The American Legion and Scouting: A Partnership Dating Back to 1919

A partnership dating back to 1919 continues to connect American Legion posts with Scouting units across California and the nation. Built around leadership, citizenship, service, and responsibility, the relationship allows Legionnaires to mentor young people while strengthening their communities.

The partnership began during The American Legion’s first national convention in November 1919. Delegates approved a resolution commending Scouting and encouraging posts to assist local units whenever practical.

Today, American Legion posts sponsor more than 2,500 Scouting units nationwide. California posts exercise that tradition through service projects, patriotic ceremonies, scholarships, mentorship, and recognition programs.

Veterans bring valuable experience in teamwork, preparation, accountability, communication, and service. Those lessons can help Scouts build confidence, develop leadership skills, and become more involved in their communities.

Supporting Scouts in California

A post does not need a large budget or many volunteers to support Scouting. It can begin by contacting a nearby unit and asking what assistance would be useful.

Posts may invite Scouts to participate in Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Flag Day, and other patriotic ceremonies. Legionnaires can teach flag etiquette, assist with flag retirement ceremonies, support Eagle Scout projects, or recognize Scouts during post meetings.

Other opportunities include helping with food drives, park cleanups, cemetery projects, fundraising, emergency preparedness, and community service activities.

Posts can begin with one project or event. A successful activity may lead to a stronger relationship that continues throughout the year.

Activities involving youth should follow Scouting America requirements, local council policies, and youth protection standards. The Department of California Scouting Commission provides resources, training information, and award materials.

California Scouts and Volunteers Earn Recognition

California has a strong record in the national Eagle Scout of the Year competition.

Michael Craig McPhie of Irvine received the national award in 2020, followed by Johnathan Daniel McPhie of Irvine in 2021. Charles Hiatt of Manhattan Beach was named a national runner-up in 2023, and Robert McPhie of Irvine received runner-up recognition in 2024.

The American Legion also recognizes adult volunteers through the Scouting Square Knot Award. The recognition is presented to Legion Family members whose long-term involvement has strengthened Scouting through hands-on service, mentorship, and leadership.

California posts should identify Legion Family members already serving as Scoutmasters, commissioners, committee members, or other Scouting leaders who may qualify for recognition.

Eagle Scout of the Year Scholarship

The national winner is awarded a $10,000 college scholarship. Three national runners-up receive $2,500 each.

The nomination window runs annually from Nov. 1 through March 1. Applications must reach the applicant’s American Legion department headquarters by March 1. Each department selects one nominee and sends that application to National Headquarters by April 1.

Applicants must have earned the Eagle Scout Award, maintain current Scouting membership, meet age and school requirements, demonstrate citizenship, and meet the required connection to an American Legion Family organization or member.

California applicants submit their materials through the Department of California. Additional information is available through the Department Scouting Commission at scouting@calegion.org.

Posts can help by promoting the scholarship through meetings, newsletters, social media, and direct outreach to local Scouting units.

The Belgrano Trophy’s California Roots

California is also connected to one of The American Legion’s highest Scouting honors: The Frank N. Belgrano Jr. Trophy is named for the California Legionnaire who served as national commander from 1934 to 1935 and recognizes the department’s long-standing support for Scouting.

California received the trophy every year from 1936 through 1948 and earned it again in later years.

Posts can support the Department’s reporting by documenting Scouting activities with photographs, participation totals, project descriptions, and results.

The relationship between The American Legion and Scouting has continued for more than a century because both organizations value leadership, citizenship, character, and service. California posts can continue that history by sharing their experience and helping Scouts put those values into action.