How to Hack Your Eagle Award

Here's how to hack your Eagle award. Some people might want to do this to show support for a change in policies within the Boy Scouts of America.

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Step 1: Cut Fabric

Cut your ribbon. I ordered some 35mm grosgrain ribbon. Measuring ribbon in the US is usually English measure, so I ordered 35mm ribbon from an ebay supplier in the UK. I measured about 80mm in length of the rainbow ribbon.

bobkrispen (author) says: Jan 28, 2013. 6:00 PM

Damn, must have done somethin' right with this. Looks like the BSA is changing policy.

action pig in reply to bobkrispenJan 30, 2013. 5:36 PM

Woot!!! Just what I was thinking.

TGP says: Dec 28, 2012. 8:53 AM

This is a wonderful hack. Thank you. As the proud older sibling to one eagle scout and two more boy scouts, child of a scout master and den mother, I appreciate the hardwork it takes in earning this award. And as a member of the LGBT community myself, I also thank you for your support and openmindedness.

This may seem like a small point of rebelion to you, but to me, it is part of a growing voice in our world. It is my hope that this voice will someday reach the BSA and they will become as all inclusive as they were claimed to be. Someday, being gay won't make you evil, morally corrupt, or a boogeyman.

So, thank you. Hopefully all the bad comments aren't getting you down :)

bobkrispen (author) in reply to TGPJan 1, 2013. 5:08 PM

> Hopefully all the bad comments aren't getting you down :)

Most of the negative comments are related to one of a few things. Against my right to modify my own property, am unworthy of the rank (once and Eagle... ), homophobic or merely people yelling loudly to cling to their own notions of their right to exclude people because they're afraid of them. It is, at this point, mostly entertaining to re-read some of the vitriol that some supposedly "courteous" and "kind" people have spewed.

When one stirs up this kind of controversy, chances are, they're onto something good.

Thanks for the positive reinforcement. Someday... someday we'll get there.

olistr says: Dec 10, 2012. 12:26 PM

Awesome. Hope the boyscouts find their way into the 21st century eventually.

Radicalone says: Oct 25, 2012. 7:01 AM

As an American, you have the right to agree or disagree with the beliefs and policies of the BSA. However, that only extents as to whether of not you decide to join the organization.

It does not give you the right to obtain their highest award and desicrate it publicly.

I am sure that all the parents and leaders who spend their time and effort over the years to help you achieve this honor would not be pleased by this instructable.

I sincerely hope that someone in your troop or council finds this instructable and takes back your medal.

greenmanTN in reply to RadicaloneNov 20, 2012. 2:45 PM

When I joined the Cub Scouts at age SEVEN it wasn't as an infiltrator of this fine, upstanding organization. I didn't even cackle maniacally when I did it. In fact, they came to ME because our school allowed them to come in and promote the group. I don't know if they still do that or not- probably not in most places. I wasn't plotting the downfall of the BSA when I became a Webelo or later a Boy Scout. In fact I was an exemplary Scout, earning badges and taking the organization's lessons to heart. Most people join as Cubs so you can hardly accuse them of joining the BSA with full knowledge or even understanding of their religious/political POV *or* of even of themselves as young adults. So it's rather silly to suggest that "if you don't agree with it, you shouldn't join." They're KIDS. It's only later that some of them discover that although their selves and personal values haven't really changed they are suddenly "unacceptable" to the BSA. The issue isn't being "let in" or of "sneaking INTO" the BSA with dishonorable intentions, it's of being KICKED OUT for things you cannot control. See the difference?

antioch in reply to RadicaloneNov 9, 2012. 7:52 PM

All the people here telling folks not to join the boy scouts if they don't agree with their rules could just follow their own advice. Cya.

But no, the damn hypocrites are just looking for an excuse to act up and pretend they have honor and are straight.

Enjoy your stagetime and the little attention smart people grant you here on the great internet, you poor sod. I don't need to look at your profile to pity you for your poor, valueless life of lies.

bobkrispen (author) in reply to RadicaloneOct 25, 2012. 4:42 PM

> I sincerely hope that someone in your troop or
> council finds this instructable and takes back your medal.

Once an Eagle, always an Eagle. And if I lost the medal, if I sold the medal if someone stole the metal, a group of militant eagle medal hunters wanted to hunt down my medal and take it away, I would still be an Eagle.

I've said it several times in the past and a brilliant DESA recipient recently said this "It's not the medal, it's the mettle."

I've heard from plenty of Eagles, plenty of parents, plenty of leaders that appreciate this hack. I've heard from plenty of gay eagles, atheist eagles and those that are neither, but still support this kind of method of protest.

This is MY award that I've hacked. Because it's mine, it's not yours. Because it's not yours, I can't desecrate it. If I hacked yours, you might have a legitimate reason to call it desecration. But this is mine, and I'm entitled to do with it what I want.

Captain Deadfield in reply to RadicaloneOct 25, 2012. 8:22 AM

I agree with you completely. And anyone who disagrees, deal with it. I have earned this award. It cost me a significant investment of time and energy as well as sacrifice. This is desecration of an award and it would be no different than changing the US Flag to be a rainbow. The Red White and Blue of the ribbon which the Eagle medal hangs from is representative of the flag of our great nation. The rainbow is representative of a degredation in morality and a rebellion against the values which our nation was founded on.

A scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

On my Honor, I will, do my best, to do my duty, to God and my country and to obey the scout law, to help other people at all times, to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

These are the Law and Oath that every scout learns and follows. If you don't believe in God, you arent following the oath you are making and you need to leave the organization. If you stay, then you are not being Honest and Trustworthy. I'm not even gonna get started on being obedient, as those who push this agenda can't understand that.

If you do believe in God yet are pushing this change in the BSA, then you are not being morally straight according to the morals taught by the Bible, which declares that sex between anyone but a man and his wife is adultery, and therefor sinful. While we are all sinners, the difference is being a wilful and unrepentant sinner versus being a repentent sinner who is trying to avoid sin.

If you disagree with me, you are entitled to your own opinion, but I am using the dictionary definition of the words that the scout makes an oath to follow. If you want change, that is your choice, but to break the oath you make in forcing that change is to show dishonor to the very award and to your own honor.

If you haven't earned the award, I'm not interested in your opinion either.

RebelWithoutASauce in reply to Captain DeadfieldFeb 8, 2013. 6:44 PM

I'm not trying to start a web-argument, but I don't think you can say that the boyscouts inherently must believe in God and follow the bible. Why do they include religious awards for Buddhists, who do not necessarily believe in a God or follow the bible? Confucianism also does not mention any gods, but boys whose families practice that belief system are not excluded.

A scout must be encouraged to develop a conscience. If that conscience leads him not to want to follow a religion...seems contrary to the values of scouting to say he is bad for honestly professing what he believes to be true.

I never really imagined "reverent" as practicing religion. Just didn't make sense. I was in a troop with Catholic, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, Scouts, as well as various other belief systems. Obviously I am not expecting my Buddhist friend to go to church on Sundays. I always thought "reverent" meant you always adhered to your own belief system (whatever that may be) and respected that of others.

antioch in reply to Captain DeadfieldNov 9, 2012. 8:11 PM

I agree with this instructible completely. And anyone who disagrees, deal with it.

If you aren't interested in anyone's opinion who has not earned the award, then I'm not interested in your opinion.

P.S.: I WONDEr, HOW COMe YOU BEHAVE LIKE A 10-YEAR-OLD AND FIGHt FOR YOUR KIDDIE aWArD LIKE IT WAS ALL YOU HAd ON THIS EARTH?

melkins in reply to Captain DeadfieldOct 25, 2012. 9:02 AM

Completely agree with you Captain.

Chtaylo5 in reply to RadicaloneOct 25, 2012. 8:03 AM

I am a Scoutmaster and encourage all the scouts in my charge to think for themselves. That is part of scouting and one of the goals of scouting. At some point in anyone's life that person must decide what he believes in and take action on those beliefs. If you have chosen to change your beliefs that is wonderful. However, changing your beliefs does not give you the right to be disrespectful to a symbol of the work you put forth to earn that symbol or the people who taught and helped you along the path to Eagle. Freedom of association is a core principle of the Constitution. The BSA may choose with whom to associate or not and by choosing is neither intolerant nor demeaning. Your action, however, is both.

lesizz in reply to Chtaylo5Oct 25, 2012. 11:55 AM

Years ago there used to be laws in the USA that supported discrimination against black people. One reason those laws no longer exist is that people protested in many different ways against these laws and the policies of government that supported them. Using your logic the people who protested against the widespread bigotry in the USA of years past were being disrespectful.

Sometimes the greatest respect one can express is to counter the status quo and support human rights.

davisbr9 in reply to RadicaloneOct 25, 2012. 7:32 AM

Um... no. Just no. Your username, "Radicalone," suggests you may not appreciate the diversity of our country, and the need to celebrate it... but you should open your mind. Also, you have no idea, and no right to presume to have an idea, what his parents and leaders think or do with him. You, sir, are precisely the kind of person who brings disgrace and dishonor to an organization which was founded on the principles of providing a conduit for personal growth and development of future leaders, regardless of race, creed, sex, and religious beliefs. Do your homework... the introduction of religious fundamental structure and "anti-gay" rulings wasn't in place until the late '70s when the Mormon Church started funneling cash into the organization, and essentially "purchased" the head honcho at a premium and began poisoning the organization with their religious beliefs.

http://www.bsa-discrimination.org/html/bsa_gay_policy.html

Seriously, you need to relax and learn to respect those around you.

Nicely done Instructable! I love it, and I hope you keep it up!

bwinder in reply to davisbr9Oct 25, 2012. 10:32 PM

Do your homework.

The introduction of religious fundamental structure dates to the very beginning of scouting. Baden Powell's original Oath in 1908 included the same promise to "do my duty to God" that the Oath has today. If scouting was "poisoned" by religion, it wasn't the Mormons, but the founder himself who did it. Boy Scouts have always been encouraged to believe in God and take an active role in the religious organization of their choosing.

That has nothing to do with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ("Mormons"), except that it may have been part of what prompted them to sign on as the BSA's first chartered organization in 1913.

The rulings in the 1970's were due not to changing policies of the BSA, but instead stemmed from increased acceptance of homosexuality in society. BSA policies from the beginning until the 70's were in line with the views of the general public--open homosexuality was taboo, so no need to defend anything. It wasn't until the 1970's when open homosexuality had become more accepted that the BSA actually had to defend long-held beliefs. It certainly wasn't because Mormons had just joined the party.

Kozz in reply to RadicaloneOct 25, 2012. 7:17 AM

He didn't "obtain" it. He earned it. As for desecration? It could be argued that this scout is upholding the principles of the rank, even if they may conflict with the parent organization's current policies.

It's interesting that you know all the parents and leaders in the organization are homophobic bigots. Can I borrow your crystal ball?

Being an Eagle Scout is most certainly not about obtaining the physical medal. I sincerely hope that someone in your community finds this comment and helps you understand that it's okay for people to have differing opinions.

lbrewer42 in reply to KozzOct 25, 2012. 9:20 AM

Sure its Ok to have differing opinions, but when those opinions are going o force a private individual/organization to give up his veteran-blood-bought American freedoms, then those holding those opinions MUST, to be American, realize their OPINIONS must come secondary to forcing a private organization to give up its personal rights.

So do you want a dictatorial state? See the big picture please

Captain Deadfield in reply to KozzOct 25, 2012. 8:24 AM

He violated the scout oath and law. In doing so, he did not earn it, he lied for it. That is a violation of the oath and law.

It's okay for people to have differing opinions. It is not okay for someone to change what an award means to make it fit thier opinion when that goes against everything that the organization and those who have sacrificed so much for the award stand for.

Radicalone in reply to KozzOct 25, 2012. 7:59 AM

I have no opinion as to whether or not the parents or leaders were "homophobic bigots" as you say. However, I can only assume from your statement that you think I am. That being said, it is obvious that you have made your mind up already as to MY mindset and therefore will not waste my time confirming or denying your conclusion.

I will however say that I am fairly positive that if a person posted an instructable showing how to hack a Purple Heart, all the outcry would not come from "right wing nutjobs" (as I am sure you would label them).

By the way, I live in New Rochelle, NY. Troop 15.

Captain Deadfield in reply to RadicaloneOct 25, 2012. 8:45 AM

Thought I would add in here to support you. I earned my Eagle in 1998 from Troop 1 in Duncanville, Texas. I am also a brotherhood member of Order of the Arrow and I am a disable veteran/SGT from service in Iraq. I am now a men's minister in Dallas and I firmly belive and support the BSA in thier policies and in the Scout Oath and Law.

jcbazemore in reply to KozzOct 25, 2012. 7:23 AM

One of the ways to "obtain" something is to earn it. The definition of the word is "To succeed in gaining possession of as the result of planning or endeavor; acquire" I don't doubt the author properly obtained/earned the award. As for the organizations "current policies" I would like to see your definition of "current" The policies have not changed since the organization began, they've only just begun (last 20-30 years) to be questioned.

Martyka says: Nov 14, 2012. 11:01 PM

what is the eagle scout award? Is is the highest award? Because here in Australia our highest award for Venturer scouts is the Queen Scout Award

bobkrispen (author) in reply to MartykaNov 15, 2012. 5:26 AM

Yes, we have "Eagle Scout" as the top award for the "Boy Scouts" segment of our youth program. We've had Eagle Scout for 100 years now. I know that in countries where there are royal families, they often have "Queen's Scout" or "King's Scout" depending on the reigning royal, but the US, without such royal families, went for Eagle Scout.

In other programs (Venture is our older youth program, Sea Scouting a subset thereof) have awards like Ranger or Quartermaster, though those apex youth awards have changed over the years (Silver Explorer, as one example).

The most recognized apex award in scouting is, however, the Eagle Scout award. Until 1952, adults could earn the Eagle Scout award. Since then, it's a youth only award.

thesamhill says: Oct 25, 2012. 7:06 AM

I teach in a criminal justice department with a homeland security program. A lot of my colleagues - former police and military officers - have medals in shadowboxes on display. I think the shadowboxes look pretty sharp, but they tend to give the office a military air and, to my mind, might tend to make our LGBTQ students a bit nervous (even though my colleagues themselves are very supportive). I think I'll try this and display it in my office in a shadowbox, provided I can find my Eagle. Thanks!

sires6 in reply to thesamhillOct 25, 2012. 7:44 AM

@thesamhill - I hesitate to point this out, but the award ceases to be an Eagle Scout award when it is changed. The award was awarded under the current policies. If you change an organization to fit everyone's ideals, then it ceases to be an organization that truly inspires. Look at the Girl Scouts and the drop of their message now. Not just the LGBTQ message of equality, but the message that in an elite organization, it is harder to win the highest coveted award... and for a reason.

It is not the "military air" nor is it medals on display. It is highly coveted, hard earned actions. That's why they give out so few Medals of Honor, because if it were easy then the medal would have no value.

The Medal of Honor with a rainbow field is just not the same and it's not a Medal of Honor. Neither is the Eagle Scout award an Eagle Scout Award with it's field changed to a rainbow one. This is about the Red White and Blue not about what your sexual orientation.

If you don't like the way they award the Eagle Rank, then find an organization that allows what you are looking for and join them. It isn't a bad thing to strive for a higher standard.

Annie
Mother of an Eagle Scout
Wife of a retired Naval Officer
Former military
Daughter of a Decorated Army Officer

antioch in reply to sires6Nov 9, 2012. 5:25 PM

You, like the bulk of the US military personel, are mistaking medals for currency. Quite repulsive to anyone who has earned his medal.

Turning the scouts into a red-white-and-blue band of parole-singing and flag-swinging molestors and disciminators is what took place in the US.
A disgrace to international boy (and girl) scouts.

Unfortunately you will disagree and thus be unable to see how this could expose the severe hypocrisy in your complaint. And how all this fits in with your family's obsession with organizations that sell honor and glory cheaply to people with low standards.

sires6 in reply to antiochNov 10, 2012. 3:42 AM

When your comment actually makes sense, I'll answer it.

antioch in reply to sires6Nov 10, 2012. 4:19 PM

Take your time, I know you'll need it ;)

grundisimo in reply to sires6Oct 27, 2012. 2:37 PM

I myself am a gay boy scout that only has the eagle project to do in order to obtain the requirements to be an eagle. If I'm reading your comment correctly, you are saying if I lost the patches you earn along with the certificate of advancement, I would no longer have earned those things? Also, "If you don't like the way they award the Eagle Rank, then find an organization that allows what you are looking for and join them. It isn't a bad thing to strive for a higher standard. " , basically, what you're saying is because I'm gay I automatically forfeit the rights to my eagle award should I earn it? And you claim to be so acquainted with the legal system yet you ignore the part of the constitution that says freedom of speech and expression. And finally, this is not your award, there is no law against doing this, and apparently things have changed where women are the people who decide how BSA works. And in your self appointed jurisdiction it has become law that if a boy scout should modify his own property he automatically forfeits all rights to claim possession of that property and anything that associates with it at any given moment. I'm really not a mean person but your comments are ignorant and mislead.

sires6 in reply to grundisimoOct 30, 2012. 3:58 AM

No, you read it wrong. Reread it. I was talking about the nature of awarded medals. They are representative of the organization that awards them.

It is like anything, if you want to modify it and make it yours, sure, go ahead. But it ceases to be an Eagle Scout Award.

That is not ignorance.

thesamhill in reply to sires6Oct 26, 2012. 7:35 PM

Thanks for your comment. I respect the passion and respect your opinion.

Just personally, I feel like the BSA policy is a betrayal of what the Eagle stands for. For me, this is a way to say "I'm an Eagle and I disagree with this." The fact that I would modify the Eagle medal itself is a statement of the depth of my feeling. It's OK with me if you disagree, and I appreciate your insights.

baztastic in reply to sires6Oct 25, 2012. 9:42 AM

I get your point about the value of a medal being its difficulty to earn, but that is not the point of this 'ible. Saying the BSA is "elite" because some people aren't allowed join due to their sexual orientation is ridiculous. I've been in scouts my whole life, and perhaps Scouting Ireland is more liberal than the BSA, but that kind of thinking would have no place in our organisation. Scouting doctrine is about supporting young people, not ostracising them.

To get back on topic though, this instructable is about @bobkrispen expressing his displeasure about the BSA's policies, and it has already started a debate about something that needs to be talked about and I completely support him/her.

Irish Scout Leader
Holder of Chief Scout's Award (Irish equivalent of Eagle)
FYI, Scouting Ireland's statement: http://www.scouts.ie/news/article/press_statement_on_the_stance_taken_by_bsa-562.html

the_babou in reply to sires6Oct 25, 2012. 8:16 AM

is it bad for someone to improve the organisation it is in ?

When I don't agree with my governement, should I leave my country ? or just show my disaprobation ? would 45+% of the population leave the USA when either Barrack or Mitt get elected ?

It seems like some people try to force their view on others, it is in some way political but very natural, everything evolve over time.

"The Medal of Honor with a rainbow field is just not the same and it's not a Medal of Honor". I disagree, what is important, the bit of metal or what it represents ? He earned his eagle, even if he changed the ribbon, you can't deny he earned it !
For me, the message is clear: "I am proud to be a scout, I am proud of my achievement, but I wish a few things were different . . . "

Radicalone in reply to sires6Oct 25, 2012. 8:03 AM

Very well said.

You do honor to both the BSA and our miltary services.

YakAttack says: Oct 27, 2012. 6:31 PM

Very bad form to have this as a "featured" article, Instructables staff.

Will the Instructables staff now feature other politically or religiously sensitive Ibles?

A Pandora's box has been opened and I seriously doubt they will feature any Ible that is against homosexuality.

Good workmanship as an Ible yes, but bad form for featuring it.

antioch says: Nov 9, 2012. 5:03 PM

soooo many words, sooo little reason. yet you're so much fun to troll because of your ignorance. girlcousin also has it about right when talking about your crayons. to no avail, though: it's not like anyone on here could ever give you any insights about yourself. because a while ago you discovered that as long as you sound convincing and smart to yourself you are practically invincible in the world-wide intarwebs!

most people here have better things to do in their time than explaining to you why everything you say is invalidating itself and how your small intellect falls prey to poor education. but hey, why don't you print out your witty replies, pay some kids to find logical flaws in your reasoning. they will have an easy time and they'll be willing to help you cheaply. it also easier running away from them (and their ugly truth).

M.Adams says: Oct 25, 2012. 10:33 AM

I am a Eagle Scout and I fully support this "Hack". We as human beings do lots of contradictory things I support the BSA but not the policy on sexuality. I completed my Eagle Scout Award so that I could help change the current policy.

The most American display of free speech is to burn ones own flag, its a display that would result in sever punishment in many places in the world.

The BSA is not a Christian organisation it is secular, the only requirement is that a scout believe in a higher power. As such I believe that some one else's religious text should not be taken as the final say on any topic.
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Awards/ReligiousAwards/chart.aspx

Lastly as this is a transformative criticism and possibly parody alteration to a copyrighted emblem it is fully covered under copyright laws due to fair use.

lbrewer42 in reply to M.AdamsOct 25, 2012. 12:58 PM

Notice your own words - you completed it so you could help change the current policy.

Your very words show your goal was not to be a part of an (American) PRIVATELY owned and free organization to fulfill ITS stated agenda.

Rather your own opinions wrongly became the focus.

If you truly want the BSA to be forced into the opinions of others - then you rob a proud American institution of the freedoms it is guaranteed under the Constitution.

Rather start your own organization with your own opinions. And i can guarantee if you did, you would, rightly so, be the first one to fight against it when someone tried to tell you you WILL change to suite their opinions.

See the bigger picture. This is a liberal ploy of getting rid of our freedoms.

You say:
The most American display of free speech is to burn ones own flag, its a display that would result in sever punishment in many places in the world.

no one who knows the actual history of our country - and actually KNOWS the freedoms they enjoy would do such a thing. However, it IS allowed b/c of our freedoms.

In the same vain of thought - we need t make sure our government and public opinion cannot ever dictate to us what we will and will not agree with/believe. And the absurd removal of a patriotic symbol from this medal.