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We have several requests from parents and Eagle Scouts for a wallet-size paper card showing the rank of Eagle. Most of our Eagle Scouts create a permanent display of all awards, etc. and want a card to be part of it. We have other scout rank cards in our inventory but not Eagle. We want to know if there is a paper card too. Our boys want to be able to carry the plastic card issued by National.
Moderator Comments
11/26/08
From: Jamie Shearer, Program Impact Department Manager

The paper card was replaced in 1991 with the current plastic card for the sake of durability (the paper cards were being destroyed in many wallets). If an Eagle Scout (or his parent(s)) are interested in a duplicate card for a display box, a form is included in the Eagle packet (on-line as well) to order additional cards.
In response to the numerous postings about adding various merit badges to the current program, how about creating one new badge known as "design your own'? A Scout could work with an adult leader or counselor to show proficiency in a field of interest that is outside of the merit badge curriculum.
Moderator Comments
This idea has been assigned to the Innovation Team. We will include this suggestion in one of our upcoming team meetings and will keep you posted on the results.
A webelos Invasion has helped in my old district with cross over and retention. A one day event where every Troop in the district is invited to display their troop(doesn't work so well with large or rural districts). Postcards are then send out to all registered Webelos, inviting them to learn about boy scouting from the Troops themselves.

It also allows the troops to interact with the troops from their own towns or neighborhoods.
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I think it would be a GREAT idea if current adult leaders who had earned the Eagle Scout Rank to be able to wear the Eagle Scout emblem (patch) on their uniforms instead of just the Eagle square knot. It could also be made a choice between the two - full emblem or the knot.

This would certainly promote more the "once an Eagle always an Eagle" theme and promote the Scouting program to all that see the highest rank in the program. This would encourage more Eagles as adults to be proud of their youth accomplishment and even perhaps volunteer to support Scouting.

We should be significantly prouder of this symbolic promotion of the highest achievement in the Scouting program and uniform with current adults who continue their scouting leadership even after earning Eagle Scout as youth member.

Moderator Comments
11/26/08
From: Jamie Shearer, Program Impact Department Manager

Both the Eagle Award and the Arrow of Light are significant achievements for our youth members. Due to their significance, a square knot was approved for the adult uniform. Badges of rank (Tiger Cub through Eagle) are reserved for youth membership.
I know I am not the only genious out there with this idea, but I'll post it! Each year we get tons of calls from Kindergarten parents wanting to sign their boys up. Lets make the adjustment and accept them. Maybe they could do a twice a month program like Tigers started out to be? We have boys wanted to join and the sooner we get them and their parents in the better.
WEBELOS, the 2nd year program does not work, the kids are bored and we lose a ton of them at recharter. Make boys BOY SCOUTS as soon as they enter grade 5. Yes some Scoutmasters will rumble, but we lose far too many 2nd year Webelos.
Moderator Comments
11/3/08
Thank you for your idea! We currently have a pilot program going on in a Georgia council in which this very idea is being tested. We will check back with you at a later date to let you know the results of this pilot program.