Troop,
We attempted to schedule for Tuesday, but conflicts arose for that night also. This was
because some of our Scouts cannot make Mondays, and their parents were concerned for their advancement. The bottom line
is the scouts are very busy and we do not have a week night that works for everyone. I expect that we will average about
2-4 scouts on Monday nights. Most Scouts are working on advancements that include various merit badges.
Please remember that merit badges are fundamentally intended to be done by the Scout.
Please check in with them and try to schedule sometime when you can review their advancement requirements, and set apart some
time to work on them. From my youth ministry experience, I think the ratio is that
parents spend about 3500 hours with their child each year, youth workers about 40. If you spend an hour a week on Scouting
with your child, with or without the troop meetings, I bet you can complete or nearly complete their Eagle rank within the
next year.
Lastly, please be positive. People are getting very anxious about whether or not
their Scout will make Eagle. Advancement is only a method of Scouting not the aim of Scouting. What we want kids
to get out of Scouting fundamentally is not badges but character. The aims are:
- Participating citizenship
- Growth in moral strength and character
- Development in physical, mental, and emotional fitness
The hope is that by the time a Scout is decorated with the Eagle patch, that these aims
are already decorating their character in how they view their role in their community or school, how they treat and help other,
and that they are respectful and confident of themselves physically and mentally. And we see these traits in almost
every person that participates in Scouting. These are the important things to take away from Scouting, more important
than the methods. The Eagle badge looks nice and is known to be an impressive achievement, but if the character that stands
behind it does not have the traits reflected in the aims of Scouting they will quickly be seen for who they are and nothing
has been achieved. We all know as adults that a good resume might get you the interview, but it won't get you the job. You
have to do that on your own.
I say this because it is becoming increasingly evident that the odors of perfume, gasoline,
and sports are filling the schedules of our Scouts more and more. Its a sign they are growing up and moving on. And
because I know that I already see these traits in all the boys of Troop 93. I am already proud of what each one has accomplished,
and any honor we bestow on them at this point is just more recognition of the great people they have become.
I will continue to try to get these boys to Eagle. But, please know that whether each one
makes it or not, they are good Scouts. And it shows.
Merit badges and Eagle projects are supposed to be done by the Scout. I encourage
you to talk to your Scout about their goal for scouting. They know how to set S.M.A.R.T. goals for themselves. Let them
prioritize it, let them schedule it, let them ask you for help when they need it. But mostly, let them achieve it.
Jon Blanchard
Scoutmaster
Troop 93
