Re: Last Minute Eagles - long response

Certainly, it is easy to agree wholeheartedly with the boys consensus.
It makes perfect sense. However, as a Scoutmaster, assuming that the
last minute eagle candidate is not less than 6 months from 18, I would
look at his past record when he was active and his reasons, if any, for
lack of participation. Again, as Scoutmaster I am under the impression
that I may assign him an appropriate leadership task. Contrary to what
you heard form "someone up there" SPL should not be assigned by the
Scoutmaster; It is elected by the Scouts in the troop. I think that
is very clear in all the literature.

(Perhaps there may be rare occasions for Scoutmaster assignment of the
SPL but for the convenience of a 17 year old Eagle candidate doesn't
qualify. If there were truly extenuating circumstances for his absence
like a long illness or temporary transfer with family to another
country, then the Scoutmaster could appeal to the boys to elect this
returning Scout into a Patrol or Troop leadership position. I find
that Scouts are usually quite charitable when the situation is
explained. They would hope for the same treatment themselves if the
occasion arose.)

Absent any really extenuating situation, an older boy who is returning
after a period of inactivity could be re-introduced to the troop,
particularly the younger scouts. Sing a little of his past Scouting
praises and let the group know that you are glad that he has returned
for he has much to offer the group.

To the Last minute eagle let him know that if he is to succeed in
earning the rank, he has some hard work cut out for himself. Take the
opportunity to explain how much easier it would have been had he stuck
with it earlier, but express faith that if he really wants to, he can
do it. Then assign him a needed and useful non-elected leadership
position that does not usurp the authority of the troop elected SPL.
Better yet, if possible, have a discussion with the SPL about how the
older boy could help the troop out and encourage the SPL to appoint him
to a position that is acceptable. I have used these older boys for
things like "troop Guide" for a new scout patrol. Troop Quartermaster
might be really helpful if your troop storage room is really out of
hand (like ours!) and the Scouts are not doing a good job of taking
care of equipment and cleaning it before returning it after use.
Merit Badge counselor or "Trail to First Class" instructor would
also be a good position that can be assigned by Scoutmaster and does
not "threaten" the existing leadership structure in the Troop.

Whatever the position, let the candidate know that he will be
recommended for Eagle only if he is ACTIVE in the position for the time
required. He will have to make attendance and activities a top
priority if he is to reach his goal. Hopefully, as he becomes active
again during this last push to 18 he will be reminded how much he
enjoys Scouting. He will see it from more of an adult perspective and
be enticed to remain active, at least during summers when he is not in
college.

I can tell you that a few older boys will decline the offer and forgo
Eagle because they cannot or will not prioritize it, or they will try
but fail. Either way they will know it was their own responsibility
and can learn from the experience without any hard feelings towards the
leaders or the troop. Praise them for accepting responsibility and let
them know that Life rank is no small achievement.


I believe this approach is best because you will have provided an
opportunity for him to EARN the rank, albeit at the last minute, the
younger scouts will have seen that he really had to work for it and you
will have gotten 6 months or so of useful youth leadership. Meanwhile,
you will not have disturbed the advancement plans of the younger and
"middle age" Scouts. If he serves as been an instructor he will have
helped the others along their own advancement trail.

Just be sure that whatever he does is meaningful to him and to the
other Scouts so they don't get the idea that you will make it easier on
them if they wait till they are 17.5 years old. I have had several
"last minute Eagles" over the years. We have put the burden on them to
earn it and most of them came through. Everyone agreed that they
really earned it and any younger scouts that didn't know them, got to
know them during that period. Several of them continue(d) to be
somewhat active with the troop well past their 18th birthdays and high
school graduation.

I apologize for the length of this response. It is a dilemma that I
too have grappled with. I look forward to seeing other responses.
Hopefully, I can improve the way I handle this situation when it comes
up again... and it surely will.

Best of Luck to you and all the Scouts in your troop.

Joel Patten
SM T-68
-----Original Message----- "snipped"
Subject: Last Minute Eagles

I was told by our DE (or someone up there) that the decision of who
gets a leadership position is up to the scoutmaster.

They were a bit taken aback that someone who hasn't shown up in a long
time is suddenly back in action
and will be taking over as the next SPL.

We realize that this boy is soon to be 18 and would like to be an Eagle
scout. And, we
would all love to see him make it.

The general consensus among the boys was:

"The reason the Eagle Scout rank hold such prestige and honor
is that
it takes a lot of dedication on the part of the boy to stay active and
participate in scouting throughout the time they are Eagle Scouts and
hopefully beyond"

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