About Scouting
The American Legion's support for Boy Scouts of America began at the Legion’s first national convention in 1919.
Every Legion Post can charter a Scouting unit. Even if the Post cannot provide BSA units with a safe, alcohol-free and smoke-free meeting location on a regular basis, they can work with the Chartered Organization Representative to assist their BSA units in finding a suitable meeting location, as well as hosting fund raisers, Scouting activities like flag ceremonies, flag disposals and other community activities.
Nationwide, Legion posts sponsor more than 2,500 Scouting units today. This is natural for Legionnaires, who bring their service-learned skills and experiences as veterans to help build character and positive traits in our country’s youth. Few other post activities generate more goodwill from the community.
The American Legion Department of Washington annually honors an Eagle Scout of the Year at our state convention in July. The winner of the State competition receives a $2,000 scholarship. Our State winner’s application is forwarded to the National American Legion organization where it competes with the other State winners for a $10,000 with the three runners-up each being awarded $2,500 scholarships.
Eagle Scout of the Year Award
Eligibility
The nominee must have earned the Eagle Scout Award, any religious emblem (Cub or Scout), must be a currently enrolled High School student, must be a resident of the State of Washington, must either be in a Troop or Crew chartered by an American Legion Post or the child or grandchild of a Legion, Auxiliary, or Sons of The American Legion Member or a parent eligible to join The American Legion Department of Washington. Eagle Scouts may apply each year for which they maintain the above eligibility.
Deadline: Applications must be received by March 1st each year. Only hard copy applications will be accepted - no email applications. If using USPS, please allow enough time for them to deliver the package. We suggest mailing 7 days in advance of the deadline or sending via priority mail.
Mail Application to:
Department of Washington
The American Legion
Attention: Boy Scouts Committee
PO Box 3917
Lacey, WA 98509-3917
You may contact us at Administrator@walegion.org for additional questions.
The American Legion Square Knot Award
This award is designed to recognize American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion members who are actively involved in the Scouting program. This award is not meant to be a selective or limited award, but one that is available to any American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion member who completes the requirements for the award. The award is meant to recognize dedication and work required by an American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion member to assist in furthering the Scouting program in The American Legion.
The award includes a gold and purple square knot, which may be worn on the Scout uniform. A certificate and congratulatory letter from the national commander of The American Legion are also included as recognition for the award.
To be considered for The American Legion Square Knot, it is expected that American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion members will work to provide the maximum impact of The American Legion’s support of the Scouting program and to achieve maximum visibility.
This is an individual award for any member of the Legion family of organizations who is also a registered Scouter and who is committed to improving and building their relationship with the Boy Scouts of America and the American Legion. Applications may be submitted anytime the requirements have been completed.