Re: Cracked "Eagle" Egg

Linda:

The tendency of parents and leaders to compel Scouts to achieve rank
through negative reinforcement ("...get Eagle NOW or quit...") is
absolutely the wrong approach. Anyone who understands teenagers will know
that first it is disrespectful and humiliating for them, and second, it is
rightfully THEIR decision as to when and under what circumstances they
wish to proceed. The old adage that "..honey attracts more flies than
vinegar.." can be applied in this situation. Many teenagers react to such
negative reinforcement with an unparalleled stubbornness because they are
in effect being "told what to do" with no input or discussion from them.

Use the method of quietly providing "windows of opportunity" for the
Scout. Often, Scouts tend to look at the magnitude of achieving Eagle as
an "elephant" and need to be shown that the task can be achieved easily
"one bite at a time." Then you can help the Scout look at what he can
easily achieve by assessing what merit badges remain for him to do, and
who might be available to help him on completing them. Similarly, if the
project is the "stumbling block," take a little time to brainstorm some
project ideas, help him to narrow down choices and pick one he really
is interested in doing, and then help him select resource persons and
contacts to actually facilitate the project. You will find that little
perks such as this are greatly appreciated by the Scout and often result
in his becoming highly motivated to finish. In so doing, you have helped
the Scout learn to set goals that are measurable and achievable on his own
terms, and helped him develop "tools" and skills he will use throughout
his life.

However, bear in mind that Scouting is NOT just about getting advancement.
Many Scouts have told me they much prefer the activities and friendship
and fellowship over getting ranks, and that should be their prerogative.
It is after all their program and should be their decision. If you can
somehow integrate their enjoyment of the activities with concurrent
advancement (e.g., "..let's get you credit for camping merit badge while
you're on this campout, and get it signed off..") in no time at all, they
will be well ahead of the game, and still having FUN which is what the
Founder intended. When Scouting starts becoming like school/homework, it
is no wonder that teenagers "turn off" when they should be excited and
enthusiastic about the program.

Another major "turnaround" in motivation often results when a Scout
participates in a "mountain top" experience such as a high adventure trip
to Philmont, Florida SeaBase, National or World Scout Jamboree, etc. I
have seen many Scouts and Explorers who were singularly unmotivated to
advance or otherwise be active, really come back "changed" and inspired
after such an experience. Wild horses couldn't keep them from really
"digging in" and getting their Eagle, running for SPL, doing camping, and
many of the other great opportunities. One mom said of her son after
returning from Philmont.."Are you sure this is my son?..He looks the same
but he sure doesn't act the same.." What a tribute!

It is not unusual for teenagers to get to a "plateau" at Life rank, and
"hold" for several years. Many of our best and most outstanding Scouts
have done this, and actually remarked that it was their choice and
preference to do so; and many push the "18" deadline, before they get it
done, but they usually do so on their own terms.

Others will get inspired and finish it
at fourteen or fifteen, and that too is good if it is their choice. Some
will not achieve Eagle because they choose not to do so, and as hard as
that "pill" is to swallow for a leader and a parent, it is still the
choice of the Scout and should be respected. I know several outstanding
young men who were very close to getting Eagle, but for their own reasons
made a conscious decision not to do so, despite full knowledge of what the
advantages would be; they are just as successful in their lives as their
fellow Scouts who did achieve the rank. To me, they exemplify the highest
ideals of the Eagle, and that really is what Scouting is all about.

So the bottom line is help them by showing them opportunities to
incorporate advancement while having fun, be a resource and a mentor, and
treat them as colleagues with respect and appreciation of their wishes
and dreams.

In another vein, leaders should never inappropriately restrict or delay
advancement to Eagle by younger Scouts who are
motivated and excited to advance. I have heard several leaders justify
such delays in order to "keep young Scouts in the program longer, and
make them 'better' Eagle Scouts." Such discouragement often results in
the Scout losing interest or even dropping out of Scouting altogether.

Units with well balanced and comprehensive opportunities
for trips, camping, high adventure, and leadership training, will find
that Scouts are so busy having fun, they advance in a timely
manner, and get Eagle in early to mid teens, rather than at 12 or 13 which
is often "feared" by leaders as being "too early." For some, it may be;
for others it may be totally appropriate; but in any case, it should be
the decision primarily made by the Scout, knowing all the facts and
advantages/disadvantages.

Make sure Scouts know the "door is always open" when the Scout is ready
to move on his terms and motivation. But most of all, be sure they know
what the time limits and constraints are if they are pushing the "18"
deadline, so that they are not inadvertantly put in a position of
ineligibility without recourse.

Hope this helps..best wishes

Bob Amick, Explorer Advisor, High Adventure Explorer Post 72, Boulder, CO

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