My Son's Eagle Project

Andy · Post by **Andy** » Sat Oct 20, 2007 20:12 -0700

Finished today!!!!

Dan chose as his eagle project to restore some church windows. We thought it would be no big deal -- scrape, prime and paint some windows. Then we started scraping. They were in worse shape than we thought! It took hours of scraping and recaulking.

After several scout work days and several hundred hours of labor, Dan and I had to tackle the rest of the job ourselves. We have been painting every night after school until dark and Saturdays and Sundays. But today we finished.

We just need to touch it up by scraping stray paint with razor blades and Dan needs to finish the paper work and have his Eagle Board of Review. Then he's an Eagle Scout.

It has been a long difficult journey, but I think he feels it's worth it. I'm very proud of him and his dedication.

morna-san · Post by **morna-san** » Sat Oct 20, 2007 21:28 -0700

what distinction do YOU get?

Stan Sakai · Post by **Stan Sakai** » Sun Oct 21, 2007 7:47 -0700

morna-san wrote:what distinction do YOU get?

Dads do get a pin from the Eagle. Usually it is the moms who get pins when their sons advance. At least that is how it is with our troop.

Congratulations, Andy. Attaining Eagle is no small feat. I just served on an Eagle Board of Review. His project was building bat houses in the San Gabriel Mountains behind our house. I thought it was a great project as I had never heard of houses for bats.

My Matthew is stalled with three merit badges to go before his project. School and sports is really cutting into his time.

Usagi · Post by **Usagi** » Sun Oct 21, 2007 12:52 -0700

When you scrap off the stray paint be sure to use Asitone if it's on any tile (like you would find in a bathroom)- I had to use that stuff to scrap off paint in the bathroom of an evicted house. it was no fun. But I though to throw that out at ya.

Congrats on your son making it to the eagle scouts! Never knew much of that- but hey!- Good for you guys! Restoring something (speacily when it could be reused again in the comunity!) is always cool

...and you always feel good after the work is done!

Do you have any before/After Photos?

Andy · Post by **Andy** » Sun Oct 21, 2007 14:46 -0700

Thanks everybody. Yes, I think I"ll get a pin out of it!

Dan is hoping to get Eagle and then the gold, silver and bronze palms afterwards.

Stan, It is tough getting those last few merit badges. The ones they put off til last are usually the ones that are toughest for them. For Dan there was two or three Lifesaving requirements outstanding. Which ones does Matthew still need?

I would highly recommend any young man who is heading into the "back stretch" toward Eagle to go to someone's Eagle ceremony. The one we went to was very inspirational. I think it helped Dan knuckle down and get the last work finished.

Academics does cut in. Dan doesn't do any sports, so he was able to put full attention to scouting. Seems like in sports anymore they want to own all your time.

I know that Dan took before and after pix. I'll ask him to post some here.

Andy · Post by **Andy** » Sun Oct 21, 2007 17:06 -0700

Dan posted some pix on his blog, Photoshopaholic, http://danielgwales.blogspot.com/

I'll post two here, but you'll have to see the rest at his website. If you go there, be sure to post comments -- something us bloggers like!

Usagi · Post by **Usagi** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 22:09 -0700

I checked out his blogg too- Wow- very significant difference in the photos! I am impressed and happy to see a well job!-- He really diserved that then- and you too!!! Wonderfull!

Andy · Post by **Andy** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 18:25 -0700

Thanks. The project was a real pane in the glass!

OUch!

Andy · Post by **Andy** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 5:50 -0700

Daniel passed his Eagle Board of Review a couple weeks ago. He is officially an Eagle Scout. Now we wait for the packet to come, and then plan an awards ceremony.

Texcap · Post by **Texcap** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 8:34 -0700

Congratulations on your sons achievement! I know becoming an Eagle Scout is no small feat and that the work, time, and effort involved is immense. A very worthwhile project too - and a much better idea than some I've encountered in the past. You must be really proud. I have great memories of my days as a Boy Scout (never quite made Eagle unfortunately) and have served as a Scout leader, since, so I really appreciate the fact that there are still upstanding citizens like you and your son out there making this world a better place.

Enjoy the award ceremony, and the milestone he's reached - you both deserve it.

Andy · Post by **Andy** » Sat Jun 14, 2008 19:48 -0700

Thanks, Texcap.

Is that Usagi image when he got his scar?

Texcap · Post by **Texcap** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 10:13 -0700

You're welcome.

And as for the image - indeed it is (a representation of the battle of Adachigahara where Usagi receives his scar from Lord Hikiji).

Monkey · Post by **Monkey** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 12:10 -0700

Congrats to you and your son on the award. It is a great accomplishment. After 10+ years of recieving mine, people seem to be majorly impressed.

Andy · Post by **Andy** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 12:09 -0700

Thanks, Monkey. Dan has worked his tail off over the years, although there were times when he needed a little push.

Next will be son David. He is fourteen and a star scout. He seems to be moving faster through the ranks, but we are with a different troop as of a year ago, that seems to be more on the ball, and offers more opportunities.

Post by **Steve Hubbell** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 21:03 -0700

(Sure, post this on your blog, but don't share it with us....)