" and this axiom is utilized in virtually every
aspect of our society from the judiciary down through voluntary
organizations such as Scouting. The end product or the destination is far
more important than the path followed in the process of arriving so long
as a "good faith effort" has been made to get there.
It is highly likely
that if you ask the 15 year old who has "dutifully" completed the
requirements, to put himself in the position of the "near 18-year old" who
is in such a situation, "how would he like to be treated?"; I would give
you good odds that the 15 year old would opt for similar understanding,
especially when the "stakes" are that high;
And to anticipate another counterpoint: "no, we are not sending
the 'wrong' message;" rather we are demonstrating some humanity and belief
in the character, potential, and spirit of the Scout!
Bob Amick, Explorer Advisor, High Adventure Explorer Post 72, Boulder, CO
Eagle Scout Project Counselor, Longs Peak Council
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
