Young Eagles

I have been watching the debate go back and forth about some Eagles
being too young. I just wanted to add my piece to a discussion that
could go on forever (my apologies in advance for the length of the
message).

I started in scouting as a 2nd year Webelos scout. I earned my
Arrow of Light and subsequently crossed over to Boy Scouts. I joined
Troop 8 of the Central Florida Council on May 29, 1989, and my father
became an Assistant Scoutmaster in the troop. I went to summer camp
that year (about mid July) and completed my First Class rank at summer
camp (I had been in Boy Scouts now for barely 3 months). At this point
I still didn't understand what scouting was all about and the honor
associated with achieving the Eagle rank. Within the next 2 years I
reached the Life Scout rank (that left me with about 5 years to complete
my Eagle, but I waited). I always remained active in the troop and also
in the OA once I was inducted.
As I neared my 17th birthday I decided to get myself in gear (I had
completed all of the merit badges, positions of responsibility, etc.).
I organized a project and got the idea approved by the committe. I
arranged for the necessary supplies, funds, etc. and set the dates.
One of the organizations that had offered some support ended up backing
out. I was left hanging, and without a project. So I tried again, only
this time the committee shot down my idea twice. As all of this was
happening I was nearing my 18th birthday.
I decided to give it one more go. I got organized and we even got
to the point where we did a full day's work on the project (we were
scheduled to finish the next weekend). That week I got a call that one
of the organizations that had said they would provide some supplies was
backing out (same organization as the first time it happenned).
I never finished my Eagle Scout (and there isn't a day that goes by
that I don't think back and wish I had). Perhaps I could have done
something differently; pick a different project, seek support from a
different group, or any number of things. But, the important thing is
that scouting still had a profound influence on my life. I am still
involved with Scouting to this day (I am now 20 and stationed in Texas
in the Air Force), and I try to live up to the principles of Scouting
and the Order of the Arrow every day. I may not have the card that says
that I am an Eagle Scout, but that did not stop Scouting from having an
everlasting impact on my life. I think that as Scouters that should be
our goal; to have that same impact on the lives of all of the young
people we work with.
It doesn't matter whether they make Eagle at 13, 15, 17.999, or
never (although I do agree that if the parent pushes the boy then he has
accomplished nothing). If you help even one boy become a better
citizen, or a better leader, or a better person, then all of the time
you spend is worth more than anyone can possibly imagine.
I am reminded of a bumper sticker that speaks volumes of the
Scouting program: "America is Returning to the Values that Scouting
Never Left."

Yours in Scouting,

Roberto C. Sanchez, "An Eagle at Heart"
Assitant Scoutmaster, Troop 207
Brotherhood Member, Aina Topa Husti #60
Alamo Area Council, San Antonio, TX

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