Boy Scout renovating fort trails for his Eagle Scout project

Sierra Vista Herald, Sierra Vista Arizona ^ | Dec 5, 2005 | Bill Hess

[RonF]

Good move taking your son to another Troop. If a 14-year old is truly motivated, he can make 1st Class in less than a year and be an Eagle about a year and a half later.

I'd be interested to know what exactly that person was you talked to. If he was a member of the Troop, he should not be that Troop's Unit Commissioner.

[RonF]

We also emphasize First Class, but you've added a couple of details that I'm going to steal.

[Scoutmaster]

It's not called "stealing;" it's called "spreading the Scouting movement." ;)

And that's the first (and perhaps the last) time I've ever used an emoticon on Free Republic.

[Tax-chick]

Thanks again! All of this is very informative.

[MarMema]

Thank you for your kind offer! My son will be very pleased to have the patch. He asked me to thank you on his behalf.

He just needs to make certain that he ASKS for one of the requisite leadership positions if he is not elected to one of the ones elected by the Scouts. A good Scoutmaster will be certain that he has a chance to earn his leadership tenure.

That is what we have told him as well. Take *something* to keep moving on - to Life - after he reaches Star.
I have read that a lot of Scouts stall at Star. I wonder why that is....other than age and fumes.

Thanks for all of your wisdom and sharing.

[Scoutmaster]

You and your son are most welcome -- but that's not necessary.

Before my emphasis shifted from local unit Scouting to International Scouting, whenever I got a patch or a neckerchief, it was because I attended a function or swapped for it at the National Jamboree (sort of like I earned it or traded for it). You didn't just meet someone at a Camp-o-ree, shake hands, and before leaving give a gift.

Now, from the few times I've represented scouting overseas to the many times I've served as part of a contingent to host Scouts or Scouters from other countries, I can't meet someone in Scouting without being given something -- patches, neckerchiefs, Scout knives, nametags, uniform tops, you name it. (Of course it means I keep a lot of U.S. and local items on hand as gifts, although nothing is expected in return for a gift.)

I just do my part and pass along the goodies, usually International stuff, in the Spirit of Scouting (although I'll never part with my Swedish Scout knife or set of Australian patches to support Aboriginal Scouting -- the Swedish knife is too useful and the young lady who gave me the Australian patches looked too much like Olivia Newton-John).

I was given several patches by the Prefectural Commissioner of Scouting in Yamagata with instructions to give them to U.S. Scouts and Scouters to thank them for helping re-start Scouting in Japan after WWII.

As I said, I've put one away for your son for when he earns his Eagle Scout rank. It's not from me, it's thanks and congratulations from the Scout Association of Japan. I'm just the messenger.