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Boy Scout Quotes

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The most worth-while thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others.

The spirit is there in every boy; it has to be discovered and brought to light.

A Scout is never taken by surprise; he knows exactly what to do when anything unexpected happens.

"On my honor" - what an ennobling phrase! Three short words, nine letters, but the summation of all we call character. From the Boy Scout's Oath.

The Boy Scouts of America stands for a set of principles. These principles have a lot of staying power. The values you learn as a Scout are like a compass. They can help you find your way through difficult and sometimes unchartered terrain. The principles of Scouting give you a sense of what's important. I feel I owe the Boy Scouts a great deal, both personally and professionally.

Be Prepared... the meaning of the motto is that a scout must prepare himself by previous thinking out and practicing how to act on any accident or emergency so that he is never taken by surprise.

We must depend upon the Boy Scout Movement to produce the MEN of the future.

I have over and over again explained that the purpose of the Boy Scout and Girl Guide Movement is to build men and women as citizens endowed with the three H's namely, Health, Happiness and Helpfulness. The man or woman who succeeds in developing these three attributes has secured the main steps to success this Life.

A man carries out suggestions the more wholeheartedly when he understands their aim.

Success in training the boy depends largely on the Scoutmaster's own personal example.

The Scoutmaster teaches boys to play the game by doing so himself.

Correcting bad habits cannot be done by forbidding or punishment.

I still remember the entire Boy Scout motto. I don't remember the serial number of my gun in the army. I don't remember the number of my locker in school. But I remember that Boy Scout code.

In a partner I'm looking for an encyclopedia and a dictionary. A bit of the Boy Scouts Handbook. A person who is conscientious about the trail he leaves behind him. Love. Unconditional kindness. Basically, I'm looking for the qualities I revere in my friends.

I always wanted to be a boy scout but was too poor. Couldn't do it.

In a thousand words I can have the Lord's Prayer, the 23rd Psalm, the Hippocratic Oath, a sonnet by Shakespeare, the Preamble to the Constitution, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and almost all of the Boy Scout Oath. Now exactly what picture were you planning to trade for all that?

The wilderness is gone, the buckskin man is gone, the painted Indian has hit the trail over the Great Divide, the hardships and privations of pioneer life which did so much to develop sterling manhood are now but a legend in history, and we must depend upon the Boy Scout movement to produce the MEN of the future.

Being in the army is like being in the Boy Scouts, except that the Boy Scouts have adult supervision.

I never joined the Boy Scouts. I don't trust any organization that has a handbook.

Among my activities was membership in the Boy Scouts; I rose each year through the ranks, eventually achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and undertaking leadership roles in the organization.

Unfortunately, I'm not a person that's always capable of living up to the Boy Scout philosophy.

I was never a Boy Scout, but oh, I wanted to be one when I was a kid about ten or eleven years old. But there wasn't anyplace where I could ever join the Boy Scouts.

In the past, children learned their values at home, reinforced by organizations such as the Boy Scouts and, of course, their church or synagogue, but in all too many families that is no longer the case.

My brother Jim and I spent many wonderful summers working on dairy farms in Wisconsin owned by Mom's cousins, and as members of our local Boy Scout troop.

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Eagle Scout Quotes: Inspiring Words For Boy Scouts

The journey to becoming an Eagle Scout is not an easy one. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to the values of scouting. Along the way, Boy Scouts encounter challenges that test their skills, character, and strength. To inspire and motivate these young scouts, many influential figures have shared powerful words of wisdom.

One such influential figure is Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the scouting movement, who once said, “The more responsibility the Scoutmaster gives them, the more they will respond.” These words highlight the importance of trust and empowerment in enabling Boy Scouts to grow and develop into responsible leaders. Baden-Powell’s quote serves as a reminder to scout leaders that by entrusting scouts with meaningful responsibilities, they can inspire them to rise to the occasion.

Another inspiring quote comes from astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon. He said, “Scouting is not an abstruse or difficult science: rather it is a jolly game if you take it in the right light.” Armstrong’s words highlight the joyful and adventurous spirit of scouting. By viewing scouting as a game, scouts can approach challenges with a positive mindset and a sense of excitement. Armstrong’s quote reminds young scouts to embrace the joy and fun of the scouting experience.

In addition to these influential figures, there are also many well-known Eagle Scouts who have shared inspiring quotes about their scouting journey. One such Eagle Scout is Mike Rowe, the host of the television show “Dirty Jobs.” He said, “I learned to lead as a Boy Scout, and I’d like to think I still do today.” Rowe’s words emphasize the lasting impact that scouting can have on a person’s leadership skills. Through the lessons learned in scouting, scouts can continue to apply and refine their leadership abilities throughout their lives.

These quotes and many others serve as beacons of inspiration for Boy Scouts on their path to becoming Eagle Scouts. They remind young scouts of the timeless values of scouting and the transformative power of their journey. So, as Boy Scouts embark on their own scouting adventure, let these inspiring words guide and motivate them to reach new heights and leave a lasting impact as Eagle Scouts.

Eagle Scout Quotes

Being an Eagle Scout is a symbol of accomplishment and dedication. Here are some inspiring quotes that reflect the values of the Boy Scouts and the qualities of an Eagle Scout:

• “The mark of an Eagle Scout is a lifelong commitment to hard work, integrity, and service.”
• “Scouting is not just an activity, it’s a way of life.” – Robert Baden-Powell
• “Once an Eagle Scout, always an Eagle Scout.”
• “The highest honor of scouting is becoming an Eagle Scout, but the true reward is the person you become through the journey.”
• “Eagle Scouts soar to great heights, both in their achievements and in their character.”
• “The morals and values I learned in scouting have guided me throughout my life. I am proud to be an Eagle Scout.”
• “Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new journey.”
• “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to overcome it. As an Eagle Scout, you have shown bravery in pursuing your goals.”

These quotes serve as a reminder of the dedication, perseverance, and leadership that it takes to become an Eagle Scout. They inspire current and future Boy Scouts to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

Inspiring Words from Boy Scouts

Boy Scouts strive to live by the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. These guiding principles help shape young men into leaders of character and integrity. Here are some inspiring words from Boy Scouts:

These inspiring words from Boy Scouts reflect the ideals of leadership, service, and personal growth that are at the heart of the Scouting movement. By living by these principles, Scouts become strong and respectful individuals who make a difference in the world.

Famous Quotes from Eagle Scouts

As Eagle Scouts, these individuals have achieved the highest rank in scouting and have embodied the values and principles that come with this honor. Here are some famous quotes from Eagle Scouts that showcase their wisdom, leadership, and dedication:

• “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” – Chris Hayes
• “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Jon Meacham
• “Do a good turn daily.” – Neil Armstrong
• “Give your best, and the world will respond to it in kind.” – Mike Rowe
• “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” – Matthew Modine
• “The path to success is often found by helping others find their own.” – Harold T. Martin
• “Character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you.” – Rick Perry
• “Service is the rent we pay for living on this planet.” – Steven Spielberg
• “To have a friend, you must be a friend.” – Sam Walton
• “Scouting rises within you and inspires you to put forth your best.” – Hank Aaron

These quotes remind us of the importance of leadership, service, and living by the scout oath and law. Eagle Scouts have gone on to achieve great things, leaving a lasting impact on their communities and the world.

Motivational Quotes for Boy Scouts

1. “Do a good turn daily.”

Remember this motto and strive to make a positive impact on the world every day. Whether it’s helping someone in need or simply doing a small act of kindness, your actions matter.

2. “The wilderness holds answers to more questions than we have yet learned to ask.”

Exploring the great outdoors can teach you important life lessons. Nature has a way of revealing truths that are hidden in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Embrace the wilderness and learn from its wisdom.

3. “Be prepared.”

This famous Boy Scout motto goes beyond being ready for outdoor adventures. It also means being ready mentally and emotionally. Prepare yourself for any challenges that come your way, and you’ll be better equipped to handle them.

4. “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.”

Believe in yourself and your abilities. Don’t let doubt hold you back from achieving your goals. Embrace the possibilities of tomorrow and never stop working towards making them a reality.

5. “Character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you.”

True character is revealed by how you treat others, especially those who can do nothing for you in return. Be kind, respectful, and considerate to everyone you encounter, regardless of their social status or position.

6. “The uniform makes for brotherhood since when universally adopted it covers up all differences of class and country.”

Your Boy Scout uniform is a symbol of unity and equality. It reminds us that we are all part of a brotherhood, regardless of our backgrounds or origins. Embrace this sense of camaraderie and treat every fellow Scout as a brother.

7. “Scouting is not an abstruse or difficult science: rather it is a jolly game if you take it in the right light.”

Don’t take Scouting too seriously. Remember that it’s a game meant to be enjoyed. Have fun, make friends, and seize every opportunity for adventure that comes your way.

8. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

Don’t wait for the future to happen to you. Take control and actively work towards creating the future you desire. Your actions today will shape the world of tomorrow.

9. “The more you know, the less you fear.”

Knowledge is powerful, and it can help overcome fear. Take every opportunity to learn and expand your horizons. The more you know, the more confident and fearless you’ll become.

10. “Make each day your masterpiece.”

Approach each day with the mindset of creating something extraordinary. Strive to make a positive impact, leave a mark, and be proud of the masterpiece you’ve created by the end of each day.

Words of Encouragement for Eagle Scout Candidates

Embarking on the journey to become an Eagle Scout is a testament to your dedication, perseverance, and leadership. As you near the end of your journey, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. But remember, you’ve come this far, and you have what it takes to soar to new heights. Here are some words of encouragement to inspire you:

Remember, becoming an Eagle Scout is not just about earning a badge or a title. It’s about the lessons learned, the friendships made, and the impact you have on others. Embrace this final stage of your journey with confidence, humility, and the knowledge that you are well-prepared for whatever lies ahead. Good luck, Eagle Scout candidates!

Inspiring Quotes on Leadership and Service

Below are some inspiring quotes on leadership and service that can motivate and guide Boy Scouts on their journey to becoming Eagle Scouts:

• “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” – Ronald Reagan
• “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John C. Maxwell
• “The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” – Ralph Nader
• “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek
• “Leadership is a choice, not a position.” – Stephen Covey
• “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
• “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” – Muhammad Ali
• “The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.” – Albert Einstein
• “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
• “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

These quotes highlight the importance of leadership, selflessness, and service in making a positive impact on the world. As Boy Scouts, it is essential to cultivate these qualities and use them to inspire and lead others to create a better future.

Quotes on the Importance of Scouting

Scouting is one of the best character-building experiences a young person can have, teaching them important skills and values that will last a lifetime.

These quotes highlight the importance of Scouting in shaping young individuals into well-rounded, capable adults. Scouting instills valuable qualities like leadership, self-reliance, and a sense of community, preparing young people for success in all aspects of life.

Wisdom from Eagle Scout Role Models

Eagle Scouts have long been seen as role models for young Boy Scouts, embodying the values of leadership, service, and determination. Throughout history, many Eagle Scouts have shared their wisdom and inspired others with their words. Here are some quotes from Eagle Scout role models that can motivate and inspire:

“The most important thing that I’ve learned in my life is that men are best motivated when they are needed. You can take that to the bank. Men are best motivated when they are needed.” – Michael Bloomberg

“The spirit of Scouting is very much the spirit of America – resourceful, resilient, helpful, kind, and brave.” – Rex Tillerson

“The uniform makes for brotherhood, since when universally adopted it covers up all differences of class and country.” – Lord Baden-Powell

“Paddle your own canoe. You’ve got to learn to take care of yourself – no one else will.” – Eddie Rickenbacker

“Once an Eagle Scout, always an Eagle Scout, because the values you learn, the leadership you learn, the character that you develop stays with you for a lifetime.” – Rick Perry

“The most worthwhile things in life seldom come easy; it requires hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice to achieve greatness.” – Neil Armstrong

“Scouting is not an abstruse or difficult science: rather it is a jolly game if you take it in the right light. In the same time it is educative, and (like Mercy) it is apt to benefit him that giveth as well as him that receives.” – Robert Baden-Powell

“The mark of an educated man is not in the length of his years, but in the quality of his life.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The Boy Scout movement is in a position to be of service to an immense number of people, and that is why I think we should carry on and try to get better every year, if possible. – Charles Evans Hughes

“Character is the compass that gives us direction in life.” – William J. Bennett

“The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential… these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.” – Confucius

“Scouts must learn to use all tools and materials properly and to care for them and store them after use.” – James E. West

“Scouting rises within you and inspires you to put forth your best.” – Juliette Gordon Low

“The most rewarding things in life are often the ones that look like they cannot be done.” – Arnold Palmer

These words of wisdom from Eagle Scout role models show the power of the Scout Oath and Law, and how they can guide individuals throughout their lives.

Quotes on the Achievements of Eagle Scouts

Here are some inspiring quotes about the achievements of Eagle Scouts:

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Forest Witcraft quote first appeared in Scouting magazine

You’ve probably heard that powerful quote before. Or you’ve seen it — often attributed to “Anonymous” and usually misquoted (the last word changed to “child”) — on  inspirational posters , wall art for sale on Amazon , or  images posted on Pinterest or Facebook .

What you probably didn’t realize is that the quote first appeared in the pages of  Scouting magazine as part of a longer, even more powerful piece.

And you probably didn’t know that its author, Forest Witcraft, was hardly Anonymous. He was a professional Scouter and onetime managing editor of  Scouting magazine.

Read on for the full story of Witcraft’s timeless words. 

The quote in context

First, take a second to read Forest Witcraft’s entire essay, called “Within My Power.” I’ve included it below.

In the essay, Witcraft shows that even someone who is “not very important” and a “humble citizen” — words he uses to describe himself — can have tremendous impact on the life of a boy.

“If I can have some part in guiding them up the trail of Scouting, on to the high road of noble character and constructive citizenship, I may prove to be the most important man in their lives, the most important man in my community.”

Strong words indeed. Here’s the full essay, which first appeared on Page 2 of the October 1950 issue of  Scouting magazine.

Who was Forest Witcraft?

Not only did he craft a quote so powerful it’s still in heavy use more than a half-century later, he also served the BSA as a professional Scouter.

As a Scouting magazine editor myself, I felt a sense of pride to learn Witcraft was managing editor of  Scouting magazine for seven years in the 1950s.

His name first appears on the  Scouting masthead in the April 1951 issue. Seven years later, the April 1958 issue, was the last time he was listed as managing editor.

Here are those mastheads, first from April 1951 and then from April 1958. You’ll probably recognize some other names on these mastheads, too.

More about Forest Witcraft

Forest Witcraft’s quote is often attributed to “anonymous,” and the man himself kept a low profile.

You could say the quote was the most indelible part of his legacy.

What little I was able to learn about the man after some exhaustive research comes from this post on an unofficial Scouting message board.

In 2009, user dewASM posted that he had done some census research on Witcraft and found some facts. Here are the highlights, which piece together to form an impressive life:

• Aug. 23, 1894 : Forest Eugene Witcraft born to Thomas and Rosa Devorse Witcraft.
• 1900 : His father was listed on the 1900 census as a day laborer; his mother didn’t work.
• 1920 : According to census data, Forest Witcraft and his sister, Vivian, lived with their mother in Chicago. His mother was the housekeeper for a college fraternity, and Forest listed no employment, possibly because he was a student at the time.
• June 19, 1921 : Forest married Rose Winifred Whipple in Illinois.
• 1930 : Forest was living in Hastings, Neb., with his wife, Winifred, and daughter Carol. His occupation was listed as “college professor.” That could have been at Hastings College, founded in 1882.
• 1936 : Likely his first connection with Scouting. An article in the Newark (Ohio) Advocate  stated, “With the final decision of the officials of the Licking County Council, Boy Scouts of America, to conduct summer camping activities for 1936 only on a troop camping basis, the training committee felt the need for conducting an intensive training course in troop camping, under the direction of Brandt Hervey and Professor Forest Witcraft of Denison University, who compose the training committee.” Denison University is a liberal arts college in Granville, Ohio.
• September 1936 : An article states that “Training in the Principles of Scoutmastership will begin Sept. 24. This course is one of the required courses in the five-year progressive training for Scoutmasters and will be under the direction of Prof. Forest Witcraft of Denison University and Brandt Hervey, who compose the council training committee”
• Feb. 9, 1942 : Forest’s wife, Winifred, died in Sioux Falls, S.D.
• Aug. 11, 1943 : Forest remarried, wedding Neva Elizabeth Replogle.
• 1944 : Forest and Neva were living in Sioux Falls where Forest was listed as Assistant Scout Executive.
• 1945 to 1947 : Forest was listed as the Scout Executive of the Central South Dakota Council. His office was in the basement of City Hall. After this, it looks like he moved to Minnesota and possibly worked at Sommers Canoe Base in Ely, Minn.
• 1951 to 1958 : Forest was managing editor of Scouting magazine and presumably worked at the BSA’s headquarters in New York and, later, New Jersey.
• 1963 to 1966 : Forest, then referred to as Dr. Witcraft, is the Resident Administrator at Salem College in Salem, W.Va.
• 1967:  Forest Witcraft died in West Virginia. He would have been 72 or 73.
• March 1968 : As a tribute to Witcraft,  Scouting magazine republished his classic essay in its March 1968 edition.

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Eagle Scout College Essay Samples And Tips For Admission

One of the most dreaded parts of applying to colleges and universities are the supplemental essays. As an Eagle or Life Scout, you might be wondering how best to write about your Scouting experience — or maybe whether you should even include it at all (You should 🙂 ).

Worry no longer! In this article, we’ll be covering some of the best ways to make your Scouting experience shine on application essays and even the Common App. Plus, I’ve also pulled together some fantastic example essay passages so you can get a feel for the writing style of great college applications.

How Should You Write An Eagle Scout College Application Essay? When writing about your Scouting experience on a college application essay, your main goal should be to tell a story about personal growth. The essay should be free of acronyms and easily understandable. The best topics to write about, for most scouts, are their unique outdoor experiences, troop leadership roles, and Eagle Scout service project.

However, there’s a lot more that goes into a successful application! Carefully read the section below to learn the best methods of structuring your application essay. Then, we’ll be jumping into some real-life examples of the best ways you could write about your Scouting experience to really make your application stand out to an admissions committee!

How to Structure a College Admissions Essay

Do you know the ways your Scouting experience can help you stand out on a college application ? If you don’t, I’d highly suggest checking out the linked article! College admissions essays may be the trickiest documents you’ll ever write, as these personal statements require both conciseness and detail. Therefore, use everything you can to get a leg up! Your writing structure will be key to clearly communicating your message.

To create an effective structure, you first need to decide on your essay’s message. What is your main point for the beginning, middle, and end of your essay? Often, effective application essays begin with a story of a personal obstacle, guide your reader to the problem’s unexpected solution, and then end with a description of the lessons you’ve taken away from overcoming the challenge you’ve faced.

The Challenge->Solution->Takeaways structure is also effective when writing informative anecdotes in your essays. Here’s a quick excerpt showing of how I used this structure in one of my actual college application essays:

Challenge: In my freshman year of high school, a classmate and I were tasked with creating a joint presentation detailing the effects of GMOs on the environment. I had prepared my materials beforehand, so, naturally, I was excited to speak. My partner, however, had completely forgotten about the project and hastily began to plan a way out. Solution: After I’d delivered my portion of the presentation, complete with graphics and pie charts, I anxiously stepped aside and began mentally preparing for my partner to get us both laughed out of the room. To my dismay, my partner resourcefully rolled a short but informative Youtube video relating to the subject, and then, in a stroke of genius, improvised a quick activity. In seconds, the entire classroom was gleefully chanting the NATO phonetic alphabet parodied to GMO-related terminology! Takeaways: I was struck, and my B to his A was all it took to convince me that effort is not directly proportional to success. From that moment, I realized that I needed to think less about the work and product itself, and more about the audience that I was delivering my creation to.

I’m sure you have stories like this in your own life as well! In Scouting, maybe you thought you’d be a great leader right away, but later realized you needed to improve your approach. Maybe your path to Eagle had a few twists and turns. Either way, by using this structure, you can better place the reader in your shoes and guide them through an interesting and exciting journey.

Remember, the goal of your admissions essay should be to show as much of your personality to the reader as possible. Tell a story. Let them see you as a unique, endearing individual, and try to get them to like you. By describing a challenge, you show vulnerability and mark yourself as the kind of person who’s able to reflect, learn, and overcome difficulties.

Sample Outline For An Eagle Scouts Admission Essay

Now that you know how to effectively structure your story, it’s time to begin looking at a few essay samples that you can draw on for inspiration. As an Eagle Scout myself, there are 3 main Scouting topics and values I’d recommend writing about in your own application essays.

• Earning Eagle: Personal Growth and Persistence
• Leading Your Troop: Teamwork and Leadership
• Your Eagle Scout Service Project: Service and Contribution

Each of these three topics demonstrates values that are in high demand by universities. However, even if you don’t choose to write about these topics specifically, it’s still important to come up with a value-packed idea to serve as the core of your essay. I’d recommend watching the following video (8:51) for some great tips on coming up with your own essay idea.

Have a general idea for what you’ll be writing about? Great! Below, I’ll first be covering the best ways to capture your reader’s attention and frame your experiences. Then, with sample essays, I’ll be breaking down some of the best techniques for crafting a structurally-perfect application!

Capturing Your Reader’s Attention With Scouting

Your ‘hook,’ which serves to capture your reader’s attention, should be a concise but intriguing statement that reflects your personality. Hooks can take many different forms and engage the reader through the use of quotes, excamatory statements, or even questions.

Personally, this was the hook I used in one of my own college essays:

“Guten morgan, wie gehts. Ich heiß Cole. Ich bin seibzehn jahre alt.” I hear myself echo as I stand before my German class. Nervous, I mouth a half-smile and try to remain calm. Apprehensively making eye contact with the faces before me, even at a glance I can tell that this room is inhabited by people from all corners of the world. Judging from her defined jawline and shining blond hair, the girl who’s absentmindedly looking away appears to be Russian. The bespectacled boy with the tousled dark hair who wears a badly-translated t-shirt seemed to be distracted as well, reading from what I can only guess to be a Chinese dictionary. Another girl sits beside me, dressed in alternative clothing and sporting a septum piercing; judging from her edgy look, one would never have guessed she was from the suburbs of Rhode Island. Hearing the melody of birds chirping, I glance outside the window. On that beautiful Autumn afternoon in Switzerland, I see snow glistening on the Rhône glacier. It’s an enormous mass of brilliant blue hues, swirled together, filling the space between two gargantuan mountains: the Schwartz Horn and the Eiger. At that moment, a thought crosses my mind: “How on earth did I, just some kid from Hawaii, wind up in a place like this?”

While my introduction isn’t perfectly written, I think it does a solid job of capturing attention and pulling the reader down the page. Your essay should do the same! Keep in mind, my essay was about personal diversity and transitions, so this introduction really catered to my core theme. Your intro should also be informed by your essay’s main idea.

Now for some example hooks! If the focus of your essay is your Scouting experience, some possible hooks might be:

• I figured I’d peaked at the ripe old age of 13 years old when Scouting officially granted me the power to mobilize a legion of 12-year-olds in carrying out community service projects.
• I’ve recently come to the realization that community service just isn’t for me. Now before you start making assumptions, keep reading.
• Inside the meeting room of South Church where I’d spent almost every Thursday night for the past six years, I held my breath as the whole troop stood by me awaiting a decision. What hung in the balance was the culmination of years of commitment and hard work since joining my Scout troop at age 12.
• Who’d have ever guessed that a single small disc made of fabric and glue was exactly what I needed to catalyze my passion for (Topic)? When I began working on the (Topic) merit badge…

Basically, the point of your hook is to first grab attention and then segway into a significant experience that will continue to intrigue your reader. Tell a story around your experience, then identify a key value that you’ve learned or embodied which will serve as the core of the essay.

In the next section, I’ll teach you to craft a thesis statement based on your core theme!

Eagle Scout Values as a Core Theme

Now that you know the point of your introduction, it’s time to get into the meat of your essay: your core theme. Your core theme should be based around the values that make you, you. Remember, a reader should be able to identify your core focus at least halfway through your essay. The most effective way to do this is with a thesis statement!

It might seem like you don’t need a thesis statement for an admissions essay but having one or two sentences to encapsulate your core theme will ensure that your essay is coherent from start to finish.

Using our examples from earlier, here’s what an effectively phased thesis might sound like:

• Earning Eagle: The 4 years it took me to earn Eagle taught me more about persistence, leadership, and growth than I’d learned in my previous 12 years of schooling. ( What you do now, in contrast to your first story)
• Leading Your Troop: In my time with troop (troop ), I’ve learned that skillful and supportive leadership can make any team greater than the sum of its parts. By appreciating each other’s faults and growing together, my patrol was able to put aside our differences and. ( reference story) ..
• Your Eagle Scout Service Project: Serving the ( Area ) community through my Eagle Scout Project was the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. Through collaboration, sheer will, and an overwhelming desire to do good, I was able to bring together ( number ) volunteers over a total of ( time ) manhours, to (your result). Now, when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, I ( how you grew).

Remember, your thesis should perfectly suit your essay. Now that you know each of the ingredients for an amazing personal statement, it’s time to review some examples! Most of the experts agree that the best way to write well is to read good writing. Afterward, you’ll be ready to craft your own application and get that “Yes.” 🙂

Eagle Scout College Essay Samples and Examples

Below is a great excerpt from a personal statement that talks about a scout’s journey to Eagle. The writer does a fantastic job explaining the wide-ranging value of merit badges.

The Importance of Merit Badges

It was a long journey from an energetic adolescent to the mature man I am today. With every merit badge earned, I learned a valuable lesson about how to conduct my life. For example, the Personal Management merit badge taught me how to manage a budget. The Family Life badge gave me the skills to pitch in and help my parents run a household. Two trips to West Point Military Academy for Scout jamborees exposed me to cadets who were studying to be US Military officers and made me think about a military career. Source: https://www.collegeessayconfidante.com/sample-essays/

Leadership in Scouting

Leadership means holding yourself to a higher standard and putting your fellow scouts above yourself. In my last six years as a Scout, I have led others in finding their strengths, weaknesses, and encouraged boys to work as a team to accomplish a common goal. I started as an Assistant Patrol Leader and worked my way up to the highest leadership position, Senior Patrol Leader. Source: https://inlikeme.com/leadership-essay-scouts-effort/

Reflecting on How to be a Great Leader

While in Scouting, I took on multiple leadership roles and gradually became more involved in my troop. With those roles comes a great responsibility. Once you become involved and have responsibility, it is up to you how you want people to recognize you. You can be the leader who just points fingers and gives orders, or you can be the leader who teaches others how to do their job, is involved, is supportive and gives rewards when it is appropriate to do so. It may be difficult to do, but a true leader puts others before himself. Source: https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2014/01/14/what-scouting-did-for-me-a-recent-eagle-scout-tells-his-story/ Written by Ryan Eberlie

Your Eagle Scout Service Project

These experiences molded and shaped me. But the most significant experience came from completing my Eagle Project, during which I recorded the oral histories of eight war veterans from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. As I listened to their stories, I learned the meaning of self-sacrifice. The project took 140 hours—longer than a typical Eagle Project, but while I was working on it, I was not thinking about the time I was spending or even whether I would make Eagle if I completed the project. My only focus was on preserving the history of these noble citizens. That is when I understood why I felt no different the night my Scout leaders named me an Eagle Scout. It was because what was inside of me—a commitment to public service and a willingness to sacrifice—had been there all along. Also by Ryan Eberlie

Reading well-reviewed essay samples is something I did when crafting my own personal statement, and it definitely paid off! If you’re looking for more amazing personal statements to draw inspiration from, I’d highly recommend checking out the accepted essay collection from Johns Hopkins university

Now that you know what good writing sounds like, there are only a few more things you need to know to knock your personal statement out of the park! Firstly, try to place yourself in the admission’s officer’s shoes and connect your experience to what’s most relevant to them.

Consider, how will this experience help me at the school I’m applying to? What kinds of students are they really looking for? Have they seen an essay like mine before; is the story I’m telling unique enough? Use these questions to guide your writing, and connect your essay’s conclusion to your future ambitions. This, in itself, is a recipe for success!

Mistakes to Avoid on an Admissions Essay

Now that you’ve learned what to do when writing a college essay, it’s also important to keep in mind a list of things not to do. You’ll definitely want to avoid any cliche’s in your essay, and use impeccable grammar to convey your point. Remember, certain errors can make admissions officers immediately stop considering your application.

While we could spend hours talking about what not to do, I think the video (12:59) below does a great job of covering the most common mistakes students make. By avoiding these traps and improving your writing style by reading successful applications, every university will be dying to admit you!

General Tips To Keep in Mind While Writing Your Own Essay

In closing, here are 8 essential tips that you should keep front of mind when writing your essay. In this article, we’ve gone over a lot, but these points will help you to easily recall what we’ve covered so that you can write an incredible, engaging college essay!

• Conveying passion, critical thinking skills, and experiences, through a story, are key to making your application stand out.
• Essays should be free of grammatical errors. This is crucial! Get your English teacher to edit your essay, if possible.
• Don’t submit your first draft or even your second. Work and rework your drafts so that every word is strategically placed for maximum impact. 
• Remember the Challenge->Solution->Takeaways structure we covered earlier. Use it to make your stories more engaging.
• After describing an experience, make sure you analyzing the skills that you’ve learned and developed as a result. Have clear introspection.
• Show your personality! Get the admissions officer to laugh or like you. Make it difficult for the reader to get bored or stop reading partway through.
• Read successful essays from previous years. By drawing on many sources, you’ll improve your writing and develop a unique style.
• Avoid common mistakes. Don’t use cliches and keep your essay flowing smoothly,

Got it? Awesome! With these tips, not only will you be able to craft an essay that’ll get you into your dream school — you’ll also be able to write competitively to win Eagle Scout Scholarships ! Click the link to check out my painless guide to finding (and winning!) financial opportunities that are exclusive to Eagle Scouts. 🙂

You’ve made it! To thank you for sticking with me to this point, below are a few facts you might consider mentioning to bolster your application essay. Numbers lend credibility to your personal statement and could help to better communicate your accomplishments. Use them if they fit your theme.

• You’re part of the 4% of scouts who’ve earned the rank of Eagle! Alternatively, you can emphasize that 96% of scouts don’t reach Eagle.
• You’ve likely completed 100’s of community service hours and lead ambitious projects. Mention that!
• At a minimum, you’ve spent 2 YEARS of your life involved in Scouting to become an Eagle Scout. If that isn’t commitment, I don’t know what is!
• You’ve earned at least 21 merit badges in an eclectic range of disciplines. The ability to master new skills is key to success in university.

At this point, if you’re not 120% sure of what you plan to write about, I’d highly recommend checking out my article on the 7 best skills to highlight on Eagle Scout college applications . If you exhibit these values in your own life, they might be the core idea of your accepted college application essay!

Give yourself a huge pat on the back for reading this far! That kind of persistence is also what helped you to reach Eagle, and likely what’ll get you into the university of your dreams. Wishing you all the best on your applications and beyond. 🙂

I'm constantly writing new content because I believe in Scouts like you! Thanks so much for reading, and for making our world a better place. Until next time, I'm wishing you all the best on your journey to Eagle and beyond!

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