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From: Bob and Rusty Taylor (brtaylor@TELEBYTE.NET)
Date: Mon Feb 14 2000 - 09:32:26 CST
this subject has surfaced at various times on our list. the approach is
highly individual, and works with varying degrees of success, and does not
always get the best quality we would like in an Eagle Scout. In the case of
my own son, he doesn't seem too concerned about driving and would rather
play b-ball than attend the merit badge clinic we have this weekend to earn
a couple more badges. he won't even make an appointment to talk with the SM
to talk about finishing the cycling badge, which is all he has to do for
earning that particular badge; he's done all the road work for the badge.
He has expressed some interest in the Venturing program and its advancement
prospects, even some interest in the recommended uniform! a pleasent
surprise to me.
so, what's a parent to do? I blame myself inpart, because he was the one I
practiced on while learning to do the job of chairman (and what not to do),
but I guess in the final view, he is responsible for what he does. and as
much is it is a dissappointment to me, he is the one who will really have
to bear the long term consequences of not earning his Eagle. It will be
cheaper for me (car insurance wise) if he does not drive before turning 18.
thanks for letting me vent. my heart goes out to all Scouters who have a
son who doesn't want to finish up the path to Eagle, but as a parent who is
an Eagle, I would rather have a boy who only went part way, and earned the
stuff he did get, than go all the way and not get a good end product.
by the way; a weak end product, is in my opinion, more a reflection of the
program the boys unit offers, than the boy himself. if the program is good,
is an unmotivated Scout will not advance very far. if advancement happens
in a haphazard manner, w/out hte Scout earning the advancement, the fault
lies with the adults.
Bob Taylor
--- "If you build it, they will come."
/ \
----------- Bob Taylor Troop, 1590 Committee Chairman
(| @ @ |) Chief Seattle Council
| > | WE1-609-97 (A good old Buffalo)
" \_/ " worked my ticket and always an Eagle!
"""""
""" brtaylor@telebyte.net (home)
webpage: http://pacific.telebyte.com/~brtaylor/
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