Collecting references are a necessary step towards reaching the final rank in Scouting and becoming an Eagle Scout. Easier said than done! I don’t know about you, but when I was a Scout, I didn’t have much experience asking adults to serve as my references. In this article, I’ll be sharing with you everything that I’ve learned about requesting and writing Eagle Letters of Recommendation.
(If you’ve been requested to write an Eagle letter of recommendation, skip to the second section of this article for templates, tips, and information to include when writing your letter!)
In the first section of this article, I’ll be covering the correct way for an Eagle Scout candidate to request a reference from an adult. If you’ve been asked to write an Eagle letter of reference, I’ve also included a second section detailing the best ways to write and submit your recommendation.
Although Eagle Scout references are an important part of the ranking up process, they’re not something you should get stressed over. In fact, I’ve never heard of a Scout being denied Eagle due to a poor letter of recommendation. Use this as an opportunity to practice asking for references; a Scouting skill that will also be valuable when job hunting later on.
Eagle Scout Reference Letter Samples: A Complete Guide
Writing an effective reference letter for an Eagle Scout candidate can be a daunting task. As someone close to the Scout, you want to adequately capture their merits while following proper etiquette.
Luckily, we’ve compiled several Eagle Scout reference letter samples to guide you through the process. Follow our tips and examples for crafting a compelling letter that helps the candidate along their Scouting journey.
Why Eagle Scout Reference Letters Matter
Before diving into samples, it helps to understand why these letters carry significance.
Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in Boy Scouts. To reach this elite status, a Scout must demonstrate extensive leadership, earn 21 merit badges, and plan and execute a major service project.
But part of the process also involves securing recommendations from key people in the Scout’s life This includes teachers, religious leaders, employers and community members.
These confidential reference letters help paint a picture of the candidate’s character and fitness for the Eagle rank. While the Scout provides contact info for references, they do not see the actual letters.
Letters should highlight positive traits and growth in relation to Scout values. The board wants to see specific examples of strong moral fiber and leadership in action.
With this context, let’s look at some samples that check these boxes.
Teacher Eagle Scout Reference Letter Example
Here’s an example from a teacher’s perspective:
Dear Eagle Scout Board,
I am writing this letter of recommendation on behalf of Alex Smith, who deserves your strongest consideration for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
I have known Alex for three years in my capacity as his high school English teacher. Over that time, I have watched him grow tremendously, both as a student and a young man.
What has always stood out is Alex’s stellar character. He exhibits the Scout Law traits of trustworthiness, loyalty and kindness on a daily basis.
Alex arrives early to help set up materials for class. He can be counted on to lend a hand to struggling peers. For a class project he organized a canned food drive, showing leadership initiative.
His essays reveal deep introspection and care for community. In class discussions, Alex is respectful of diverse opinions. He embodies the inclusive spirit of Scouting.
Alex has balanced scholarship and leadership roles in student government, National Honor Society and cross country. He volunteers weekly at a shelter, a testament to his commitment to service.
In short, Alex lives the Scout Oath through his upright character, service and promise of citizenship. I wholeheartedly believe he will represent the Eagle Scout title with honor. Please feel free to contact me if you need any further details.
Yours in Scouting,
[Teacher Name]
[Contact Info]
This provides specific examples of Scout virtues and activities for a well-rounded portrayal.
Coach Eagle Scout Reference Letter Sample
For a coach’s perspective, consider this template:
Dear Eagle Board,
It is my pleasure to recommend John Doe for the rank of Eagle Scout. As John’s swim coach for 2 years, I’ve seen him mature into a young leader defined by integrity.
John shows up early to set up equipment and assist new swimmers. During meets, he cheers on everyone, win or lose. As captain, he models poise and teamwork.
He takes initiative in planning volunteer efforts like trail clean-ups. After practice John can be found picking up litter without being asked. He truly leads by example.
John balances swimming commitments with top grades, church activities and a part-time job. Yet he still makes time for Scouts and to help special needs kids learn to swim.
Above all, John exemplifies the Scout Law. He is loyal, friendly, kind and brave. His spirit of service and goodwill towards all represent Scouting’s highest ideals.
I believe John more than deserves to join the prestigious ranks of Eagle Scouts. Please contact me with any other questions as I would be happy to expand on his qualifications.
Sincerely,
[Coach Name]
[Contact Info]
This focuses on character, service and how he lives the law.
Religious Leader Eagle Scout Reference Letter Example
A minister, rabbi, imam or other religious leader can emphasize moral development:
Dear Eagle Board,
It is my honor to recommend Marco Torres for the rank of Eagle Scout. As his youth pastor for many years, I’ve witnessed Marco grow into a young man of strong faith and moral fiber.
He participates actively in our youth group, volunteering his time and creative talents. For our church carnival he coordinated the game booths and prizes. Marco also mentors younger members, setting a powerful example of service rooted in compassion.
He regularly attends church outings and spiritual retreats. Marco assists with setup, cooking meals and leading group activities. His desire to help wherever needed shines through.
A key moment was Marco’s organization of a park cleanup program. He planned logistics and gathered volunteers from the youth group and community. The event brought people from diverse backgrounds together in fellowship through service.
Marco lives the Gospel in thought, word and deed. His reverence and kindness leave a positive mark on all who cross his path. I believe Marco will fulfill Scouting’s ideals of citizenship and leadership.
With my wholehearted recommendation, I hope you will find Marco worthy of Eagle rank.
Blessings,
[Pastor Name]
[Contact Info]
This focuses on spiritual grounding and moral character.
Parent Eagle Scout Reference Letter Example
A parent can highlight development from early Scouting through Eagle candidacy:
Dear Eagle Board,
It brings me immense pride to recommend my son, Samuel, for the rank of Eagle Scout. I have seen him progress from a Cub Scout to the cusp of this prestigious honor, developing skills and values along the way.
As an only child, Scouts provided Samuel the chance to build social skills. Over the years he has made lifelong friends through the shared comradery of Scouting. Troop trips have expanded his cultural awareness and adaptability.
Samuel has grown tremendously in confidence and leadership. As patrol leader he honed planning and supervision skills. Organizing his Eagle project required foresight,budgeting and conflict resolution abilities.
Through merit badges Samuel has become an adept outdoorsman, prepared to handle emergencies and extreme situations. He can identify local plants and animals with ease.
Most of all, Scouting has instilled in Samuel a spirit of service. From volunteer trail work to coaching Special Olympic youth in swimming and sports, he truly lives the Scout oath and law.
Yours in Scouting,
[Parent Name]
[Contact Info]
This gives an in-depth view of the candidate’s Scouting path and growth.
Eagle Scout Reference Letter Tips
When crafting your own letter, keep these tips in mind:
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Focus on positive traits and concrete examples such as acts of service, leadership and character. Avoid vague, generic praise.
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Tailor the letter to your specific relationship with the Scout. Highlight your direct observations.
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Keep letter to 1 page in concise, well-written paragraphs. Proofread carefully.
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Use official letter format with your contact information included. Email is acceptable but formal tone is still important.
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Emphasize Scout spirit, fulfillment of duties, leadership potential and community benefit.
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Mention any extraordinary circumstances the Scout has overcome if applicable.
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Close by recommending the candidate as worthy of Eagle rank.
Following these best practices will produce an effecive recommendation letter to help the Scout candidate in their review process.
Key Takeaways
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Eagle Scout letters of recommendation provide insights into a candidate’s character and fitness for the Eagle rank based on direct observation.
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Examples should demonstrate embodiment of Scout values, leadership skills and community spirit.
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Letters are requested from teachers, religious leaders, coaches, employers and other significant figures in the Scout’s life.
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Following samples and tips will help produce a compelling recommendation to support a Scout’s Eagle rank candidacy.
In closing, composing these reference letters is an act of mentorship that helps shape the future generation of leaders. Your words can have a profound impact, so take this responsibility seriously. With thoughtful recommendations, we can empower youth to live out the spirit of Scouting and achieve their highest potential.
For Those Asked to Write an Eagle Letter of Recommendation
If you’ve been asked to write a letter of recommendation for an Eagle Scout candidate, there are two ways that your reference can typically be obtained:
- The Eagle Scout candidate has noted down your information, and you will be contacted by a council member who is in charge of reviewing the Scout’s performance. They will likely contact you via phone or email, and use your reference to determine whether the Scout will be promoted to Eagle.
- The Eagle candidate has requested that you mail or email in your letter of reference. In this case, they should have provided you with either a stamped and addressed envelope for your letter, or the email address of a council member who will review your reference.
Keep in mind, your Eagle Scout letter of recommendation is confidential, and will not be shared with the Eagle Scout candidate, nor with any other parties than Eagle Board of Review. If you’d like the Eagle candidate to receive a copy of your letter, you’ll need to give it to them directly.
After you’ve agreed to provide a letter of reference, the Eagle Scout candidate might have outlined some of the main Scouting points that your letter of recommendation could touch upon. If you’re still unsure of what to write or talk about, in the next section I’ll be filling you in on a few key themes to touch upon when presenting your recommendation.
Who Should You Ask For an Eagle Scout Letter of Reference?
For both candidates and letter writers, the main point of an Eagle Scout reference or recommendation letter is to truthfully describe the candidate’s achievements and behaviors.
To complete your Eagle Letters of recommendation, you’ll be expected to obtain references from 6 individuals (5 if not employed):
- A parent/guardian
- A pastor or individual involved in your religion.
- A teacher or individual involved in your education.
- An employer (if any)
- A reference of your choosing #1
- A reference of your choosing #2
References 5 and 6 can be provided by friends, relatives, or even a Scoutmaster. As long as the individual knows you and is able to truthfully attest to your character, they’ll be able to serve as one of your references. Your references can come from people of any age, and need not only be from those older than 21.
While your troop may ask you to secure mailed letters of reference from these 6 individuals, according to the official Eagle Scout rank application process, it’s officially the responsibility of council advancement committee members to secure the recommendations from the references you provided (see below).
Although it isn’t official policy, many troops, including my own, often ask their Scouts to arrange to have their references mailed in. If your troop does this, realize the hassle that this could create for your reference-writer. Whenever you’re asking an adult to submit something on your behalf, try to make the process as painless as possible for them!
Eagle Scout Letter of Recommendation
How do I send an Eagle Scout Letter of recommendation?
If your troop is asking for your letters of recommendation to be sent in, you should provide your 6 (or 5) references with a stamped and addressed envelope that can be used to mail in their recommendation. Additionally, you should also give them the following information when requesting an Eagle Scout letter of recommendation:
What is a scout recommendation letter?
A letter of recommendation must be provided as part of an Eagle Scout rank application to obtain this rank. Therefore, A recommendation letter is a reference letter written on behalf of a scout to support their candidacy for the Eagle Scout rank. The letter is submitted to the “District Eagle Scout Board of Review.”
How do you write a letter of reference for a scout?
Your letter of reference should be based on your personal interactions with the Eagle Scout candidate, and ideally, contain examples of what they’ve done. Your letter should relate to how the candidate carries out the points of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. A copy of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. The deadline for when the recommendation is due.
What is an eagle letter of recommendation?
The main purpose of an Eagle letter of recommendation is to provide a snapshot into an Eagle candidate’s life and behaviors outside of Scouting. Your letter should detail the interactions you’ve had with the Scout and include the following elements: Your relationship with the Eagle candidate.
