From: Alan R. Hamm (ahamm@alanhamm.com)
Date: Tue Aug 06 2002 - 06:35:35 CDT
> Whether it is the Arrowhead or any other award in scouting or life, it is
> not the patch, plaque, ribbon or whatever that is the real reward. It is
> the experience. The lessons learned. The satisfaction of achievement.
The
> patch is just the symbol of that achievement. If you posses the symbol
> without the experience it is without meaning. There will always be cases
> that are questionable for any award. Some undeserving may receive the
> symbol, but they still do not have the reward. Those that go the whole
> distance possess the real reward and will have it for the rest of their
> lives.
>
> Phil Brown
And there is the real answer. I am sure we all know the type of individual
that would wear their patch and boast about it without really "earning" it.
They are probably the ones that grow up and beat up their kids coaches at
soccer games because their kid was not treated fairly.
As was mentioned earlier, you can probably get the things on Ebay. Having
been there as a scout and an advisor, it is not the patch I went for, nor is
it the most prized possession I came back with. My first reward will come
in about 6-8 months when my son finishes up his eagle because he gave me his
word. Philmont was originally supposed to be his reward for earning his
eagle (as it was mine), but because you have to sign up so far in advance
and he got sidetracked...... But AFTER going, the difference in his
attitude is amazing and he is working diligently to keep his end of the
deal.
But my real reward will be in 15 to 20 years, watching him get into scouting
and becoming involved with his son. Plus the memories and stories that we
can and will share for the rest of our lives. We don't need the patches
for that. But they sure are nice and pulling my old one out to compare
with the new one sure brought back another flood of memories. But it was of
my original trek, not of when the person actually handed it to me.
Alan Hamm
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