how to write eagle scout letter of recommendation

3 min read 31-01-2025

how to write eagle scout letter of recommendation

How to Write a Stellar Eagle Scout Letter of Recommendation

Recommending a candidate for the prestigious Eagle Scout rank is a significant responsibility. Your letter needs to go beyond simply stating the candidate is worthy; it must vividly paint a picture of their character, skills, and contributions to their community. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to crafting a compelling and effective letter of recommendation that will help your Scout stand out.

I. Understanding the Importance of Your Letter

The Eagle Scout Board of Review heavily considers letters of recommendation. Your letter isn't just an endorsement; it's evidence supporting the Scout's claim to this esteemed achievement. Think of yourself as an advocate, showcasing the candidate's best qualities and demonstrating their readiness for this significant milestone.

II. Gathering Information: Key to a Strong Recommendation

Before you start writing, gather as much information as possible about the Scout. This will provide the concrete examples needed to support your claims. Here's what to collect:

Your Relationship with the Scout: How long have you known them? In what capacity? (Scoutmaster, merit badge counselor, mentor, etc.) This establishes your credibility.
Specific Examples of Leadership: Don't just say they're a leader; describe specific instances where they demonstrated leadership qualities. This could include leading a patrol, organizing a community service project, resolving conflicts, or mentoring younger Scouts. Quantify whenever possible (e.g., "increased patrol attendance by 20%").
Demonstrated Skills: Highlight skills relevant to the Eagle Scout rank, such as problem-solving, communication, planning, and organization. Again, use specific examples. Did they overcome a significant obstacle in their project? How did they communicate effectively with different stakeholders?
Community Involvement: Detail their contributions beyond Scouting. Did they volunteer at a food bank? Participate in a school club? Show their commitment to serving others.
Personal Qualities: Describe their character traits – perseverance, integrity, responsibility, dedication. How have these qualities impacted their Scouting experience and community involvement?

III. Structuring Your Letter: A Winning Formula

Your letter should follow a clear and concise structure:

Introduction: Start by clearly stating your name, title, and relationship with the Scout. Briefly mention the length of your acquaintance and your capacity to assess their qualifications.
Body Paragraphs (2-3): This is where you provide concrete examples supporting your recommendation. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the Scout's character or achievements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples for maximum impact.
Concluding Paragraph: Reiterate your strong recommendation, emphasizing the Scout's readiness for the Eagle Scout rank. Express confidence in their future contributions to society.

IV. Writing Style and Tone: Professional Yet Personal

Professional Tone: Maintain a formal and respectful tone throughout the letter. Avoid slang or overly casual language.
Specific and Measurable: Use concrete examples and quantifiable results to support your claims. Avoid vague statements like "He's a great leader." Instead, say "He successfully led a team of 10 Scouts in planning and executing a community garden project, resulting in X number of plants donated to local food banks."
Positive and Enthusiastic: Your letter should reflect your genuine belief in the Scout's capabilities. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Proofread Carefully: Errors in grammar and spelling undermine your credibility. Thoroughly proofread your letter before submitting it.

V. Example Paragraph using the STAR Method

"During his Eagle Scout project, [Scout's Name] faced the significant challenge of securing funding and materials for building a new trail system at [location]. (Situation) His task was not only to design and build the trails, but also to manage a team of volunteers, obtain necessary permits, and secure funding from local businesses. (Task) He proactively reached out to local businesses, presenting a compelling proposal that secured over $1500 in donations. (Action) As a result, the new trail system was completed on time and under budget, providing a valuable resource for the community. (Result)"

VI. Submitting Your Letter

Follow the instructions provided by the Scout's local council regarding submission deadlines and formatting requirements. Typically, the letter should be typed and printed on official letterhead if available.

By following these guidelines, you can write a letter of recommendation that effectively showcases the Scout's accomplishments and significantly contributes to their success in achieving the Eagle Scout rank. Remember, your letter is a powerful testament to their character and potential.