Today, VFW sponsors more than 1,100 scouting units with 38,000 members across the nation. The VFW annually recognizes outstanding Eagle Scouts and awards the national winner with a $5,000 scholarship.

There are several other awards and recognitions for youth. Details can be obtained from the VFW Post Youth Development, Scholarship and Recognition director. 

Eagle Scout Scholarship

Any Department that has a "National VFW Scouting Team" member is able to annually select a top Eagle Scout from their Department. Their candidate will compete against other top Eagle Scouts for national recognition and a $5,000 scholarship.

Dec. 15, of the current year, is the deadline for Eagle Scout entry to VFW Post. Post nominees must be submitted to the Department’s (state) National VFW Scouting Team representative by Jan. 15, of the following year. The Department National Scouting Team representative must submit Department candidate to National by Feb. 10, of the following year.

Life-Saving Awards

The Life-Saving Award is intended for a VFW Post to recognize individuals who have gone out of their way to save the life of another human being in their local community. Life-Saving Award Citations are available free of charge from the National Youth Development, Scholarship and Recognition director.

Youth "HERO" Award

The Youth Hero Award is in its third year and recognizes young people for the unselfish act of saving the life of another human being. Candidates will be selected from names submitted for recognition through the organizations longstanding "Life-Saving Award". The individual selected will receive a $2,000 U.S. savings bond.

Entries must be submitted from Jan. 1, of the current year, until Dec. 31, the current year for the current year & following year-competition year. Deadline is Dec. 31, of the current year.

Example: Entries must be submitted from Jan. 1, 2002, until Dec. 31, 2002 for the 2002  - 2003-competition year. Deadline is Dec. 31, of 2002.

Adult Participation Opportunities

National VFW Scouting Team

Every Department has the opportunity to expand their statewide support of our longstanding commitment to scouting. Each Department can submit a candidate for the National VFW scouting team. This individual will have the responsibility of promoting and increasing Post participation in scouting throughout the Department.

The selected individual also will be responsible for the "Eagle Scout of the Year" competition within the Department. Interested applicants should contact the Youth Development Department of the VFW.

Wood Badge Scholarship

The VFW has entered into a cooperative effort with the Boy Scouts of America to encourage posts to organize Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, and Venturing crews.

To further this effort, the VFW national headquarters offers Wood Badge scholarships to assist selected chapter members in acquiring skills that will better equip them to serve the youth of their communities. Members at large and retirees can qualify by being sponsored by the nearest VFW post in their area.

GUIDELINES

1. This scholarship program covers Wood Badge courses. Wood Badge is an eight-day training course involving Scoutcraft and leadership skills for unit, district, and council-level volunteers.

2. There shall be awarded annually three scholarships for each BSA region for a total of 12.

3. Scholarships will cover the tuition fee only. The recipient must furnish transportation to and from Wood Badge course locations.

4. Applicants must satisfy all Wood Badge course prerequisites.

5. Applicants must be VFW members in good standing.

Download the VFW Wood Badge Scholarship Application