prouddad

Dear Gardyloo,

A scout in our Troop had a similar situation. Our scoutmaster would not give him a scoutmaster Conference for Eagle because of his age. He had been at almost every scouting event for 2 years, held several positions (Bugler, Patrol Leader, Den Chief and Guide). In my capacity as Advancement Chair of our Troop, I started a thread on this site, spoke to more experienced scouters and called Irving Texas. The person to whom I spoke in Irving essentially said: "We worked real hard to set the requirements for Eagle, we would appreciate it if you did not change them". It is the Scout spirit and the ability of the Scout that controls - not age. After discussion with our district advancement chair and others, I suggested that he approach the Scoutmaster again to discuss the Eagle Requirements. Ultimately he had the SM conference and passed his Board of Review in July (his 14th birthday is in September).

Good Luck. (This message has been edited by a staff member.)

My son and his Scoutmaster worked things out. He had his Scoutmaster Conference and was signed off on his Eagle Scout Application on May 29. Thank you for all of your support.

Our Scoutmaster will not give my son a Scoutmaster Conference for the rank of Eagle. He thinks 13 years old is too young to me an Eagle Scout and wants to "slow him down" and "hold him up" a little. Our Committee Chair Agrees. He was heartbroken when he presented his complete Eagle Scout Application (with completed project work book - all signed off) and was asked: "Where's the Fire?"

My 13 year old son has completed all of the requirements for Eagle Scout.

here is a summary of my son's scouting to date (just so you know something about his commitment to scouting):

1. Earned 23 Merit badges, including all of the Eagle Required Badges;

2. Served the Troop as Patrol Leader and Troop Guide since becoming a Life Scout (a total of 8 months so far);

3. Completed his Eagle project (230 hours total) and had it signed off (the group he did if for said it was 'Magnificent');

4. Completed all of his application forms;

5. Received his 5 sealed letters of recommendation;

6. Prepared a Resume of school, work and achievements; and,

7. Written his essay on where he is and where he wants to go.

He has been very active in the Troop, missing perhaps 5 meetings in 2 1/2 years. He has attended about 90% of Troop events, including just about every hike and camp out.

He goes to Troop meetings 1/2 early to work on scout skills with the younger scouts.

He actually buys boy scout tee shirts to wear to school.

He has earned 3 scouting religious awards (2 cub scout and 1 boy scout).

Is this delay proper? What do we do?