Scouting
The American Legion, Mary Ellen Piotrowski Post 94 is a Chartered Sponsor of BSA Troop 505 and is in the process of becoming a Chartered Sponsor of BSA Troop 126.
THE AMERICAN LEGION AND SCOUTING BSA
The American Legion has been a strong supporter of the Scouting movement since its founding in 1919. Today over 2500 Scouting units (Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, Sea Scouts, and Explorers) are chartered through Posts, Auxiliary Units, and Sons of The American Legion Squadrons.
GOAL: In Arizona, we have adopted the theme, “A Pack in Every Post,” meaning that since Scouting starts at the Cub Scout level (the Pack), we want to ensure that all youth start early on the trail of great adventure and leadership development. At a minimum, EVERY POST should be engaged in Scouting Programs that best meet their vision to support our youth.
UNITS WE CAN CHARTER/SPONSOR: Consider and sponsor a Cub Pack (ages 5-10), Scout Troop (ages 11-17), a Venture Crew (ages 14-20), a Sea Scout Ship (ages 14-20) or an Explorer Post (ages 14-20).
EAGLE SCOUT OF THE YEAR: Each year The American Legion recognizes the Eagle Scout of the Year. The nomination process starts at the Department level and state winners are advanced to National for consideration for the National Eagle Scout of the Year Award. The Eagle Scout of the Year for the Department of Arizona will be awarded a $1,500 educational scholarship. Winners of the National Award receive a $10,000 scholarship for first place, with three runners-up scholarships of $2,500. The deadline to submit nomination forms to the Department of Arizona Scouting Chair is March 1, 2022.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be either a registered active member of a Boy Scouts of America unit that is chartered to an American Legion post, American Legion Auxiliary Unit, or Sons of The American Legion squadron, OR
- Be a registered active member of any chartered Boy Scouts of America unit and have a parent or grandparent possessing up-to-date membership in The American Legion or Sons of The American Legion or American Legion Auxiliary, and in the case of a recently deceased member, their membership for the year immediately before the current year may be used, AND
- Received the Eagle Scout Award
- Received a Scouts BSA or Venturer Religious Emblem.
- Have demonstrated practical citizenship in church, school, Scouting, and community.
- Have reached their 15th birthday and be enrolled in high school at the time of selection.
- Applied through the department (state) in which their Scout unit is chartered.
- Provide documentation of current BSA membership. (Membership must be valid for the year in which you are applying.)
Link to Nomination Form: Click Here for the Nomination Form
AMERICAN LEGION AND SCOUTING 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.
Requirements and application process are detailed at this link: Click for Requirements and Application Process
FINALLY: Our youth of Arizona need the opportunities that mutually The American Legion and Scouting have provided for over a century, but MUST now expand. Scout units generally raise the funds needed for operations and summer camp, meaning the financial impact to a Post is minimal at most.