Young Eagles
Jim Sleezer (JHS8@OSUVM1.BITNET)
Wed, 26 Jan 1994 11:57:34 CST
I seldom see young eagles when the advancement program is properly handled.
It is difficult for a scout to fully complete all requirements and make it
before 14 or 15. What I see all too frequently is requirements at the
tenderfoot, second and first class level being slighted. One of my pet
peeves is first class cooking -- kid goes to summer camp. The camp says
here is what you cook. They give him the food, utensils, etc. He "cooks"
three lunches with a couple of buddies (who are also completing first class
cooking). ((It was too hard to coordinate the breakfast cooking and a lunch
is a lot like a dinner)). Three scouts are given credit for completing the
first class cooking requirement. In my book, neither the letter or the spirit
of the requirement has been met. The scout did NOT plan the menu, did NOT
procure the food, did NOT lead grace (well, maybe one meal), did NOT do the
cooking (he helped!). But, he DID supervise cleanup (once).
I refused to sign off for the Scouts. Another leader did because that's the
way it is done in summer camp! Adjustments are permitted in certain specified
situations--this ADJUSTMENT seemed a little out of line and a lot like an
advancement mill.
When I talk with boys about advancement, they often feel slighted because they
didn't get to do some of the requirements. They still like to get the badge,
but they often don't think they have earned it and it has a hollow feeling.
Then they get to eagle and someone tightens the screws. It's too late, they
have already learned to slide . . .
jim Sleezer
Roundtable Commissioner, Pawnee Bill District, Will Rogers Council
Stillwater, OKlahoma
JHS8 at OSUVM1.BITNET JHS8 at VM1.UCC.OKSTATE.EDU (Internet)
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
