An Eagle Scout recommendation letter is a short letter from someone who knows a scout well and speaks to his character and growth. Eagle Scout status is the highest achievement in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSOA) and the dream of many children across the country. To obtain this status, you must provide the commission with an Eagle Scout letter of recommendation. Create yours online with the free template below.
Last Updated: October 2026. This guide is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect current law. If you notice an error or outdated information, please contact us.
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The BSOA requires a recommendation letter to consider your candidacy for the Eagle Scout title. Undoubtedly, this status is very prestigious and desirable; therefore, the need to provide recommendation letters was also added to the rest of the requirements. A total of 5 or 6 such letters are required (6 if there is a previous employer).
Once the candidate completes a special application (it can be found, for instance, here, as well as details about the application), they should send the application and recommendation letters to the Eagle Scout Board of Review for evaluation.
The primary purpose of this letter is to show that the candidate is worthy of such a high rank, meets the main requirements of scouts, and supports their values. There is no strict form of writing this type of letter. What is important is to arrange it neatly and clearly.
You should choose a person close to you who knows you well, your moral qualities, and your hobbies to write an Eagle Scout reference letter. All of your references must confirm your compliance with the Scout Oath and the Scout Law principles. It would be best if you asked someone on the following list to provide recommendations:
It is worth mentioning that there is no requirement that the author of the letter must be of 21 years. So, you can get the last two recommendations from your friends or relatives.
Think about who can say good things about you and knows your life well. Contact them in person and explain why this status and this letter are important to you. If your contact agrees to write the letter, give them everything they need, and point them to the samples further down this page.
Few people will refuse your request. Once the person agrees, send them the information. It is best to do this immediately, or at least within 24 hours so that the person does not forget about their consent.
A strong letter covers three things and backs each one with a real example. Give each part one or two short paragraphs, keep the tone warm and honest, and write in your own words instead of copying the samples word for word.
Make it clear to the readers of your letter that you know the candidate well. Narrate how you know this scout and how long you have known him.
The main purpose of this paper is to show that the candidate has qualities that are important to scouts. You can familiarize yourself with their vows to better understand what you need to write. Show how the candidate combines leadership, hard work, honesty, and decency.
Illustrate your words with examples. For instance, you can say that a candidate has started an environmental movement or a low-income family evening at their school. A letter with examples is much more interesting to read than a dry list of the same facts.
Personal growth is an excellent display of human evolution. You can point out how the scout movement has benefited the candidate. Describe the changes that have occurred in the person. For instance, if they became more proactive, courageous, and prepared.
Keep the letter short, honest and specific. The tips below cover the most common mistakes and the habits that make a letter easy to read for the board. Use them as a quick checklist before you send the letter.
Don’ts:
Do’s:
To make it easier for your referees to write you a reference letter, we have prepared two examples: one from a parent and one from a teacher. Replace each blank with the scout’s details, then add a real example from your own experience so the letter sounds like you.
Both samples follow the same simple order:
Eagle Scout Letter of Recommendation
_________________
(Write the date)
Eagle Scout Board of Review,
I am happy to write a letter in support of my son ___________________ (insert son’s full name) and his application for the rank of Eagle Scout. I consider it my privilege to be his parent and watch him grow up and grow into a wonderful adult. I can confidently say that this is largely due to his participation in the BSOA.
My son’s stay in scouts has seen him develop into a more sociable and proactive young man. He even came up with the idea of organizing a charity evening for the victims of the recent flood. He managed his friends, and they made a fabulous event, raising a substantial amount. Of course, all parents are proud of their children.
But I am thrilled to note how my son respects the scout code and tries to be better every day.
As his parent, I would like to recommend my son ___________________ (the name) for this Eagle Scout rank as we believe in him and his desire to help others.
Best regards,
_________________
(Your name)
_________________
(Your signature, address, and contact number)
Eagle Scout Letter of Recommendation
_________________
(Write the date)
Eagle Scout Board of Review,
I am honored to write a letter in support of my student ___________________ (insert candidate’s full name) and his application for the rank of Eagle Scout. He has been my student for ___________________ (insert the number of years) years here in _____________ (the name of the school).
In my lessons, I constantly observe how he shows his leadership qualities, while not forgetting about kindness and care for others. He shows an excellent example of a young person’s behavior not only for other students, but also for adults.
In my lessons, ___________________ (insert candidate’s name) shows a special curiosity and passion for knowledge. He volunteers to organize out-of-class activities and even organizes other boys for this. He is an active boy, but I am happy to note that he uses his energy for good.
It is a special pleasure for me to see that he helps those who are less fortunate in life. He always offers his help to our disabled student and does not insult those who are weaker. He sets a great example and inspires many to do kind things.
I would like to recommend ___________________ (insert candidate’s name) for this Eagle Scout rank as I believe in him and his desire to help others.
Best regards,
_________________
(Put your name)
_________________
(Put your signature, address, and contact number)
Never be afraid to ask for a recommendation. Believe us, so many people have something good to say about you and your merits. Treat this as a practice in collecting letters of recommendation before college or work.
Our article presents a set of basic guidelines for writing an eagle scout reference letter. You do not have to adhere to our specific samples. The main thing is to be honest and show the candidate from the good side.
Also, you should know that perhaps none of the scouts were turned down because of unsuccessful letters of recommendation. Having them already works for you.
Good luck!
One page is enough for most letters. Use short paragraphs and two or three real examples instead of a long list of good qualities. A brief, honest letter is easier to read than a long one.
Writers often do not know who will read the letter, so a general greeting works well. You can start with "Dear Eagle Board of Review," or "Eagle Scout Board of Review," as in the samples above. Put the date at the top.
Cover three things and add a real example to each one. Recent examples work best, such as a project he led or a time he helped someone.
Treat the samples as a guide, not a script. Fill in the blanks, then change the wording and the examples so the letter sounds like you and describes the scout truthfully. A personal letter is more convincing than a copied one.
Yes. Select Create My Document, answer a few questions, then save, download and print the finished letter. A Word version is also available if you prefer to edit the text yourself.
General information, not legal or tax advice.
