I had another boy with a non-BSA Eagle Project packet. Thank you National Advancement Committee for declaring that the only packets that can be used at the BSA written packets. The rules are pretty clear but a member of our District Advancement Committee actually signed off on this packet. The boy also used form reference letters from the same council that he used their Eagle Project packet. It still goes all over me that a Council thinks that they are smarter than National and can create their own set of rules for Eagles.
My frustration was started even before I met this boy when I called his Venturing Adviser in the morning to confirm his presence at his Board of Review. My email had gone unanswered for 2 weeks. This is how the conversation went.
Me: Are you John Smith's Venturning Adviser?
Him: I don't know.
Me: Are you the Young Mens President?
Him: Yes.
Me: Then you are his Venturing Adviser. Have you got your training yet?
Him: No.
My wife overheard the conversation and she is normally very quiet and shy but it was kind of funny to watch her slap her forehead when he told me he didn't know if he was the Venturing Adviser.
I then went on to discuss that normally in wards the Young Mens President is the Venturing Adviser, the 1st Counselor is the Varsity Coach and the 2nd Counselor is the Scoutmaster. He wasn't even sure if that was being followed. I told him to check with his Bishop to make sure and see how he wants it organized but this is how the handbook says it should "normally" be done. We do have congregations in our Stake that make the YM Presidencies the assistant Venturing Adviser, the assistant Varsity Coach and the assistant Scoutmaster. This is a very new ward and the Bishop is a reasonably experienced Scouter. I just wonder if some of these men are overwhelmed by their new ward and new callings. I am glad Little Philmont is right around the corner!
Get your BSA Eagle Project Packet here.
Get your BSA Eagle Rank application here.
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