Re: Last Minute Eagles

Re: Troop 261's post:

I've mulled this over a bit, because there seem to be two conflicting and
equally valid points to consider. One is the need to recognize the boys'
right to select their own leaders. This is supposed to be a boy-run
program, and aside from ensuring that the leaders they choose are qualified,
the adults should stay out of the process of selecting PLs and SPLs.

On the other hand, when a boy repents of his inactivity, the adults should
do everything in their power to see him succeed in his advancement goals.

The poster said:

>The general consensus among the boys was:
> "The reason the Eagle Scout rank hold such prestige and honor is
that
>it takes a lot of dedication on the part of the boy to stay active and
>participate in scouting throughout the time they are Eagle Scouts and
>hopefully beyond"

The boys are absolutely right. I would point out to them, however, that
everyone makes mistakes. A boy's effort to rectify a mistake needs to be
encouraged.

I guess the key here is the phrase "adults should do everything IN THEIR
POWER." Ideally, the adults have no power to arbitrarily appoint an SPL. (I
know what the DE said, but just because someone CAN do something doesn't
mean they SHOULD. Taking that choice away from the boys is just plain
wrong!) There must be some other way to fulfill the leadership requirement
short of usurping the boys' right to select their own leaders.

Bob Morehead
ASM, Troop 381
Copley, Ohio

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