Eagle Scout Participation

The Veterans History Project provides an ideal opportunity for a Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Service Project. Through their participation in the Veterans History Project, Eagle Scout candidates:

• Submit first-hand stories of American veterans to be preserved at the Library of Congress for scholars, researchers and posterity; (Typically Scouts submit 8 to 15 interivews)
• Foster intergenerational bonds,
• Learn organizational skills:
  • Identify, contact, research, interview and facilitate others’ interviews of American vets,
  • Use technical equipment,
  • Manage administrative and legal forms;
• Learn leadership skills:
  • Initiate projects,
  • Write and execute a plan,
  • Adhere to instructions.

To be successful, aspiring Eagle Scouts must:

• Carefully, thoroughly review and abide by the VHP Field Kit and “Frequently Asked Questions,” which outline participation requirements; these include interview content and technical requirements as well as satisfactory completion of required forms.
• Contact Veterans History Project staff, via vohp@loc.gov, prior to submitting the interviews to the Library of Congress; Allocate six weeks upon date of receipt for VHP staff to review the collection(s) submissions, and allow for any necessary corrections to be made. Library of Congress staff will not be able to sign Boy Scouts of America forms regarding completion of Eagle Scout Leadership Service projects until this review is conducted and it is determined that submissions meet the minimum requirements. Aspiring Eagle Scouts should incorporate this review time into their planning process.

 

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