Eagle94-A1

Guide to Advancment, found here, https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf has this to say: 7.0.4.7 Limited Recourse for Unearned Merit Badges From time to time, it may be discovered that merit badges could not actually have been earned. For example, a Scout who returns from summer camp or a merit badge fair with signed blue cards for an extraordinary number of badges could raise concerns. If, after consulting with those involved in the merit badge program—such as an event coordinator, the camp director, or a merit badge counselor—it becomes plainly evident that a youth could not have actually and personally fulfilled requirements as written, then the limited recourse outlined below is available. It may result in a decision that some or all of the requirements for a badge could not have been fulfilled, and thus, that the badge was not actually earned. After such a consultation, the unit leader, in a positive environment similar to that of a unit leader conference,discusses with the Scout the circumstances under which a merit badge in question was approved. A parent or an assistant unit leader should attend as an observer. The young man shall not be retested on the requirements, but a conversation with him can reveal if he was present at the class and actually and personally fulfilled all the requirements. Such a discussion could cover who taught a class, what sort of activities took place, where and when they occurred, how testing was done, what the Scout might have brought home from the class, and other similar process-oriented details. In most cases, with a fair and friendly approach, a young man who did not complete the requirements will admit it. Short of this, however, if it remains clear under the circumstances that some or all of the requirements could not have been met, then the merit badge is not reported or awarded, and does not count toward advancement. The unit leader then offers the name of at least one other merit badge counselor through whom any incomplete requirements may be finished. Note that in this case a merit badge is not “taken away” because, although signed off, it was never actually earned. Just as we avoid penalizing Scouts for the mistakes of adults, it should be a rare occurrence that a unit leader finds the need to question whether merit badges have been earned. This procedure for recourse is limited and reserved only for clear and evident cases of noncompletion or nonparticipation. For example, the recourse could be allowed when it would not have been possible to complete a specific requirement at the location of the class, event, or camp; if time available was not sufficient—perhaps due to class size or other factors—for the counselor to observe that each Scout personally and actually completed all the requirements; if time available was insufficient for a “calendar” requirement such as for Personal Fitness or Personal Management; or if multiple merit badges in question were scheduled at the same time. This procedure is not to be viewed as an opportunity for retesting on requirements, for interjecting another set of standards over those of a merit badge counselor, or for debating issues such as whether a Scout was strong enough, mature enough, or old enough to have completed requirement Unit leaders who find it necessary to make use of this recourse must act quickly—if possible, within 30 days of discovery. It is inappropriate to delay a Scout’s advancement with anything less than a prompt decision. If a Scout or his parent or guardian believes a unit leader has incorrectly determined a Scout has not earned a merit badge, or more than 30 days have passed without a reasonable explanation for the lack of a decision, they should address their concerns with the unit committee. They should first, however, develop a thorough understanding of the merit badge requirements and that each one must be passed exactly as it is set forth. Upon encountering any merit badge program where BSA standards are not upheld, unit leaders are strongly encouraged to report the incident to the council advancement committee, preferably using the form found in the appendix (see “Reporting Merit Badge Counseling Concerns,” 11.1.0.0) Now all that cut, pasted, and edited to make it smoother, Jameson76 stated it correctly. talking to the Scout should give you an adequate feel if they completed hte number of nights or not. And if they are recording it in the log in the HB, even better. Now dad signing off is a red flag for me, but that is because of my unit. Parents are not allowed to sign off on any requirements except in a very few circumstances, i.e. Family Life MB, parent is an MBC and working WITH A GROUP ( emphasis) that their son is in. One of the biggest reasons for that was an incident where mom signed off on EVERYTHING between Tenderfoot and First Class, and it was not caught until after his BOR.

What if they dropped their sashes to protest an executive committee comprised of 3 youth, approximately 57 adult volunteers, and 6 professionals making a decision for what is suppose to be a YOUTH LED organization and had 0 input from its membership. At least BSA did town halls when they made the girls decision, although they won't publish the memberships' results.

I remember one time my lodge took a vote to change the lodge bylaws. The changes were pushed by a few adults, including the LA. When the lodge as a whole voted against the measures that were proposed, the LA told everyone in attendance that he didn't care what the youth wanted, the suggestion for the change came from national, and the lodge was changing regardless. Many Arrowman, youth and adult, wore their sashes inside out or took them off in protest. So yes, I see this decision being made by the adults, and not hte youth.

Looking at list of the Executive Committee you provided, only 3 members have (y) behind their names. And of the three, only the national chief and vice-chief are current officers. None of the 4 region chiefs are listed. It appears to me that the youth are NOT being truly represented. It appears to me a bunch of "Old Fogeys" like myself are making the decisions, instead of sitting back, drinking a cup of joe ot hot chocolate, and trusting the youth to make the right decisions.

@walk in the woods, I apologize for my comment. The sarcasm went over my head as I am a little distraught over this decision.. This decision has hit home on several levels. First and foremost, my youngest will be crossing over in February. His entire den wanted the OA to do the ceremony in full regalia. The regalia was well researched, and with the exceptions of the moccasins, 100% accurate. I know as I helped the ceremony team do the research and making the regalia. Now this cannot happen. And yes it passed muster with Native Americans attending ceremonies, and a Indian Lore MB class with the regalia set out for display. The other reason it hits home is that I was a ceremonialist and AIA chair as a youth. I was inspired the first time I saw the OA, at my own AOL and Crossover. I've had the privilege of performing those ceremonies and seeing Cub Scouts faces when they saw us in full regalia. My chapter was restarted because of the AOL/Crossover ceremonies. And as a chapter advisor starting a new chapter or restarting a dying one, I've used ceremonies and AIA to gain interest. My chapter is essentially dead again, and I have been asked to restart it again after a 10 year period. I've been thinking about taking the job again, but without the use of public ceremonies in full regalia, I do not think I will be able to get enough interest. Even those no interested in ceremonies got inspiration form them.

And what is the percentage of Scouts actually that go to a national HA base?

@sst3rd, I hear ya. I know that ceremonies are not the focus of the OA. But they are the things that inspired us to do cheerful service and lead by example. I have seen and used ceremony teams as a way to inspire Scouts and Arrowman, and rebuild active chapters. When I became chapter advisor, the chapter was dead. No one knew or cared about the OA. All they saw us do was run the trading post at camporees. Starting a AOL/Cross Over ceremony team was one of the first things I did. It helped reignite the chapter. We went from doing only camporee trading posts to chapter work days at the local camp repairing structures, doing camp promotions, and doing service at the day camp and council family camp out. With public ceremonies in regalia taken from us, as well as they silly ceremony scripts they are telling us to use, I do not see the OA as viable in a few years.

That's the funny thing, many nations are happy with the OA. Many lodges have have worked with local nations. Heck I remember seeing a Tribal leader wearing his OA sash at their annual powwow when he found out Boy Scouts were going to be there and dance! And the OA was founded at a time when it was a federal offense to practice Native culture. OA was used as a means to preserve customs, traditions, and crafts. I know Arrowman who have assisted in gaining state and federal recognition of tribes. Now I will say that National has been trying to improve the situation and have been having classes on conducting research, building accurate regalia, etc., I know my local AIA guy was not a happy camper when he first heard this may happen because we have been improving as an organization.

The chapter I was in was essentially dead when I became an Arrowman. No meetings, lack of communication, you name it. heck I think the election team came from another chapter so the lodge could meet goals. I tried to be active, got frustrated since no one showed up or communicated with me, and gave up on the OA. Fast forward 4 years, and the chapter was given a rebirth because of the ceremony team. That got people aware and interested in the OA. It got me back as an active member. I've used American Indian Affairs twice to either start a new chapter, or rebuild a dying one. Ceremonies inspire folks. Public ceremonies like the AOL, Crossover, and Call Out make people aware of the OA. These two scripts appear to turn an inspirational ceremony into ridiculous skit. And people wil be turned off of the OA. That is why I said it will kill the OA over time.

Would you cite the source of this announcement please! I was afraid this would happen. When I was discussing this with other Arrowmen, to say they were ticked off would be an understatement. And I know of one WDL who has been planning their den's AOL and Crossover since they became Webelos. She wants the ceremony her older two sons had. EDITED: OK found out the announcement. https://oa-bsa.org/article/official-arrow-light-and-crossover-ceremonies This will kill the OA in the longterm. I see a lot of rogue chapters and lodges.

One reason why lifeguard training required a lot more hours of instruction than a lifesaving MB class. And like Q said, the constant drills were not to instill an illusion of competence, but to realize how dangerous a rescue can be.that 130# soaking wet cheerleader can kill you just as easily as the 320# head wrestling coach who cannot float to save his life due to muscle mass.

I'm a former lifeguard and lifeguard instructor. I cannot tell you enough how dangerous ANY type of GO rescue is. And I was an instructor back when they taught you how to make rescues without equipment, something they no longer do today. EVERY TIME YOU GO YOU PUT YOUR LIFE AT RISK.

While I am not SM, it is affecting the other Scouts in the troop. The Scout is already Second Class, a rank that not only I and several other adults disagree with him holding, but also other Scouts in the troop. I know the SM made a deal with him in order to sign off on that rank: from that night forward, he would be sleeping with his patrol and not his dad. That has not happened. The other Scouts believe he is being rewarded for his bad behavior, and it is affecting morale. It is creating a lot of resentment, and we almost lost one Scout over the issue. When something is affecting the number of Scouts that it is, it is my and other Scouters' problem that needs to be notified and rectified.

It sounded a few posts ago that you were leaving the forum. I was hoping that you were still around reading, but not posting. Lurking is the term for that. .

After 90 days, there needs to be a petition to national explaining why the BOR could not have been held prior to the 90 days. If that post 90 day paperwork was not completed and approved by national prior to the EBOR, IT IS NOT A VALID EBOR! That may be the issue. Someone screwed up, did the EBOR after the 90n day deadline and did not have approval. Had that happen to one of my Eagles. If the OP is lurking, please PM. I have some experience in this type of matter.

CONGRATULATIONS! Yes the Venturing Silver, which is now called the Summit, and Leadership Award knots can be worn on the tan uniform. While the Ranger Medal can be worn on the uniform on special occasions, the Ranger Bar is currently not authorized for uniform wear. The only Ranger Knot I know of comes form the 1940s or 50s, and they no longer make them. Plus if memory serves, it had different requirements, and was the then highest award in Exploring. You can also wear your GOLD and Bronze medals on special occasions, but the ribbons on the ribbon bar form that time are not authorized.

I'd use this map since it has a lot more detail. Over 500 indigenous nations in North America at the time. http://www.tribalnationsmaps.com/uploads/1/0/4/5/10451178/s366865341169104376_p38_i7_w2560.jpeg One interesting thing I am remembering from a NOAC a long long time ago, in a galaxy far far away, one lodge straddled a state line. On one side of the state line, one tribe was dominant, on the other side of the state line, another. Both tribes had nearly identical regalia, only certain colors and patterns differentiated the two. While the chapters would be specific in their regalia, when they competed at NOAC, the team was a lodge team, and combined the the regalia of the two nations. Only someone extremely knowledgable could tell the difference. I agree. Especially with the history of the OA. I've commented on other threads how the OA has helped Native Americans since its founding in 1915. A lot of people do not know or comprehend the good the OA has done. It reminds me of BLAZIN' SADDLES. It was a movie to fight racism and racial stereotypes. Today it is viewed as racist.

Don't know where @Oldscout448 is hearing his rumblings, but I am hearing mine from several Facebook groups for Arrowmen. ( or shall I say Arrowfolk?) One person commented on how their SE has banned the OA from doing Arrow of Light and Cross Over ceremonies in their council. That led to a discussion about how the OA is going to change policies soon regarding regalia. I'm thinking at NOAC. Another FB group dedicated to ceremonies and has folks on the national OA committee discussed how to get symbolism without wearing regalia. They mentioned wearing color specific shirts for the ceremonies. Then I heard something from a section level AIA officer. I asked him about the above, and he told me there is a discussion at National on the topic, and it appears the OA will eb moving away from regalia.

For some lodges, yes. A few years back, National made a bog push top do away with "Hollywood Indian" image. Wanted lodges to go local. Some lodges had challenges, depending upon the time frame. SE Louisiana Houma didn't wear much until post contact, and with Jesuit influence.

Sometimes there are situations where a specified parent's time is SUPERVISED (emphasis) and they are not to be alone with the child. Judge was shocked when I as a teenager requested supervised visitation for my father. To all outside appearances, he was a nice normal person and not the physically and mentally abusive individual my siblings and I knew. My request was granted, and thankfully he never tried to force me to visit. We have one Scout whose mom can only have him in a supervised situation. Not going into details, but it was over 10 years before she was finally able to see him, and it was at the grandparents house.

I was in a similar situation when I was a Cub Scout Day Camp program director. Mom was on the not to pick up section of the health form we received prior to day camp. The parent/guardian told us they wanted her banned from camp, and they told us about the court order. I told the parent/guardian that until we had a copy of the court order, we could not ban her from camp, just from picking up. Next day, we got a copy of the court order, and the key staff was notified. This was something we did not want broadcasted everywhere per request from parent/guardian. Since everyone needs to check in and get an ID badge, the thought was we would catch her if she showed up. Thankfully she didn't show up. I would have a discusion with the camping director and/or SE.

If the Scout Shop is any indication, they either are, or will be discontinueing the program as those medals are on sale. That doesn't happen unless they discontinue something and trying to get rid of them. https://www.scoutshop.org/national-medal-for-outdoor-achievement-610646.html

There is an approval process for Eagle. First there is the BOR. Once that is completed and signed off, then it goes to council and national. The purpose of that is to review records and make sure everything in is order on the council level, and pro forma at National. If the council is sayin no, something may be wrong regarding the records, and a simple updating of the records may work. I know of 2 cases where the council either had the wrong dates for the various ranks (my case) or had incomplete records ( one of my Eagles) I was denied my Eagle after the BOR until I was able to submit my handbook with all the signatures which updated the records. My Eagle was able to submit copies of his handbook, as well as advancement reports to update the council's records. A more serious problem which happened this year to one of my Eagles. His entire Eagle project book and application was "not turned in" after the board of review. We discovered this 3 months after the fact when I inquired for him. Thankfully, the district advancement chair requires 3 copies of the Eagle application ( Scout copy, unit copy, and council copy) and 2 copies of the service project book (Scout copy and council copy) so that the Eagle was able to resubmit the completed paperwork. How old was he when he had his Eagle Board of Review? It sound like he had the BOR when he was 18 years, 4 months. If that is the case, He would be ineligible for an Eagle BOR without NATIONAL (emphasis) approval. That happened to one of my Eagles. He was unable to get an EBOR before 18 years, 3 months due to boot camp. He was 18 years, 3 months and 1 day old. Came straight home from boot camp to the EBOR only tpo be told he missed it by a day. He had to appeal to national, get approval, and then conduct the EBOR. He earned Eagle, but never had an ECOH because by the time everything was done and approved, he went active duty. Sounds like a paperwork issue on the council level is the problem. Your son should have received a letter why his Eagle was not approved and the process to appeal it if that is the case. I'd start calling council.

Is the Court of Honor, the ceremony celebrating the the accomplishment, being denied, or the Board of Review, the meeting that reviews the Eagle Candidate's requirements and awards the actual Eagle Scout rank being denied? If it the Board of Review that is being denied, there is a process to called "Initiating Eagle Scout Board of Review Under Disputed Circumstances" that the district/council will have to become involved with. If it is the actual Court of Honor Ceremony, different units do different things. As Q noted, some units have it all on the Eagle and his family. Others take full responsibility. Some units do them as part of regular COHs. Some do special Eagle COHs as needed. And some units only do 1 Eagle COH a year and celebrate all of that year's Eagles at one time.

You don't mean the survey where 16% disagreed with removing time requirements for Palms and 78% STRONGLY disagreed with removing time requirements? And while we are on surveys. What about the survey results on the membership policy changes 5 years ago? Slight majority opposed those changes. BUT why wasn't Western Region's LDS members' vote counted in the results? I'm sure that an overwhelming majority of members disagreed with those changes. And why did National unveil the "Family Scouting" member Town Halls with such short notice, and limited the member surveys to those who attended? And why have those results of the members surveys NEVER been published publicly? @RichardB can you see why those of us in the ranks are not happy with national? As to your survey, YES and YES YES and Yes YES and only the stuff relevent to program. Lots of the stuff is fluff, and one entire issue, the family camping issue, IMHO had no reason for being published. Yes MEMBERS AND THEIR PARENTS SHOULD GET LETTERS AND?OR EMAILS! Not everyone is a Scouting junkie.