Eagle Scout Letter of Recommendation

Writing an Eagle Scout letter of recommendation is different from writing other letters of recommendation, so be sure you understand the requirements for creating this important document.

An Eagle Scout letter of recommendation must be composed with care and pride. Eagle Scout is the highest rank achievable within the Boy Scouts of America program. The ranking is awarded to only the finest scouts, those who have demonstrated their worth through ambition, focus and sheer force of will. If you've been asked to write an Eagle Scout letter of recommendation, you'll want to get it right so a special young man can achieve this high honor.

The Basics
Your Eagle Scout letter of recommendation should include your name, the candidate's name, the status of your relationship to the candidate and the length of time you have known him. If you are not using an official recommendation form, these things should be written at the top of your letter. Your letter should begin by addressing the Eagle Board of Review. At the bottom of the letter, you will want to print your name, write your signature and date the document. Also write a telephone number and e-mail address.

What To Include
Before writing your Eagle Scout letter of recommendation, review The Scout Law and The Scout Oath. These both contain all the valued qualities an Eagle Scout must possess. Once you've familiarized yourself with the law and oath, begin to write based on your personal experiences with the boy in question. It's helpful to talk about the prospective Eagle Scout's physical strength, thoughtfulness and participation in church activities. It's important to write from the gut, but don't be so honest that you include discussion of the boy's faults. Many people mistakenly believe that recommendation letters are formal report cards. They're not. If you have been asked to write a letter of recommendation, you have been asked to write a glowing review of a potential candidate. If you can't do that in good faith, refuse to write the letter.

A Word About Tone And Grammar
Letters of recommendation written by people who can't spell won't be effective, no matter how heartfelt the letter is. If English isn't your best subject, have a few people read over your letter before you send it. They may catch grammar mistakes you missed, or they may raise questions about appropriate tone. Letters of recommendation should be fairly formal, so don't try to be too clever. A flashy or excessively cute letter will only raise questions about the sincerity of the document's author.

Final Steps And Sending
Once you've finished the letter, pack it neatly into an envelope. Place the necessary postage on the front, and address the letter to the Advancement Chair of the prospective Eagle Scout's troop. Write "Eagle Recommendation Letter" on the back of the envelope, as this will instruct recipients at the troop location not to open the envelope before it reaches the Advancement Chair. After you've taken these final steps, head down to the nearest mailbox, and drop in your letter. What next? Hope the young man you've recommended becomes an honored an Eagle Scout.

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