The Boy Scout Committee of the Philadelphia-Continental Chapter exists for the purpose of recognizing those Boy Scouts in the Delaware Valley area who have attained Scouting's highest level of achievement -- Eagle Scout. The Chapter coordinates this program with two Boy Scout Councils -- the Chester County Council (141 Eagle Scouts in 2004-2005) and the Cradle of Liberty Council (321 Eagle Scouts in 2004-2005).
Each Eagle Scout receives a congratulatory letter, a Certificate of Recognition and information concerning the Sons of the American Revolution Eagle Scout Scholarship Program.
An Eagle Scout who passes his Board of Review in the 12 month period that ends on June 30 has until December 1 of that year to submit a completed application for participation in the Eagle Scout Scholarship Contest.
There are three parts to the application:
- Complete an application form containing the applicant's Scout history, leadership in Scouting, and leadership activities in school, community and religious institution.
- Complete a four-generation family genealogy chart.
- Write a patriotic theme of 500 words or less, with a bibliography.
The American Heritage, Genealogy and Law merit badges are required at the National level and may be the deciding factor at the local and state levels.
All Eagle Scouts currently registered in an active unit and who have not reached their 19th birthday during the year of their application may participate. An Eagle Scout may apply in more than one year.
The winning entrant from each Council receives an SAR Bronze Good Citizenship Medal and a United States Savings Bond and becomes a finalist in the Pennsylvania state contest. The winner of the state contest receives a bronze desktop Eagle Trophy, a United States Savings Bond and goes on to compete in the National contest.
The National first-place winner is awarded an $8,000 cash scholarship, the 1st runner-up receives $4,000, and the 2nd runner-up receives $2,000. An Eagle Scout may apply more than one year, however, not more than $8,000 total will be granted to one Scout. College plans do not need to be completed in order to receive these scholarships.
Congratulatory letters, certificates and information concerning this program are provided at Courts of Honor for all Eagle Scouts in the Cradle of Liberty Council and Chester County Council.
Herb Armstrong, the Chairman of the Chapters Eagle Scout Scholarship Program, reports that the chapter has issued 464 Eagle Scout Certificates during the last 12 months; 175 to Chester County and 289 to the Cradle of Liberty Conferences.
For further information about the Eagle Scout program in the Delaware Valley or to obtain contest materials, contact the Chairman of the Eagle Scout Committee:LTC Herbert T. Armstrong
23131 Shannondell Drive
Audubon, PA 19403
(610) 382-2757or the Assistant Chairman: Bruce G. Andersen
