“Eagle Out” Term Banned From Use.

 

Well, if it was up to me I would outlaw the use of the term, “Eagle Out.”

During my career I have had the pleasure of attending hundreds of Eagle Scout Courts of Honor. In most of these an “Eagle Charge” has been presented as part of the program. The following is an excerpt from one such challenge:

“As an Eagle Scout, you have assumed a solemn obligation to do your duty to God, to your country and to all mankind. Others will be watching you, expecting you to lead by example. In living up to these obligations, you will bring honor to yourself and to all other Eagle Scouts.

I charge you to undertake your citizenship with a solemn dedication. Be a leader, but lead only toward the best. Lift up every task you do and every office you hold to the highest level of service to God and your fellow man. So live and serve, that those who know you will be inspired to be and do better. Be among those who dedicate their skills and abilities to the common good.

Lead with a solid foundation of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship and reverence to God, and you will leave behind a record of which every Scout may be proud.”

By including this charge in the court of honor program, we suggest to the Eagle Scout that there is even more expected of him now. That it is his responsibility to give leadership to his fellow scouts and his community. And yet, contrary to this charge, people frequently use the term, “Eagle Out,” explaining and justifying why a boy ceases to be actively involved in his troop. If I could, I would eliminate the use of the term, “Eagle Out,” and encourage Eagles to give back to their troop by staying involved and to continue to provide leadership to their fellow scouts in weekly meetings, at campouts and especially at summer camp.

 

Lost Webelos!

 

There are currently 539 registered 5^th grade Webelos in the Quapaw Area Council.

Unfortunately, 323 of them are not going to join a Boy Scout Troop. That’s correct, the annual statistical average has shown us that only 40 % of our 5^th grade Webelos transition into a Boy Scout Troop each year.

When surveyed, the parents report the most common reason for their son not joining a troop is that they, “…were never asked.”

That is 323 boys who joined Scouting wanting to experience the fun and adventure that we promised him and his family. The longer a boy stays in Scouting, the greater impact it has on his character.

If you are an adult leader in a troop or if you occupy another Scouting role, you can have a positive impact on reducing this great loss. Each District Executive can provide a list of 5^th grade Webelos in each Cub Scout Pack. A phone call to the parents of each of these Webelos is the best means by which to invite them to a troop and to keep them involved in our great program.

Happy New Year!

As we enter a new year, it is time to recommit ourselves to those things that are the most important to us. One of those is our families. Scouting is a program that promotes and encourages family togetherness, engaging in positive activities that are beneficial to ourselves as well as other people.

In order to achieve a well-balanced life, we must be good managers of our time. Time to be split between family, work, recreation and for us, Scouting. Within Scouting, we must also manage our time in order to be effective. With this thought in mind, I want to repeat my request that each of us consider the role in Scouting which we find most enjoyable and where we feel we can be most helpful in fulfilling our mission. And then, to limit ourselves to serving in that one position.

Doing this will not only benefit our family but also the Scouting program to which we are so devoted. When we occupy multiple positions, we risk not doing either one to the best of our ability. We also risk not giving enough time or attention to our family or our vocation. And also detrimental, we keep other people from becoming involved as volunteers.

For 33 years I have heard the argument, “…there aren’t enough volunteers to fill these roles.” Upon deeper examination I have found in every instance that we simply did not ask enough people to serve.

I hope you have a blessed and productive 2017.