The Eagle

 Even though I have frequently mentioned that I am not an Eagle, and stand as the exception on the Camp Geiger Staff, I have reconciled myself to what I didn't do as a youth, and what I do as an adult in Scouting.

Having said that...

When it comes to cultures, the symbol of the Eagle is very common, and very popular. Many nations, and armies from the Romans (and likely before) to today have carried this symbol as a representation of strength and pride. Native American cultures frequently saw the Eagle as a messenger of  the Great Spirit, and possession of its feathers and claws was a sign of honor, and wealth. It stands as a symbol of the United States of America.

Ben Franklin wanted  to use the turkey, but he was outvoted. 

Of course in the Boy Scouts of America, the Eagle is the highest rank in Scouting. Yes, I know you can add palm after palm, but those are simply added to the Eagle. Advancement is only one aspect of scouting, but it is the most visible, outwardly.

To earn the rank of Eagle, one must demonstrate leadership in their unit, earn the required number of Merit Badges, complete the project, AND follow through with a Life Statement, as well as submit to a Board of Review and Scoutmaster Conference. Which of these is the largest hurdle; the one that divides the  Eagle from the Life?

It was  the Eagle Project for me. In fact, until recently, I have stated that the project is the defining characteristic of an Eagle Scout. It pulls in all facets of maturity, from leadership, to planning and managing the project, as well as demonstrating significant initiative on the part of the youth. But is that the end all?

No, it isn't. But for most, it IS all downhill from that point. A scout with all of their Merit Badges, having completed the time in leadership requirements, normally would demonstrate sufficient maturity to breeze through an Eagle Board. At this point in their scouting and personal lives, they usually have a good idea of what is next, even if the end result is not visible. After all, outside of the few who feel they have a calling to do a specific work, how many leaving High School are firm on the path ahead? So what else needs to be done?

Requests for Letters of Recommendation are important. They should request a letter from a religious leader, an educator, and a personal reference. Don't quote me on that is all, by the way, it has been two years since I shepherded someone through the process. Even if the Scout does not strictly follow their faith, it is important that they have a faith, and that someone can vouch for that. Duty to God is first on the list when it comes to the Scout Oath. 

It isn't enough that a Scout excels at Scouting. They must be students of such caliber that one of their teachers or principals can vouch for them. An Eagle Scout is not a one trick pony. Their personal lives must be in such a way that is equal to their scouting role. They need to be held in high esteem by many.

"To help other people at all times" is not just a statement in the Oath, it is a must do. This is a habit built by Scouting throughout the ranks, but specifically to advance to Star, Life, and ultimately Eagle. It squares exactly with the admonition of Jesus Christ to his disciples 

34 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." John 13:34 KJV

Finally, before the Board of Review the Scout must write a Life Statement. It does not have to be so detailed that the Scout has pinpointed every aspect of their life henceforth, but rather that they have given thought about the future, and at this junction, are intentionally choosing their path, rather than just following it. I had never given this much thought, but in retrospect, it is very important. Is the Scout just drifting through life? (no pun intended) If so, how did they arrive at the threshold of Eagle? It is also, like the project, a gatekeeper.

At Camp Geiger, we strive to excel in helping others. It is the goal of the staff, from the Camp Director, to the first year staffer, to everyone in between, to provide the example to follow. We have been trained to go beyond "good enough", but to reflect the Scout Oath's lead. Not just First Week, but remembering that as the weeks go by, it is likely many Scouts' "First week" at camp, and they deserve the same energy and service as week one.

First week is just a few days away! 

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