Re: Some motivational help needed here (Don't mandate the Eagle
Amick Robert (amick@SPOT.COLORADO.EDU)
Fri, 9 Jan 1998 14:32:54 -0700
I would have to agree with Brian. A quite similar situation occurred some
years ago in a local unit where a father, an Eagle Scout himself,
imposed the requirement on his son to earn Eagle to get a Driver's
license...so, to make a long story short...
Didn't work. Son refused to earn Eagle; Dad refused to let him get
driver's license until son become 18. Son dropped out of Scouting, then
moved out and got his license at age 18. Sad thing is I think he wanted
to earn the Eagle, but deliberately didn't because dad made it mandatory.
Negative reinforcement never works. Parents and leaders need to take an
attitude that the decision rests with the youth. Offer encouragement,
opportunity, help and support, but don't mandate. More often than not,
the results will be pleasing to both, and there will be a great deal of
appreciation and gratitude from the youth, especially in later years.
Others have suggested motivation and encouragement by older Eagle Scouts
to stimulate younger Scouts to achieve the award, and this is certainly a
highly effective method, since older Eagles are often highly respected
by the younger Scouts. "Mountain-top-experiences" such as jamborees, high
adventure base treks, that really make an impression on a younger Scout
will often be a "turning point" in a Scout's decision to earn Eagle, and
should be seriously considered as another "tool" toward that end.
Not every Scout wants to be an Eagle..and that is their
right and privilege. It should not be thrust upon them. Those who are
compelled to earn it, often do so only to comply; sadly they never realize
the fulfillment and sense of achievement enjoyed by those who earn it
because they choose to do so. There are many fine young men who never
achieved Eagle, yet probably are just as worthy of the award because they
exemplify the ideals of the Eagle Scout in their daily lives. Conversely,
there are those who have received the Eagle Award, who simply do not do
so.
Best wishes,
Bob Amick, Explorer Advisor, High Adventure Explorer Post 72/SES 72;
Boulder, CO; Longs Peak Council Exploring Training Chair
On Fri, 9 Jan 1998, Schroeder, Brian wrote:
> >
> >When I was a Scout, another of the Scouts in my troop had a parent who
> >imposed this requirement. I'm sure this wasn't the only reason, but this
> >particular scout's resentment was so great, that not only did he not earn
> >Eagle, he moved out of his parents house just after his 18th birthday, and
> >was not heard from for several years. This requirement was not imposed on
> >his younger brother...
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
