Eagle Scouts-- Part 1

From the July 6th Chicago Tribune "Through scouting, Eagles learn to fly" by Leslie Mann.

The article started with a funny quote from Tom Lehrer, a spoof on their "Be Prepared" pledge: "Be prepared to hold your liquor well. Don't write naughty words on walls if you can't spell."

Of course, Scouting today is battling the technology battle that keeps so many young boys out of the program. In addition, Scouting is often viewed as uncool.

However, in 2005, 49,895 young men earned Eagle status, scouting's highest rank by completing 21 merit badges and a service project. In 2010, the number was 59,176, an 8% increase.

Some community service projects ranged from sprucing up parks and cemeteries, directing summer camps and, in one case, enabling a load of original Lincoln Highway bricks to be delivered from Ohio to Nebraska.

What makes an Eagle Scout? According to Ray Piagentini, president of the Illinois School Councelor Association and counselor at Barrington High School: "They tend to be the compassionate, reflective, respectful kids who know how to look beyond themselves. Some are high achievers academically, some aren't. Some are into sports, some aren't. But like the Navy Seals, they tend to be the rarest of the rare kids."

And I Never Made It Past Tenderfoot. I'm So Embarrassed. Those Rotten Knots. --Cooter