Re: 5 days until 18th Birthday.....Eagle?
Marc W. Solomon (m_solomon@ALLI.COM)
Wed, 9 Apr 1997 15:39:31 -0500
At 07:42 PM 4/8/97 -0400, Cindy Rocus wrote:
> Our concern is just because he is turning 18 in 5 days and has completed
>the necessary requirements should he be passed at the EBOR? Is this right
>for a boy to expect the EBOR committee to "jump" to get his this scheduled in
>the next 5 days(We are aware the BOR does not have to be before his birthday
>but...our troop CC feels it is necessary to have before the birthdate and
>will set the date) Is it uncommon for a boy to not pass his EBOR? If we are
>not asked to be on the EBOR committee should we contact our District Adv.
>Chairman and tell him of our concerns?
The key here is the young man has "completed the necessary requirements".
If he has done that before his 18th birthday, then he has every right to
expect his Eagle Board of Review to occur. Since this EBOR can take place
after his birthday, there is little reason to have the committee "jump" to
have it in the next five days. The only reason I can think of is it is
easier (but definitely not impossible) to get the paperwork through
national if it is. Since the young man lollygagged until this point, I see
no reason the committee should rush now. To quote an often seen sign, "A
lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part".
As for whether the young man should pass his EBOR, that is a matter for the
BOR to decide. I presume they will take into account his advanced age.
For BOR for younger men, setting up a plan where he could prove himself
against the supposed shortcomings is possible. In his man's case, it's a
little too late for that. Do you want to be the person he holds
responsible for not reaching the greatest goal available to a Scout?
Giving him the benefit of doubt this one time (along with a good talking
to) might be the greatest gift you can give to this person. Would you
prefer this person to walk away embittered on Scouting and all it
represents or enthused about what he can accomplish now that he has proved
himself worthy of Scouting greatest honor?
Should he get his BOR? YES! Should he pass it? I cannot, from this
distance, say. I do suggest that those who have the honor of sitting on
the young man's EBOR take a very serious look at the repercussions good or
bad that their decision will have. It could crush a young man and be the
begriming of ruin of his life or set him on a course to the higher road.
It could cheapen the value of the Eagle rank or be an example of what love
and forgiveness makes available to the world. Will the effects probably be
that drastic? I doubt it but who knows?
YIS,
Marc Solomon Unit Commissioner
mailto:m_solomon@alli.com Sycamore District
mailto:marcsol@aol.com Blackhawk Area Council (IL)
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