when you become an eagle scout, it may be the end of your journey to achieve eagle scout, but it’s never the end to do your duty to motivate and help those in needs and those who want to become eagles.
My son joined Scouts as soon as he was old enough and took off like a rocket, going from Scout to Life in 2 years, but then everything came to a halt and he spent the next 4+ years as a Life Scout! I kept waiting for him to get moving again and delayed talking to him about it because he’d never needed it before, but finally 6 months before his 18th birthday we had a talk and I said “You’ve run the length of the field from one end-zone to the other and you’ve got the ball on the 1 yard line. Are you going to just set the ball down and walk off the field now without scoring?” He got going again, got an idea for a project and got it approved and completed, turning in his notebook at the Scout Office 2 days before he turned 18. I still don’t know why he went on auto-pilot for so long.
That is very common for Scouts to kind of sit back after becoming a Life Scout. On average it takes two years to get them motivated to get Eagle. I know that it is difficult as a parent to let this happen but it allows the Scout to refine their leadership skills and give back to the troop. In my district here in Central Florida the average age of Life Scouts is 17½. Although the average time between getting an approved project in a verified application is about 270 days. Not much time to get things done. I like your analogy and it motivates Life Scouts to achieve their goal of Eagle. Congratulations on becoming an Eagle Scout Parent. YIS⚜
My late grandpa's biggest regret up until he passed away almost 12 years ago was that he never got Eagle. From one Eagle Scout to another, thank you for posting this.
My boys just crossed over to Scouts BSA and we sat and watched this video together (along with your video about the Eagle that did just the minimum). I felt it was important for them to see both and understand what the expectations were compared to what they experienced in Cub Scouts. Thanks Scouter Stan!
I am so glad that you are getting a lot out of the videos on the channel. Remember that scouting should be fun but it is a game with a purpose. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions on how to improve the channel. Thanks YIS⚜
I would suggest a Scoutmaster's conference if a scout is 17 and not Eagle. It's okay if the scout is not interested in advancing, but it would be good to assess what's left to be completed. If only a project and a merit badge is left, then the award may be possible. I've always felt achieving scouting's highest rank should be between age 15-17. This allows some time to enjoy the program without the stress of a ticking clock. For my son, we put a list of required merit badges on the frig with the title, "How bad do you want it?" You could also "charge" a scout "rent" of 1 merit badge a month to encourage advancement. These ideas came from assissting my husband as District Advancement Chairman for several years and watching 40 scouts "earn their wings" over the past 25 years in our troop.
I think the key word in all his script is 'Mentor'. A Life Scout needs a Mentor - yes in many small Troops that duty fall to the Scoutmaster but I think it should be someone that the Scout can report to each week with answer to the question of 'What did you do this week that brought you one step closer to being an Eagle Scout'.
Because you submitted your Eagle Scout application implies that you completed all of the requirements you had control of before your 18th birthday. The Eagle Board of Review is the only requirement that you have little control over and it can be done after your birthday. Timing truly is everything. Congratulations! YIS⚜
when you become an eagle scout, it may be the end of your journey to achieve eagle scout, but it’s never the end to do your duty to motivate and help those in needs and those who want to become eagles.
My son joined Scouts as soon as he was old enough and took off like a rocket, going from Scout to Life in 2 years, but then everything came to a halt and he spent the next 4+ years as a Life Scout! I kept waiting for him to get moving again and delayed talking to him about it because he’d never needed it before, but finally 6 months before his 18th birthday we had a talk and I said “You’ve run the length of the field from one end-zone to the other and you’ve got the ball on the 1 yard line. Are you going to just set the ball down and walk off the field now without scoring?”
He got going again, got an idea for a project and got it approved and completed, turning in his notebook at the Scout Office 2 days before he turned 18. I still don’t know why he went on auto-pilot for so long.
That is very common for Scouts to kind of sit back after becoming a Life Scout. On average it takes two years to get them motivated to get Eagle. I know that it is difficult as a parent to let this happen but it allows the Scout to refine their leadership skills and give back to the troop. In my district here in Central Florida the average age of Life Scouts is 17½. Although the average time between getting an approved project in a verified application is about 270 days. Not much time to get things done. I like your analogy and it motivates Life Scouts to achieve their goal of Eagle. Congratulations on becoming an Eagle Scout Parent. YIS⚜
My late grandpa's biggest regret up until he passed away almost 12 years ago was that he never got Eagle. From one Eagle Scout to another, thank you for posting this.
You are very welcome. YIS⚜
@@ScouterStan I'd like to create an Eagle Scout group at my college if possible.
Look into Alpha Phi Omega BSA National Service Fraternity. YPS⚜
@@ScouterStan Can I start it at my college even after I graduate?
My boys just crossed over to Scouts BSA and we sat and watched this video together (along with your video about the Eagle that did just the minimum). I felt it was important for them to see both and understand what the expectations were compared to what they experienced in Cub Scouts.
Thanks Scouter Stan!
I am so glad that you are getting a lot out of the videos on the channel. Remember that scouting should be fun but it is a game with a purpose. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions on how to improve the channel. Thanks YIS⚜
As I told my son, "If only there were a Procrastination MB . . ."
wow i remember suggesting this video to motivate other scouts before my Board or Review for the Eagle Scout rank. OMG thanks for the video!!!
No problem! YIS⚜
I would suggest a Scoutmaster's conference if a scout is 17 and not Eagle. It's okay if the scout is not interested in advancing, but it would be good to assess what's left to be completed. If only a project and a merit badge is left, then the award may be possible. I've always felt achieving scouting's highest rank should be between age 15-17. This allows some time to enjoy the program without the stress of a ticking clock. For my son, we put a list of required merit badges on the frig with the title, "How bad do you want it?" You could also "charge" a scout "rent" of 1 merit badge a month to encourage advancement. These ideas came from assissting my husband as District Advancement Chairman for several years and watching 40 scouts "earn their wings" over the past 25 years in our troop.
I think the key word in all his script is 'Mentor'. A Life Scout needs a Mentor - yes in many small Troops that duty fall to the Scoutmaster but I think it should be someone that the Scout can report to each week with answer to the question of 'What did you do this week that brought you one step closer to being an Eagle Scout'.
This was kind of what happened to me. I had (literally exactly) a month until my 18th when I submitted my Eagle Application.
Because you submitted your Eagle Scout application implies that you completed all of the requirements you had control of before your 18th birthday. The Eagle Board of Review is the only requirement that you have little control over and it can be done after your birthday. Timing truly is everything. Congratulations! YIS⚜
@@ScouterStan Exactly. My Board of Review was two months after submitting and a month after my 18th a few years back.