Great Human Don't Always Get Eagle
Jim Peterson (kupete@KUHUB.CC.UKANS.EDU)
Fri, 30 Apr 1999 09:01:40 -0600
Hi Folks,
I've been thinking a lot about our oft-discussed topic of the requirements
for Eagle that state "Be active in your patrol and troop..." and "Show
scout spirit...". I offer this for your consideration:
A young man is involved and active in his school, family and community....
you know the type...he's a football player, member of the chorale, serves
soup every weekend to the homeless, is a member of the debate and biology
club, teaches in his church youth group...an all-round compassionate and
involved human being! We've all seen some kids like this. Sometimes,
these boys just don't have time to fit troop meetings and campouts in
between sports practice, music lessons and their service to their church
and community on weekends. Now I think we would all agree that these folks
are to be admired....emulated even. We need more young adults like this.
And they should certainly be praised.
But I maintain that although our candidates for Eagle should certainly be
exemplary human beings, that's not why we give them the Eagle award. We
give that award for being an exemplary SCOUT. Being an exemplary scout
means being faithful and active in his troop and patrol. He is the scout
who MAKES time for the meetings and campouts. And at meetings and
campouts, he is the one
who is there to help those less experienced and younger. He provides
leadership and sets the example. He is the epitome of scouting.
I suggest that we sometimes fail to step back and look at the scout who is
the candidate for Eagle and say, "Yes, he has many of the qualities that
make him exemplary as a human being.....now does he have all the qualities
that make him an exemplary SCOUT"?
As I said...for your consideration.
BLUE SKIES!, Any day above ground is a good day!
Jim Peterson
BS RT Comm, Pelathe Dist
Heart of America Council Eagle Class of 1963
ASM, T-55, Lawrence, Kansas Brotherhood, Tamegonit Lodge
email: kupete@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu Mic-O-Say: HW "Shieldmaker"
