Responsibility - Eagle Project

re·spon·si·bil·i·ty

noun /riˌspänsəˈbilətē/ 
responsibilities, plural

The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone
• - women bear children and take responsibility for child care


The state or fact of being accountable or to blame for something
• - the group has claimed responsibility for a string of murders


The opportunity or ability to act independently and make decisions without authorization
• - we would expect individuals lower down the organization to take on more responsibility


A thing that one is required to do as part of a job, role, or legal obligation
• - he will take over the responsibilities of overseas director


A moral obligation to behave correctly toward or in respect of
• - individuals have a responsibility to control personal behavior

My second son, Nohe'a became eligible to work on his Eagle project for scouts some time ago. In fact, it happened prior to him turning 14 in March. With the help of his Scout Master, he was able to find a project to work on. Nohe'a chose to do a towel drive for the Hartvigsen School. It is a school for mentally & physically disabled students. At their school, they have a pool area where the students do rehab in the water. We had the opportunity to visit and tour the area. Here's a few pictures that I took:








As you can see, they are in need of new towels. His project is to collect new or gently used towels to donate to this school. I know it will benefit the school as well as the students. At the same time, I know it will be a great learning experience for Nohe'a. This is something that I want my kids to learn - service.

The plan was to get going and get the donations to the school before the school year ended. That didn't happen. In fact, we are finally getting to the Eagle project. We originally set August 13th as the day for him to hand out fliers and then collect the donations on the 20th. Delayed one week, the fliers did not go out until yesterday. While at work, I received a phonecall from Nohe'a. Mind you, this kid takes after me...meaning, I could hear in the tone of his voice that he was about to cry when called me. He called to ask for my cousin's phone number to call his son to see if he could help. Nohe'a also mentioned that my oldest (Soni) said that he would not be able to help him because he can not be in the sun (long story -- due to medication he is taking). I asked about his other cousins and he said they couldn't help because of football. I could sense that he was frustrated. As much as I wanted to call everyone, I wanted him to learn responsibility. He had all day the day before to call around for help - instead, he chose to wait. I know my mom doesn't agree with the way I teach them, but I figure if I jump in to save them all the time, they will get use to it and rely on me always. I don't want that. I want them to learn responsibility and consequences that come with it when you are not responsible.

On a different note, if you would like to donate, he is taking donations until the 27th of August. We will pick up if necessary. Thanks!

I will post the results of his project once it is completed.