Becoming an Eagle Scout is a noble pursuit that illustrates dedication, leadership, and commitment. A key requirement for achieving this rank is the submission of Eagle Scout letters of recommendation. These letters serve as a testament to the Eagle Scout candidate’s character, behavior, and achievements, enabling the Eagle Scout Board of Review to gain critical insights into the candidate’s activities outside of Scouting.
Requesting a Letter of Recommendation
Before you start writing an Eagle Scout letter of recommendation, it’s essential to be aware of a few key aspects involved in the process.
Scouts looking to advance to the rank of Eagle are expected to request letters of recommendation from six individuals who can attest to their character and conduct. However, if the scout is not in employment, recommendations from five individuals will suffice. These references may include a parent or guardian, a teacher or other education-oriented individual, a pastor or religious leader, an employer, and two other individuals of the scout’s choosing.
Remember, these references are not limited to written letters. Information can be derived from phone calls, emails, or forms, according to the troop’s preference. The scout is not responsible for follow-ups in the reference process, this falls under the purview of committee members or council representatives.
Asking for a Reference
Approaching potential referees and asking them to provide a letter of recommendation might seem daunting, but it’s a valuable skill. Remember, in most cases, the referees will not be allowed access to the contents of their endorsement. They are merely asked to provide their insights to support the scout’s quest to ascend to the rank of Eagle.
To make the request, the scout can approach the individual in person, explaining their journey in Scouting and the significance of their Eagle Scout rank quest. This is usually followed by contact via email, providing more details about the request and the process involved.
Writing the Letter of Recommendation
Being tasked with writing a letter of recommendation for an Eagle Scout candidate is quite an honor. However, it can be a bit daunting if you don’t know where to start. The core of your letter should cover various aspects:
- Your relationship with the Eagle candidate
- Illustrations of their commitment to the Scout Oath and Scout Law
- Examples of growth and positive behaviors displayed by the Eagle candidate
- A strong closing statement with your final endorsement
Your letter should ideally span about three paragraphs, summarizing your viewpoint on the Scout’s commitment to the Scouts’ values. The Scout Oath and Scout Law serve as a key basis for exemplifying the candidate’s embodiment of these principles.
Conclusions
The Eagle Scout recommendation letter process may seem a bit tedious, but it plays an indispensable role in talent development and scouting validations. An Eagle Scout letter of recommendation provides a snapshot of the Eagle candidate’s life and behaviors outside of Scouting. This important tool fosters character development, reinforces Scouting principles, and prepares young individuals for future leadership roles.
By knowing how to request, write, and optimally use letter of recommendation, we can shape tomorrow’s leaders, and ensure that the Scouting tradition, along with its values, holds strong in shaping societal growth. Remember, being part of the Eagle Scout rank advancement journey significantly impacts the growth and success of these future leaders.