Conbgratulations to your sons and you.
Agreed.
As an ASM, MB counselor and Eagle BoR member it’s not hard to discern between those who are Eagle “ready” and those who are not.
I cringe at MB carnivals, fairs, expos, whatever you want to call them, because they exist for one reason and one reason only. To push through a very shallow understanding of the MB so the Scout can “earn” it.
Also, as a MB counselor for some of the Eagle required MB’s, I have told the Troop Cmte and SM that I will ascertain whether a Scout sent to me is capable of completing the requirements and comprehends the material. If he can’t, I won’t take him on.
I’ve had numerous Scouts from outside our troop drop from my MB instruction once they learn they’re going to have to do the work to earn the MB.
Case in point, last year, I was contacted by four Scouts. 3 in one unit, 1 in another. I’ve only met with the 1 Scout once since our introduction to the MB and that was at least 6 months ago if not longer.
Our son turns 16 next week and is finishing up his last 2 MB’s and is currently planning out his Eagle project.
I moved him out of his previous troop because I knew he wasn’t going to get access to the program and that he probably wouldn’t have chance to earn his Eagle.
SZonian wrote: “I cringe at MB carnivals, fairs, expos, whatever you want to call them, because they exist for one reason and one reason only. To push through a very shallow understanding of the MB so the Scout can “earn” it.”
I agree, except I believe that the “Merit Badge Days” hosted by troops serve only one purpose... fund-raising. We discourage our scouts from participation in these short-cuts.