BSA: Re- Paper Eagles
BRAMLET@ECC4.ATENG.AZ.HONEYWELL.COM
Mon, 30 Jan 1995 12:56:33 -0700
While the discussion of what makes a "Paper Eagle" is going on, I
would like to relate a story from my personal experience.
When my son first joined the Boy Scouts, the Patrol he was in had
a fellow in it that I'll call "Bobby". Bobby was somewhat of an
average boy, getting into trouble frequently, and at the drop of
a hat. I remember the first campout that I went on as a leader
from the Troop, having to help Bobby out of a tree that he'd got
himself caught in. Then there was the Camp-O-Ree where Bobby
wandered away from the Troop area - and his buddy. He was found
later in a restricted area, totally unconcerned with our worry.
Bobby Eagle material? Never!
Through all this, Bobby half-heartedly worked on advancement.
He finally made First_Class after he'd been in the Troop for a year
and a half. Then, there was the Camp-O-Ree that Bobby helped on
one of the events. He was supposed to "help" the event leader work
with the Webelos Dens on Boy Scout requirements. We all kind of
shuddered when we learned that the boy Bobby was supposed to help
DIDN'T SHOW. We knew that Bobby couldn't handle it himself.
So, we had Bobby set up his area close enough to another event that
we could keep an eye on him. We told him that it was so that there
would be someone he could find quickly if he needed any help. But,
there was never any trouble, and the Webelos boys loved him. He
took his responsibility seriously, and did a good job.
Bobby is now a Life rank, with 5 of the required MBs left to earn,
and is 16. He has served in the OA Chapter leadership. He has
also just lost his car due to grades, and his job due to
irresponsibility.
Am I going to say that, with all these problems, Bobby is not ready
for Eagle? No way! The Boy Scouts is set up for boys, and NOT for
adults, so there are going to be boys awarded Eagle that may not
appear to have really earned it. When they have grown up, they will
likely show it more.
A friend put it this way, when referring to the OA Vigil Honor:
"You aren't given the honor so much for what you have done, but for
what you will do."
May ALL these Eagles, regardless of the age at which they earned it,
bring honor to Scouting and the Eagle whose rank they wear. In the
end, isn't THAT all that matters?
YiS,
Chuck Bramlet, ASM Troop 323
Thunderbird District, Grand Canyon Council
I didn't used to be anything! (Except younger) Maybe someday...
E-mail any replies to: bramlet@eccx.ateng.az.honeywell.com
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
