Writing a reference letter for an Eagle Scout can be an intimidating task. It’s important to convey the candidate’s character, achievements, and personal qualities in an accurate and meaningful way. It should also be written to meet the Eagle Scout requirements. Crafting such a letter is a lot of work, but it’s also a rewarding opportunity to help a young person achieve their goals. In this blog post, we’ll discuss seven steps for writing an effective Eagle Scout reference letter. We’ll look at how to prepare for writing the letter, the key elements to include, and tips for making the letter stand out. By following these steps, you’ll be able to write a letter that accurately portrays the Eagle Scout candidate and gives them the best chance of achieving their goals.
Eagle Scout Letter of Recommendation
For Scouts Requesting an Eagle Letter of Recommendation
Your references are used to help the Eagle Board of Review get a better understanding of your character and extracurricular activities. Even though you won’t be able to read these letters, you should generally still politely ask for references to be provided.
Remember that letters of recommendation aren’t the only way to submit a reference; they’re just the most common way. If you decide to take that path, I’ll give you all the information you need to gather your Eagle letters of recommendation in this section.
Who Should You Ask For an Eagle Scout Letter of Reference?
The main goal of an Eagle Scout reference or recommendation letter is to accurately describe the candidate’s accomplishments and behaviors. This is true for both candidates and letter writers.
You will need references from 6 people (or 5 if unemployed) to complete your Eagle Letters of recommendation:
References five and six can come from friends, family members, or even a Scoutmaster. You can use someone as one of your references as long as they are familiar with you and can sincerely attest to your character. Your references don’t have to be from people over the age of 21 and can come from anyone.
According to the official Eagle Scout rank application process, the council advancement committee members are in charge of obtaining the recommendations from the references you provided, even though your troop may ask you to obtain mailed letters of recommendation from these 6 people (see below).
Although it isn’t required, many troops, including my own, ask their scouts to make arrangements for their references to be sent in the mail. If your troop does this, be aware of the inconvenience it may cause for your reference writer. Make the process as painless as you can for adults whenever you ask them to submit something on your behalf!
Contents:
This guide is intended to assist Life Scouts in making the significant transition from Life to Eagle. Its inception was credited to Troop 641 BSA of Aurora, Colorado. We were happy to receive permission to use and modify the booklet to fit our troop program because it is one of those “why didn’t I think of that” ideas.
The Scoutmaster, Troop Eagle Service Project Coordinator, Troop Eagle Board of Review Chairman, District Eagle Chairman, and the Council Scout Service Center’s phone numbers are listed in the actual booklet. ].
Approximately one boy out of every 172 receives Eagle (this is on the inside front cover). 6%). Yet over 15% of all US astronauts are Eagle Scouts. Similarly, 10% of both West Point and the Air Force Academy cadets
“Those who wait for the Lord will have renewed strength, and they will soar with eagle’s wings.” ” — Isaiah 40:31.
“Now I realize that the key to producing the best people is to grow in the open air and coexist with the earth by eating and sleeping there,” ” —Walt Whitman.
The highest accolade a boy can receive, whether in or outside of Scouting, is Eagle Scout. An Eagle is an achiever who will always do great things, and it marks him for life. A leader who flies like an eagle always gets the group’s attention first An Eagle will always be held in high regard by society, and he will satisfy them.
He soars high for all to see. His vision is clear and sharp. His bearing is majestic. His direction is certain and his flight swift and sure. Such is the eagle, our nations symbol. Such is the Eagle, our nations future.
Eagle Scouts who join the US Air Force begin their service one rank higher than other recruits, and they also receive about $100 more in monthly pay.
The trail to Eagle Scout requires tremendous commitment to stay on a long and sometime rough path. As a Life Scout, you are just one step away from youths most significant accomplishment and honor. But thats a big step, and only 56% of our Life Scouts complete Eagle.
Happily, the choice is yours. And you most likely have parents who are actively involved in Scouting (without this support, few Scouts reach Life, let alone Eagle).
You can advance at your own pace, but keep in mind that all Eagle requirements, with the exception of the Board of Review, must be fulfilled prior to turning 18 years old.
You are almost at the summit of a tall mountain that is only scaled by less than 3% of Scouts (and only 15% of Troop 97 Scouts) and less than one out of every 172 boys.
Because they have demonstrated that they can overcome numerous challenges to accomplish a long-term goal, Eagle Scouts are respected in our society. This will help on college admission and on job applications.
This leaflet will give you and your parents important details you need to help you complete the steps to Eagle.
Although the trail to Eagle is difficult, most hikers save it for the end because it is one of the simpler parts.
If you do a little prep work along the way, you can make the final few steps to Eagle go more smoothly. This is the Paper Trail. Collect, write, and keep the following records up to date–.
Because you are now the leader, the Eagle Scout service project is different from other service projects you have completed. The Eagle project must meet three criteria–.
So here are the steps you must take to finish the Eagle Scout Service Project:
Call the Scoutmaster to schedule a Scoutmaster Conference once you have earned all merit badges, served as a leader for the required minimum of six months, and finished your Eagle Scout service project. Only the Scoutmaster does Eagle conferences.
Request an application for Eagle Scout from the Board of Review Chairman. Make a copy of the application to work on, and wait to complete it until after the Scoutmaster Conference.
At the Scoutmaster Conference, the Scoutmaster will assist you in completing the application.
If your records are insufficient, the Scoutmaster can provide the dates for each merit badge.
You’ll need to know who to ask to write letters of recommendation for you by providing their names (see next column).
The Scoutmaster will assist you with application requirement 6 (aspirational statements, leadership roles, and honors and awards).
The final application must be completed, signed, and brought to the Committee Chairman and Scoutmaster for approval following the Scoutmaster Conference. The Longs Peak Council office in Greeley will then review the application after the Scoutmaster (or you) mails it there. They will return the form to the District Eagle Chairman if everything is in order. They will return it to the Scoutmaster for correction if anything is not right.
Call the Council office a week or so later to confirm that the District Eagle Chairman has received your application. Call the troop board of review chairman when it has to let him know to set up your eagle board of review.
Five to six letters of recommendation are required for you from the Eagle Board of Review. Choose the recommenders, provide them with the letter of recommendation form (you can get this from the Board of Review), and set a firm deadline for them to submit the letters (a week following the Scoutmaster Conference would be ideal). Have them send the letters to our troop’s Eagle Board of Review Chairman directly, or gather them yourself and deliver them to him in sealed envelopes.
The letters should demonstrate how, in every area of your life (such as at home, school, church, etc.), you have lived as an Eagle Scout. You will need recommendations from–.
Call the troop’s Eagle Board of Review Chairman to let him know when everything is finished, including the Scoutmaster Conference, the paperwork, and the Longs Peak Council’s approval of the application. In consultation with the District Eagle Chairman, our troop Board members, and you, he will set the date and location for the Eagle Board of Review.
Two or three troop review members who you are familiar with will be on the Eagle Board of Review, along with one or more district review members. The District Eagle Chairman will chair the review.
You’ll be questioned by the Board regarding your project, your leadership, and how becoming an Eagle has changed you. Although you should review the Scout Law and Promise, this is usually the easiest review you will have. The Board members will take pleasure in seeing you as the product of several years of Scouting. The Eagle Board of Review is more of a celebration of your long, difficult, and successful journey toward Eagle than it is a test.
Unlike our regular Courts of Honor, the Eagle Court of Honor is unique. The Eagle and his family are in charge of organizing every detail of the ceremony.
What Should Be Included in the Letter?
This letter’s main goal is to demonstrate that the applicant is deserving of a position of such high rank, fulfills the requirements of scouts, and upholds their principles.
There is no set style for composing this kind of letter. What is important is to arrange it neatly and clearly.
FAQ
How do you write an Eagle Scout reference letter?
Your letter of recommendation ought to be based on your interactions with the Eagle Scout candidate and should ideally include examples of their work. Your letter should discuss the candidate’s adherence to the Scout Law and Scout Oath. A copy of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
How do you send an eagle recommendation letter?
These letters should not be returned to you directly as they contain confidential information. They should be delivered or sent to your Unit Leader or the Committee member in charge of collecting these letters in a sealed envelope bearing your name. Thank you for taking time to write this letter.
How do you write an Eagle Scout letter of recommendation from a parent?
- Tell about Your Relationship. Make it clear in your letter to the readers that you are familiar with the applicant.
- Describe the Candidate’s Personal Qualities. …
- Demonstrate the candidate’s growth throughout their time as a scout.
How many letters of reference does an Eagle Scout need?
Each applicant seeking to join the ranks of Eagle Scout will be required to select six references, or five if the applicant has no prior employers, according to section 2 of the Eagle Scout Rank Application.
