Big Bird

@ Moosetracker: I would think then that perhaps the Troop should focus on being an exceptional Troop. Children learn what they live, if it is a mediocre Troop, I suspect it will produce mediocre Scouts. I thought the idea of Scouting was to build character and self-reliance - that needs to be taught, especially in today's world of bullying, irresponsibility and dependence upon "the system". And it needs to be taught by example. @ packsaddle: There is a second post, does that make you feel better?

FYI I earned my Eagle rank in January 1963, I was 13 1/2. I passed my BOR in February. The rule at that time was that you had to be 14 to be awarded the badge. The matter came to the attention of then President Kennedy who had had the same issue when he was 13. The President intervened and the rule was changed. I was officially awarded my badge 29 days before my 14th birthday, and to the best of my knowledge was the first to have been so honored. President Kennedy was to be my sponsor at the Eagle Scout Recognition dinner later that year, but he was killed in Dallas 6 days before. I can