Virginia SAR Eagle Scout Recognition and Scholarship Programs

Logo of Scouting America Eagle Scout programThe Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR), is proud to support Scouting and to recognize the outstanding achievement of earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Through our Eagle Scout programs, we offer both formal recognition and scholarship opportunities for qualified Scouts.

This page presents three distinct offerings:

Each program has its own purpose, eligibility, and application process, described separately below.

Eagle Scout Recognition Certificate

The Eagle Scout Recognition Certificate is a stand‑alone honor presented by the Virginia SAR to acknowledge the achievement of Eagle rank and to encourage continued interest in American history, citizenship, and service.

This recognition does not require completion of any SAR‑specific merit badges or participation in a scholarship competition.

Eligibility

  • Rank: Eagle Scout (in any Scouting America program that awards the Eagle rank).
  • Age: No specific age limit, though the certificate is intended for relatively recent Eagle Scouts.
  • Location: Eagle Scouts in units located within Virginia, or with a clear Virginia SAR connection.

Requirements

  • No additional SAR merit badges are required.
  • A request for recognition is submitted by:
    • A Scoutmaster or unit leader,
    • A unit advancement chair, or
    • A parent or guardian, in coordination with the unit.

How recognition is presented

  • The Eagle Scout receives a Virginia SAR Eagle Scout Recognition Certificate, suitable for framing.
  • When possible, a Virginia SAR compatriot may attend a court of honor or unit event to present the certificate and briefly explain the mission of the SAR.

How to request a certificate

  • Step 1: Gather the Eagle Scout’s full name, unit number and chartered organization, date of Eagle Board of Review, and contact information.
  • Step 2: Contact your local Virginia SAR chapter or the Virginia SAR Eagle Scout Program Chairman.
  • Step 3: Coordinate the date and location of the court of honor or presentation, if desired.

(Chapters may provide an online form or email address for certificate requests; contact information should be listed elsewhere on the Virginia SAR or chapter website.)

 Virginia SAR Eagle Scout Scholarship Competition

Purpose

The Virginia Society Eagle Scout Scholarship Competition identifies Virginia’s top Eagle Scout candidates for recognition at the state level and for nomination to the national SAR scholarship competition.

Eligibility

  • Rank: Eagle Scout.
  • Age: The applicant must not reach their 19th birthday during the calendar year of the competition.
  • Registration: The applicant must be a registered member of an active BSA unit (or be registered as a unit college Scouter or adult leader, consistent with national rules).
  • Location: Eagle Scouts with units in Virginia, or who reside in Virginia and have a clear Virginia SAR connection.

Recommended Merit Badges for Eagle Candidates

To encourage deeper engagement with history and civic education, the Virginia SAR recommends—but does not require—that applicants consider earning SAR-aligned merit badges. These badges are not prerequisites for the Eagle Scout Recognition Certificate and are not mandatory for entry into the scholarship competition. They simply align well with the SAR’s mission.

Prospective applicants can highly prepare for the SAR Scholarship competition by earning three recommended merit badges while advancing through Star and Life ranks. These badges align perfectly with the historical, genealogical, and educational core missions of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Scouting America American Heritage Merit Badge Patch

American Heritage

Investigate family immigration histories, interact with military veterans, and research local historic landmarks that shaped our nation's history.

Scouting America Genealogy Merit Badge Patch

Genealogy

Master vital lineage research skills, compile expansive family trees, and dig into primary source documents to trace your ancestry back through generations.

Scouting America Law Merit Badge Patch

Law

Examine the structural foundations of civil and criminal law, explore the U.S. Constitution, and discover the history of legal and justice systems.

Earned These Three Badges? Here is Your Next Step!

If you are a Scout who has completed the American Heritage, Genealogy, and Law merit badges—or a parent helping your Scout track their progress—you have already finished the hardest parts of competing for major SAR college scholarships!

Application components

A typical Virginia Society Eagle Scout Scholarship application includes:

  • Completed application form (Virginia SAR or national SAR form, as specified for the current year).
  • Four‑generation ancestry chart, showing the applicant’s family lineage.
  • Essay on a topic related to the American Revolution, patriotism, or citizenship (topic and length as specified in current contest rules).
  • Scouting résumé, summarizing leadership positions, service projects, awards, and community involvement.
  • Supporting documentation, as required by the current contest guidelines.

Judging and awards

  • Applications are judged at the chapter level first, where available.
  • Chapter winners may advance to the Virginia Society level.
  • The Virginia SAR may recognize:
    • First place
    • Second place
    • Third place
  • State winners are typically recognized at the Virginia SAR Annual Meeting, and the top candidate is submitted to the National Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship Competition. 

How to apply

  • Step 1: Obtain the current year’s Eagle Scout Scholarship application packet (Virginia SAR or national SAR form).
  • Step 2: Complete all required sections, including the essay, ancestry chart, and résumé.
  • Step 3: Submit the packet to your local Virginia SAR chapter or directly to the Virginia SAR Eagle Scout Program Chairman, following the instructions and deadlines for the current year.

National Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship Competition

Purpose

The Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship Competition is administered by the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution. It provides national‑level recognition and scholarship awards to outstanding Eagle Scouts across all state societies.

Eligibility

National eligibility mirrors the Virginia Society competition:

  • Rank: Eagle Scout
  • Age: Must not reach their 19th birthday during the competition year
  • Registration: Must be registered in an active Scouting America unit (or as a unit college Scouter or adult leader)

Process

The Virginia Society’s first‑place state winner is customarily forwarded as Virginia’s official entry into the national competition. Individual Scouts do not apply directly to National; all submissions must come through a state society.

Awards

National awards range from $200 to $10,000, with multiple scholarship tiers. National First Place Winner receives $10,000; Runner-up receives $6,000; and 2nd Runner-up receives $4,000. The national first‑place winner is typically recognized at the SAR National Congress.

More information

For current national rules and forms, consult with the Virginia SAR State Chair and the National SAR Eagle Scout Program Administrative Guide.

Explore More Cash Awards: Don't stop at the Eagle contest. Your work on these badges makes you an instant frontrunner for the SAR Essay Contest, the SAR Historical Oration Contest and the SAR Youth Video Contest, each contest offers thousands of dollars in additional state and national prize money.

Ready to connect with your local chapter?

Scroll down to the Resources section below to download the application forms, or use our Chapter Directory to find the SAR Eagle Scout Chairman nearest you.

For a contest application and rules click on the link above or contact Bruce Laubach, email is [email protected]. Entries for the Virginia contest are due in December 1st each year.

Winners of chapter competitions will have the opportunity to compete for one of the three Virginia SAR Cash Scholarship Awards, ranging from $200 to $1000.

National First Place Winner receives $10,000; Runner-up receives $6,000; and 2nd Runner-up receives $4,000.

Resources

  • National SAR Eagle Scout Program (website)
  • List of state contacts for Eagle Scout Program (PDF)
  • Robert E. Burt Boy Scout Volunteer Award Form (PDF)
  • 2024 Annual Meeting: Chairman’s Report — Eagle Scout Programs Committee (PDF)
  • Williamsburg Chapter awards Eagle Scouts (News: Jan 2023)

COMPATRIOT CORNER

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Robert E. Burt Boy Scout Volunteer Award | Eagle Scout Recognition Medal

Committee

The Committee administers the Eagle Scout Awards Program and the Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship Awards Program. It maintains continuing liaison with the leadership of Boy Scouts of America organization. 

(1) The Eagle Scout Committee is responsible for promoting participation in the Eagle Scout Recognition and Scholarship Programs.  All chapters in the Virginia Society are encouraged to participate by appointing a Chapter Eagle Scout Chairman who will implement the chapter’s program in conformity with the NSSAR Administrative Guide-Eagle Scout Recognition and Scholarship Program (copies of which will be provided each chapter).
(2) Eligible Eagle Scouts will be presented a "Certificate of Recognition" upon request and made aware of the Scholarship program and invited to participate through

(1) The Virginia Society website that includes pages dedicated to the Eagle Scout Program and provides instructions to the scout on how to participate; or

(2) direct or indirect mailings (electronic or otherwise) to the scout, his troop or local council with information about the scholarship program and instructions on how to participate.

(3) The Committee will assist the chapters in implementing their respective programs, including the supply of necessary material – application forms, ancestor charts, essay topic suggestions and instructions, National SAR promotional brochure and certificates of recognition. The required application forms, ancestor chart and instructions and suggested topics for the essay can be downloaded from either the Virginia Society or National SAR websites.  Chapters may elect to award their winning entrant the Eagle Scout Medal.  In 2008 the National Eagle Scout Committee voted to reimburse local chapters for Eagle Scout Medals they present. The obtaining of the National supplied medals and the redistribution of the medals to the chapters will be the responsibility of the Committee Chairman assisted by the Chairman of the Awards Committee.

(4) All applicants are required to be sponsored by a Virginia chapter, unless sponsored by The Virginia Society in the event no such chapter representation exists.  Each sponsoring organization will select its winning application and forward a copy to The Virginia Society Eagle Scout Chairman for entry into the State level of competition that will be judged by the members of The Virginia Society Eagle Scout Committee.

Committee Members:

  • Bruce Laubach (Chair), (Williamsburg [email protected]
  • Ronald L. Adolphi (Williamsburg)
  • Stephen A. Atkinson (Jamestown (HQ))
  • Spurgeon C. Keith, Jr. (Fincastle Resolutions)

Robert E. Burt Boy Scout Volunteer Award

Our inspiration is from our past, our duty is in the present, our hope is in the future.

Ribbon in red, white and blue cloth suspending a bronze circular medal with the Boy Scouts of America logo. Reverse side reads: Our Inspiration is from our past, our duty is in the present, our home is in the futureThe Eagle Scout Committee also processes nominations for the Robert E. Burt Boy Scout Volunteer Award. The Robert E. Burt Boy Scout Volunteer Award is a BSA-recognized Community Organization Award presented to members of the SAR in good standing who have displayed outstanding dedication to the Scouting Program. Award criteria are based on work accomplishment and dedication rather than specific length of service time. The medal is awarded by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution upon nomination by a state society. Each state society may nominate at least two (2) awardees per calendar year. At the Spring SAR Leadership Meeting, the Eagle Scout Committee will determine whether a state society may nominate additional awardees during that calendar year using a formula based on each state’s membership as of January 31st of that year. Awards not presented may not be carried over to subsequent years. Those individuals interested in the Robert E. Burt Boy Scout Volunteer Award should review and complete the application form (see Resources).

Virginia SAR Eagle Scout Recognition Medal

Virginia SAR Eagle Scout Award Medal

The Eagle Scout Recognition Medal was authorized in 2022. The red, white and blue colors of the drape symbolize honor, loyalty and courage and are present on ribbons of the BSA Eagle Scout and the Robert E. Burt awards. The silver eagle on a field of blue in the center of the medallion represents the eagle on the eagle statue awarded to the state winner of the Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Contest.

The medal is earned by an SAR compatriot upon the presentation of 10 Eagle Scout recognition packages consisting of the recognition certificate, congratulatory letter and scholarship information flyer at an Eagle Court of Honor.

Presentations at a Court of Honor for more than one Eagle Scout counts as the number presented. Alternatively, delivery of 50 such packages via mail satisfies the requirement. The Virginia SAR President may also award this medal to individuals demonstrating exceptional service in the cultivation of relationships with the Scouting America in Virginia. The Eagle Scout Recognition medal will be administered by the Virginia SAR Eagle Scout Program committee. Chapters will be responsible for documenting the names of Compatriots who participated in qualifying presentations for the purposes of the Eagle Scout Recognition medal. Precedence 61f. 

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Donations to the Eagle Scout Contest / Youth Programs

Virginia SAR compatriots and the general public are encouraged to support the Brennan Fund (Youth Programs), including the SAR High School Eagle Scout Contest. Your contributions enrich these programs and encourage students across the Commonwealth to showcase their creativity and talents.


State-level donations designated to the Brennan Fund (Youth Programs) benefiting youth and education programs shall be given a rank in the Virginia Society First Virginia Regiment, based on the level of the contribution.

National-level donations lead to the Arthur M. King Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund Medal or “The King Fundraising Medal” which is designed to recognize those individuals who make significant contributions to the endowment fund. The Medal may be presented to the donor or to honor any individual designated by the donor(s) in recognition of their contributions to the National Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund. Arthur M. King served as the President General 1980–1981 and is the benefactor of this fundraising award. The funds generated by sales of the medal are used to increase the endowment for the cash awards presented by these contests.  The medal is awarded following a donation of $500.00. Additional multiples of $500 in contributions result in bronze, silver, and gold palm ribbon attachments. 
King Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund Medal and palms