how can i advance in boy scouts?

Question

ok i started scouts late to begin with, thats not the problem, last yaer i had some issues and took a year off and right now im 16 and only second class im just about first, but not in the books... how can i get my eagle by my junior year, im a sophmore

Answer 1

I am against 'Eagle Factories', when people decide to earn the Eagle, rather than earning it as part of the natural progression of learning new skills.

Your first step is to make sure you have your parent's backing on this- this is going to be easier if they are fully supportive.

Next, talk to the troop's leadership. Get your records accurate and get copies of them. Figure out where you are and what you need.

Get First Class ASAP. This usually means hitting all the campouts, etc. First class is the springboard. If you cannot hit it quickly, you will have a lot of trouble hitting Eagle.

Get into a leadership position in the troop- you'll need it for Star, Life, AND Eagle. Get some service projects going for them also. Get involved in the troop- help other guys out with service projects so they will help you, etc. This also shows Scout Spirit.

Now- the merit badges. These will kill you if you don't get going on them. Focus on the required badges. Get the "Boy Scout Requirements Book 2007" and look for badges you can pick up easily. You need 12 Required and another 9 additional badges, so get going.

Try to hit summer camp. Besides being good in other ways, it can help you rack up some good merit badges.

Finally- start thinking about the Eagle Scout Conference. You will be asked tough questions, like why are you going for the Eagle (especially after a late start and a year off),and what is up with the year off. If they are not happy, they can squash your application- and they will not be people from your troop or that you know.