For Pete (bullet08) and others involved/interested in the Scouting program, I thought I'd share a photo from the Eagle Scout Court of Honor held for my son and three other young men from our troop this past Saturday.  My son earned his Eagle rank in late January shortly before his 15th birthday (possibly the youngest ever for our troop) and three others earned their rank in May and August.  The parents (wives mostly!) organize and plan this big formal ceremony along with large involvement from the entire troop with many relatives and friends in attendance to celebrate (approximately 130 came).  Michael also has more merit badges than anyone in the troop (yes, I'm bragging, LOL), though he has a long ways to go to earn all of them (something like 135 available).

Congratulations Harvey!  That's quite an accomplishment.  Definitely something to be proud of.

Congratulations Harvey,

Smart to push through early, once they can drive, and more interest in girls it's hard to keep them focused on Eagle. My son was Life  I think at 13, became more focused on sports and all the above it was challenging, but he never totally quit and with many debates and realization I was not letting him punt on the 1 yard line he made Eagle.

That's something to be proud of.  I'm an Eagle Scout from 1971.  Congratulations

Is there a merit badge for figs?

Jon, 

Yes there is it's the Collections merit badge and here are the requirements, and the word counselor is emphasized.

1. Prepare a short written report or outline for your counselor, giving a detailed description of your collection,* including a short history. Be sure to include why you chose that particular type of collecting and what you enjoy and have learned from your collection.
2. Explain the growth and development of your collection.
3. Demonstrate your knowledge of preserving and displaying your collection.

   a. Explain the precautions that you need to take to preserve your collection, including

   1. Handling

   2. Cleaning

   3. Storage

   b. Explain how best to display your collection, keeping in mind preserving as discussed above.

   c. Explain to your counselor the events available for a hobbyist of this collection, including shows, seminars, conventions, contests, and museum programs or exhibits.

4. Demonstrate your knowledge of collecting and investing. Discuss with your counselor:

   a. How investing and speculation would apply to your collection

   b. What you would look for in purchasing other collections similar to yours

   c. What you would expect in return value in the event you decided to sell all or part of the collection

5. Do the following:

   a. Discuss with your counselor at least 10 terms commonly used in your collection and be prepared to discuss the definition of each.

   b. Show your counselor any two groups from your collection. Explain how you organized your collection and why you chose that method. (Note: if your collection is too large to transport and your counselor is unable to view your collection directly, photographs should be available to share.)

   c. Explain how your collection is valued by other collectors and display to your counselor any price guides that may be available.

   d. Explain how your collection is graded for value, physical defects, size and age. Show the various classifications or ratings used in your collection.

   e. List the national, state, or local association responsive to your collection.

   f. Show the location of and explain to your counselor the identification number (if applicable), series, brand name (if any),and any special identification marks.

6. Discuss with your counselor the plans you have to continue with the collection in the future.
7. Discuss with your counselor why and how collecting has changed and how this applies to your collection.
8. Find out about career opportunities in collecting. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.

Congratulations. That's an incredible achievement, and one that he can take pride in for the rest of his life. Nice work!

Jon, there is also a gardening merit badge (for which I am a registered counselor).  Unfortunately, Michael has yet to find a fig he likes or is even taste without spitting out. ;)

congrats to your son and your family. that's a big milestone in young man's life. as an ASM for new scout program for our troop, i know how much work and dedication go into earning those ranks, and eagle scout is top of them all.

Congrats! thanks for remembering me  what I did as scout member :)

Congratulations to your son that is an achievement to be proud of.   And, and to you too Harvey….!

What a start in life, I like his prospects for the future……

Congratulations!

Traditionally in boys in our troop have waited until close to their 18th birthday to complete the requirements for the Eagle rank and, even if they attained the rank 12-18 months before their 18th birthday (the age limit for completing the requirements other than the Board of Review), we never saw them again in troop activities.  We encouraged Michael to work on attaining his rank early because (1) school work keeps getting tougher, (2) he isn't participating in any sports activities to slow him down, and (3) he can provide more help to our troop as an Eagle Scout.  Michael particularly enjoys working with the younger boys to help them advance.

Michael did go through a period a few years ago when he was getting discouraged, particularly because swimming requirements were difficult for him.  Almost three years ago our family made a winter camping trip up on the north coast near where I often camped as a Boy Scout myself about 40 years ago.  My ScoutMaster Mr. Frost retired to the area and we stopped by and visited him and his wife and one of his son's who was in the same class as me.  We spent a couple of hours visiting and telling old Scouting stories, etc.  We had Michael in full Field Uniform (Class A) and Mr. Frost gave Michael the Boy Scout handshake upon meeting him.  I believe this had a big influence on Michael continuing to push ahead as he saw that even 40 years later these experiences meant a great deal to us.  Michael worked extra hard to earn the Swimming Merit Badge just because it was a challenge (he already had the Cycling and Hiking Merit Badges and only one of the three must be earned to make Eagle).  I hope the lessons in perseverance and determination help him for the rest of his life.

I only made it to Star myself, getting busy with farm work and even a second job during summers by the time I was 15.  I regret it, especially now, but still appreciate what I did accomplish.  I kayaked 35 miles one summer and 50 miles the next in a kayak I made myself (with a lot of guidance from Mr. Frost!).

Back in May after Michael had already earned his Eagle Rank (but before he was wearing his patch to signify his accomplishment), we were coming back from a camping trip and stopped by a church on the way home to attend Mass.  We were in uniform and a gentleman behind us spoke to us after Mass.  He encouraged Michael to earn his Eagle rank and was very happy to learn Michael was already an Eagle.  He went on to say that he owned a business in Sacramento and that he would never turn down a job applicant who was an Eagle Scout.  We should have got his business card, LOL.  We have since learned that many companies will always grant an interview to a job applicant who is an Eagle Scout.  If you have a young man in your life that isn't in the program, I suggest you encourage him to check it out and give it a try.

Very nice for your son and his entire family. Congratulations to you all.

Congrats! 

Kevin
Eagle Scout - 1995

Congratulations Harvey.  You are raising your boy right.  

scouting made a difference in me when i was a kid. i only finished cub scout in korea. when i came to america, didn't know how to join the scouting. soon other things get in the way.. like learning english and how to get home without getting into a fight :) always wanted to be a tiger scout (highest rank in korean scouting system).

have both sons in scouting and they are enjoying it.. but it will be a long road to eagle :) older one just finished his 1st Class requirements. our troop used to take time getting them to 1st Class, my son and boys who cross over took 15 months. i'm changing that rather quickly. i'm working on 1st Class in 9 months, our troop doesn't have program during the summer other than the summer camp and the high adventures. after that, they can take whatever time they will need to get to eagle... as long as it's before their 18th b-day.

Congrats, great achievement and picture!

Congratulations to you and your son!

Congratulations, Harvey! Your son has an excellent start in his life !

Congrats to your son, that is wonderful, we have a two in our family working in that direction, my father was a Life Scout and my husband is an Eagle Scout and had continued to stay in scouting and is district training chair. His father was an Eagle Scout, so it runs in the family!! Our daughter is in Girl Scouts she just a brownie.. but as soon as she is old enough will join venturing...

Congratulations, you're one proud dad.