Advancement & Review

Demonstrate Scout spirit

2.
As a Life Scout, demonstrate Scout Spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God, how you have lived the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your everyday life, and how your understanding of the Scout Oath and Scout Law will guide your life in the future. List on your Eagle Scout Rank Application the names of individuals who know you personally and would be willing to provide a recommendation on your behalf, including parents/guardians, religious (if not affiliated with an organized religion, then the parent or guardian provides this reference), educational, employer (if employed), and two other references.

Requirement 2 evaluates your personal character, ethical integrity, and adherence to Scouting’s highest ideals. At the Eagle level, this requirement encompasses two essential components: articulating your living of the Scout Oath and Law (past, present, and future) and providing personal references on your official application.

Living the Scout Oath and Law: Past, Present, and Future

Unlike earlier ranks where Scout spirit was primarily evaluated through past actions, Eagle Scout asks you to look forward into your adult life:

  • Doing Your Duty to God: Articulate your personal spiritual journey, reverence, and ethical convictions. Describe how your faith tradition, spiritual practices, or family values guide your moral choices and daily conduct.
  • Living the Oath and Law in Everyday Life: Provide concrete, real-life examples from your home life, academic pursuits, sports, employment, and digital interactions where you chose integrity, kindness, loyalty, and courage.
  • Guiding Your Future Life: Explain how the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law will direct your future educational choices, career goals, personal relationships, civic responsibilities, and leadership roles as an adult citizen.

Listing Reference Individuals on Your Application

On page 1 of your official Eagle Scout Rank Application, you must list the names, mailing addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who know you personally and can provide a confidential recommendation regarding your character:

  1. Parents / Guardians: Your parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
  2. Religious Reference: Your religious leader (pastor, priest, rabbi, imam, bishop, youth minister). (Note: If you are not affiliated with an organized religious institution, your parent or guardian provides this reference, attesting to your spiritual values and Duty to God).
  3. Educational Reference: A teacher, principal, guidance counselor, academic advisor, or homeschool instructor.
  4. Employer Reference: Your current or recent supervisor, manager, or employer (required only if you are currently employed).
  5. Two Other References: Adult leaders, family friends, neighbors, coaches, mentors, or community leaders who have known you well over time.

Best Practices for Securing References

  • Ask in Advance: Contact each potential reference personally (in person or via a polite phone call or email) before listing their name on your application. Ask: “Would you be willing to serve as a personal reference for my Eagle Scout Rank Application?”
  • Provide Accurate Contact Info: Verify that all phone numbers, postal addresses, and email addresses are up to date and legible.
  • Provide Ample Lead Time: Ensure your references are informed of your application submission timeline so they are not surprised when contacted by your unit or district advancement committee.

References Preparation Checklist

Ensure all six reference slots are verified
  • Parent or guardian contact details confirmed.
  • Religious leader (or parent attestation) confirmed.
  • Educational reference (teacher, principal, counselor) confirmed.
  • Employer reference confirmed (or marked “N/A - Not Employed”).
  • Two additional character references confirmed.
  • All names, mailing addresses, emails, and phone numbers typed accurately on the Eagle application.