The real factor is......
Joseph T Gulick (troop212@JUNO.COM)
Wed, 30 Jun 1999 10:09:48 -0500
Scouts and Scouters,
It just steams me to see a Scout get his Eagle given to him, or for him
to pass the requirements, but never really EARN it. I see the situation
with many young Eagles in our Council where they really don't EARN it. I
guess that is my main complaint about young Eagles. If they have truly
EARNED it, then let it be pinned on, but otherwise hold them back, or
slow them down, until they have actually EARNED a rank; be it Tenderfoot,
Life, or Eagle.
I do see that Society as a whole has failed for our young people, and I
fear that Scouting as a movement is starting to experience the same
devastation. We should not just pass ANY Scout off for their Eagle.
Many Scouts can qualify for the Eagle, but unless they actually EARN it,
it means NOTHING. Like in a job, many people can be qualified for the
positions available, but only a select few get the job because they have
the experience or ability to "earn" that job. The same should be no less
for the Eagle.
The Eagle is not just a token given to Scouts for being able to repeat
back things they have been taught or programmed with, but can they
continue to use those skills or supply them upon demand. If they can
not, they have NOT EARNED the Eagle, but if they can, they are an Eagle
no matter what age they are..
I am intrigued that many here would forget the REAL value and meaning of
an Eagle, and I see that the views of society have vastly reached into
our Scouting Families. If it continues like this, the Eagle will have no
honor or pride. What a shameful day that will be. Let us "Deliver the
Promise" of helping make an Eagle what they are suppose to be(leaders,
teachers, and citizens with values and morals). If we do anything less,
we are doing nothing but cheating the Eagle of belonging to an honorable
and respectable young man.
This is my last public post on the matter.
YIS,
Joseph Gulick
Eagle Class of '90
Scoutmaster Troop 212
District Commissioner
Kotso Lodge #330(Vigil 10-11-98) Advisor to the VC of Unit Elections
Troop212@juno.com
