When to start an Eagle project

[cballman]

back many years ago when I earned my Eagle I was ask to give back some of what I was taught and learned. Just when I think I might get to retire and relax the Webelos cross over and I just have to start all over again. so when anyone earns their Eagle I ask them to stay as much as they can and give back to the progam. so far I have not been turned down from one yet.
either they are scared of me or they believe in the progam.

[halo]

While I'm like the others in questioning your math, I also have other concerns. Why does your son want his Eagle so fast? What are his plans for after he receives his Eagle badge? Unfortunately I've seen this problem a lot where kids are into receiving their Eagle and not becoming an Eagle Scout. Where is the scouting?

How many camps has he attended? 50 milers he's hiked? What scouting experiences has he had that didn't = merit badge or rank advancement? Has he even had the chance to do leadership training or become a leader in his troop? This whole "I have to get my Eagle now ASAP" situation along with the "oh crud, I better get my Eagle before I turn 18 2 weeks from now" situation, is too common. It's so bad here that having an Eagle doesn't get you that extra edge it once used to (except in the military of course).

Becoming an Eagle Scout is more than just completing the requirements for a badge. It's about being a scout. 1 - 1 1/2 years is s only barely scratching the surface of becoming a true scout.

This month's "Ask Andy" article covers this topic very well. I wish you and your son the best of luck in your endeavors. I just ask that you take the responsibility of earning the Eagle rank seriously so that it does not jeopardizes those who do became an Eagle Scout.

(I hope it's okay to post a link - if not please remove). http://netcommish.com/AskAndy51.asp

[WolfLdr]

Let me clear up a few things regarding my question of when to start an Eagle project.
1. We are not pushing him along; it is his idea.
2. I may have gotten his ranking wrong. He has until the end of July before he can go for conference for Star ranking. He has his 4 required merit badges and 2 elective merit badges completed and he is the troop's librarian. He has been since February 22.
3. He has an additional 3 required merit badges and 5 elective merit badge completed. In three week they go to camp where he will complete another 2 required merit badges and 2 elective merit badges. All of his own choosing.
4. We are encouraging him to complete the research into his project and to get the approval of both schools beforehand so, if he has to, he can pick another project. It doesn't pay to bring a project to the committee for approval if he isn't going to be able to do it.
5. He has only missed one camp out that his troop has gone on because he was showing his rabbits in competition. His troop is not very active, only going to Spring Camporee, Summer Camp, Fall Camporee, and possibly one other campout during the year.
6. My nephew was recently killed and my son wants to earn his Eagle because his cousin and my father (also deceased) were both Eagle Scouts.
7. He has not gone to leadership training because the AC won't send him because there are other boys in the troop that need to go first because they are older.

[JazerNorth]

With that clarification, here is the new math:
Current month: July
After Star Board of Review: 6 months (earliest Board of Review in January)
After Life Board of Review: 6 months (earliest Board of Review July)
Start Eagle Project in July/August.

Knowing that, some leg work can be done earlier, but not much. Try to help him understand that the process is part of getting the Eagle. Following all of the rules applies to getting the Eagle just as much as acheiving the requirements.

It is important for him to get his Eagle, especially if he has a great desire to do so. If he understands the rules (the official BSA rules), I think he will go through less political stress.

As for leadership, the Troop votes their leaders, therefore the AC has no say. Once he is a leader, he has every right to go to the Leadership training, regardless of who is older. If he is not a leader, I don't know the rules for sure, but I am sure someone else on this board can help.

Have fun,

JazerNorth

[ASM-142]

4. We are encouraging him to complete the research into his project and to get the approval of both schools beforehand so, if he has to, he can pick another project. It doesn't pay to bring a project to the committee for approval if he isn't going to be able to do it.

Doing some preliminary research 'might' be OK but once he starts getting approvals from benefiting organizations before he is a Life scout then that is not OK.