[FONT=Times New Roman][size=6]The Trail to Eagle
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Local Boy Scout Justin Habbershaw is working on attaining the Rank of Eagle. Justin is from Troop 129 of the Tall Pine Council, Michigan.
Part of the requirements for him to achieve the rank of Eagle is to plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or your community. Justin’s project is one of great importance and is in-line with what NACHI, the NACHI Foundation (Foundation for Safer Housing) and all of us as Home Inspectors do every day. We try to make people aware of safety.
**Justin’s Eagle Project **
He is collecting money donations and Smoke Detectors for people who need them. He is also in need of Smoke Detectors for the Hearing Impaired for a few families. Justin has even convinced other students in his school to form a school club to continue this project into the future.
If you would like to be a part of helping Justin Habbershaw achieve the rank of Eagle and in turn make many homes safer for the families that live in them please contact Justin or send your contributions to:
Davison Alternative Education High School
1250 N. Oak Rd.
Davison MI, 48423
ATTN: Troop 129, scout project
(This will make sure hat your packages make their way to the correct person).
Justin Habbershaw Email:
j_habbershaw@yahoo.com
Below is from the NESA website. (National Eagle Scout Association)
Trail to Eagle
Significance of the Eagle Scout Rank
The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only in Scouting but also as he enters higher education, business or industry, and community service. The award is a performance-based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years. Not every boy who joins a Boy Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank; only about 5 percent of all Boy Scouts do so. This represents more than 1 million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1911. Nevertheless, the goals of Scouting—citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness—remain important for all Scouts, whether or not they attain the Eagle Scout rank.
Progression
To earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement rank in Scouting, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. Although many options are available to demonstrate proficiency in these areas, a number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks—Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. To advance, a Boy Scout must pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges.
Merit Badges
Merit badges signify the mastery of certain outdoor skills, as well as helping boys increase their skill in an area of personal interest. Of the 120 merit badges available, 21 must be earned to qualify for Eagle Scout. Of this group, 12 badges are required, including First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Environmental Science, Personal Fitness, Personal Management, Camping, and Family Life. In addition, a Scout has a choice between Emergency Preparedness and Lifesaving and a choice among Cycling, Hiking, and Swimming.
Scoutmaster Conferences
At each of his rank advancements, a Boy Scout takes part in a Scoutmaster conference. These conferences help the Scout to set goals for himself in line with his individual talents and abilities. At each conference, the Scoutmaster helps him evaluate how well he accomplished his present goal and then works with him in setting new goals.
Service and Responsibility
Beginning with the Star rank, and continuing through Life and Eagle, a Scout must demonstrate participation in increasingly more responsible service projects. At these levels, he also must demonstrate leadership skills by holding one or more specific youth positions of responsibility in his patrol and/or troop.
Steps in Advancement
Advancement, one of the eight methods by which the aims of Scouting are achieved, has four steps through each award level.
First, the Scout learns. Much of his learning comes from other boys in his patrol or troop and by active participation in troop program. His patrol activities are directed toward the skills he needs. Every troop hike, camping trip, or other activity offers potential learning experiences. A Scout learns to pitch a tent by pitching one, to use a compass by finding directions, and to cook a meal by having to prepare and eat it.
Second, the Scout is tested. The specific requirements determine the kind of testing. Verbal testing is sufficient in some instances. In other instances, a Scout must demonstrate his skills by doing.
Third, the Scout is reviewed. The purpose of the review is to ensure that all requirements for advancement have been met. This includes a check of the Scout’s attitude and practice of the ideals of Scouting, in addition to his Scoutcraft skills. The decision regarding whether a Scout has met the required standards to qualify for rank advancement begins with the troop and, for the Eagle Scout rank, is approved by the district, local council, and finally, the National Council.
Fourth, the Scout is recognized. The final step in advancement involves presentation of the badge, usually at a ceremony before the entire troop.
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