Eagle Scout Requirement 1: Be active in your troop, team, crew, or ship for a period of at six months after you have achieved the rank of Life Scout.

While this may seem as easy as falling off a log, you should note the operative part of the requirement, which is to be active. It goes beyond just being registered. It means that you are an active, contributing member of your unit,.

Maybe you are very active in the Order of the Arrow, attending all functions and even serving in a leadership capacity. Your unit leader may not accept that as meeting requirement 1. Likewise, you may be serving on camp staff all summer and busy during the fall with the start of school, sports, and/or a job. If you are not being a participating member, leader and example in your "troop, team, or post", your unit leader may not accept your performance for this requirement.

So what do you do if life has you running a hundred miles an hour? Talk to your unit leader. Find out what he or she sees as acceptable performance. If necessary, use those leadership skills you're developing to negotiate an acceptable arrangement. You'll be glad you did!

Also, keep in mind that this time is your window to accomplish all the other requirements. You may wish to take more than six months to complete requirements, which is all right as long as you have time prior to turning eighteen. However, at the very least, it is imperative that you not delay in establishing AND writing down your plan to accomplish all the requirements. See the "planning for success" area under "the path" on the main page for help.