Sentinel947

If the adult aren't getting enjoyment out of their role as mentor/advisors,something is seriously wrong with the troop or the adult.

Immaturity, using Daffynitions to continue the political forum outside of the politcal forum.

When a Scout meets the requirements, he is an Eagle Scout, whether his adult leaders believe him "Worthy" or not. Since I got my Eagle at 17, I tend to be more than ok if other Scouts get their Eagle later. If an Eagle gets his at 13-14. That's fine. The hope is an Eagle Scout of ANY age truly understands and lives the values he is espousing in the Scout Oath and Law.

Jungle rules, kids make patrols, elect PL. Friends and similiar people will congregate together. Those patrols that want to work together and have patrol outings and such will do so, those who barely come to meetings or participate will do that as well. Some patrols will be great, some not as great, it's the natural order of things.

The tide is inevitable, which is why I don't get worked up on this issue.

Just thought I'd remind everyone the kind of men we grow in the BSA. http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/lifeguard-gets-2-600-bill-rescuing-boy-surf-130832240.html Bravo to this Eagle Scout.

I second the poster above me.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2004-08-28-prison-scouts_x.htm Thats the only case I've seen published.. Good luck in a worth endeavor.

finally a news article that did not condemn Boy Scouts. Here's to 100 more years.

Haha. Very interesting I didn't know that. and I was aware of the Ambiguity of the Oath and Law, that's sort of the point.

"On my honor I will do my best to make my training, rank, and influence count strongly for better scouting and for better citizenship in my community, in my troop, and in my contact with people always." Ahhh, thats the best part, and so wonderfully ambigious.

Basement, are you seriously suggesting that if someone even disagrees with the BSA they get kicked out?

As an Eagle, I applaud them for their courage. But while agreeing with their stance, I personally would not send my badge back. Especially with the little impact it will have on their decision. It seems to me an idealistic but pointless gesture. I feel the media has gotten all over this and tries to demonize the Eagles that haven't sent theirs back yet. I realized early on in this that if I quit every group that I am in that I have political disagreements with, I wouldn't have a church, country, family or friends. Just my take. What is yours?

You guys make excellent points. and it seems to be systematic. Whether they get their Eagle at 15-17 the result is still the same. I was wondering how often Troops manage to hold onto their Eagles, and I seem to have the answer.

Besides Eagle Palms, what ways are there to continue Eagle Scouts to stay and contribute back to the Troop? Or should they? I seem to be one of the few Eagle Scouts in my town who actually continue with the Troop into adulthood. Is it better to just let them walk than try to keep them on? I was wondering what some of the wise men here thought. Sentinel.

Dean, it sounds like your troop has had some tough times. Continue to support the Scoutmaster, show solidarity with him in public and disagree with him in private. He needs every bit of help he can get. Culture changes with the Boy Leadership will take patience and a few years, unless you get an exceptionally mature Boy in top leadership very soon. I highly urge you, assuming you have the time, to get trained and become an ASM yourself. I hope your Boy enjoys Scouting and sticks with the program. Best of luck, Sentinel

I think this debate has ended personally. I don't think ANYBODY on this forum can offer a new viewpoint, and it's getting to the point where people are getting personally insulted over things. There isn't anything to be gained by continuing this debate. Perhaps in a few years when the new guys take over, we should have this conversation again, until then, we'd be better off using our time, energy and passion more constructively. Yours in Scouting, Sentinel

When is this event?(This message has been edited by Sentinel947)

Haha. All valid points you raise. We have a few adult leaders who have sons in our Troop and some of the local cub packs who spend a majority of their time with the cubs. Certainly that Troop to Pack support dynamic would be very helpful. As for recruiting non Cubs, how would you recommend going about that?

Howarthe: in the Boy Scouts, trying to bring Cub Scouts to your troop, nothing helps better to bring Cub Scouts to your troop then having a Den Chief in the Webelos den. Your comment seems in line with recruiting new boys to Cubs, and from that angle, non of my advice would be very helpful, since I havn't been involved with Cubs for about 7 years now.

I think the differences help the uniqueness of the program. Furthermore, why fix something that isn't broken?

A great American hero, regardless of her orientation. God Bless her.

how did it go?

I would say "Not all members agree with the policy, and we do what we do to help our young men become the leaders we need for tomorrows world. Thank you."

With Boy Scout troop recruiting the best tactics IMO are: Den Chiefs Invite Webelos 1/2 to go camping with the troop in the fall before they cross over. Den Chiefs Send an adult leader to some cub meetings during the winter. Den Chiefs Did I mention, Den Chiefs?