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New National Study Highlights the Lasting Impact of Earning Eagle Scout

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At the 2026 National Annual Meeting, Scouting America unveiled the results of a major new research study examining the long-term impact of earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

The study, Eagle Scouts: A Legacy of Values-Based Leadership and Service, was conducted in partnership with The Harris Poll and surveyed more than 3,100 adults, including Eagle Scouts, Scouts who did not earn the Eagle rank, and individuals who never participated in Scouting. The goal was to better understand how the Scouting experience influences leadership, character, service, and personal well-being throughout life.

The findings reinforce what generations of Scouts, families, and volunteers have witnessed firsthand: Scouting develops young people into capable leaders, engaged citizens, and individuals of strong character.

Eagle Scouts Stand Out

According to the study, Eagle Scouts report higher levels of life satisfaction, stronger personal relationships, greater community involvement, and a more positive outlook on life than their non-Scout peers. Eagle Scouts were also more likely to hold leadership positions in their workplaces and communities and to believe they can make a positive impact in the world around them.

Among the most notable findings:

  • 99% of Eagle Scouts say Scouting had a positive influence on their lives.
  • 98% report that Scouting positively impacted their leadership abilities.
  • 95% say Scouting helped shape their personal values.
  • 95% agree that they are happy with the person they are today.
  • Eagle Scouts are more likely to volunteer, engage in their communities, and take on leadership roles throughout adulthood.

Benefits Extend Beyond Eagle

The study also found that all Scouts—not just Eagle Scouts—experience meaningful benefits from participation in Scouting. Compared to individuals who never participated in Scouting, Scouts are more likely to:

  • Have a positive outlook on life.
  • Build strong relationships with family and friends.
  • Set and achieve personal goals.
  • Serve their communities.
  • Take on leadership responsibilities.

These findings demonstrate that the values and experiences gained through Scouting continue to shape participants long after their youth membership has ended.

A Powerful Message for Families and Supporters

The research also revealed that Americans recognize the value of Scouting. Nine out of ten non-Scouts surveyed agreed that Scouting helps young people develop character, respect others, and become more likely to volunteer in their communities. Nearly two-thirds said America would be worse off without Scouting, and more than 70% indicated they would be more likely to trust someone if they knew they were a Scout.

For families considering Scouting and for community leaders who support the program, the study provides compelling evidence that Scouting continues to deliver meaningful outcomes in an increasingly complex world.

Explore the Full Study

We encourage parents, volunteers, alumni, donors, and community partners to review and share the interactive report to learn more about the lasting impact of Scouting and the Eagle Scout experience.

View the full interactive study:
https://www.scouting.org/about/research/eagle-scout-2026/

Download the study at:
https://www.scouting.org/about/research/eagle-scout-2026/

For more than a century, Scouting has helped young people develop character, leadership, citizenship, and service. This new research confirms that those values continue to make a difference—not only in the lives of Scouts, but in the communities they serve.

Honoring Franklin S. Spears: An Eagle Scout Legacy of Service, Leadership, and Law

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In 1912, Scouting took root in South Texas with a promise that has endured for more than a century: to prepare young people for lives of character, service, and leadership. As part of the 1912 Initiative, we are proud to highlight Eagle Scouts whose lives reflect the lasting impact of that promise. This month, we honor Franklin S. Spears—a man whose Scouting journey helped shape a lifetime of public service and whose legacy continues to influence the Alamo Area Council today.

From Scout to Eagle: Foundations of a Life in Service

Franklin Scott Spears (1931–1996) earned the rank of Eagle Scout in May 1945 through the Alamo Area Council. Achieving Scouting’s highest rank at a young age marked more than a personal milestone, it set the foundation for a life defined by integrity, leadership, and a deep commitment to serving others.

Growing up in San Antonio, Spears was shaped during a pivotal era in American history. Scouting provided structure, values, and a sense of responsibility at a time when the world was changing rapidly. The lessons of the Scout Oath and Law (duty to country, service to others, trustworthiness, and moral courage) were not left behind when he aged out of the program. Instead, they became guiding principles throughout his life.

A Career Guided by Integrity and Civic Duty

Franklin Spears carried the values of Scouting into an extraordinary career in public service and law. He served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1959 to 1961, followed by service in the Texas State Senate from 1961 to 1967. In each role, he demonstrated a commitment to thoughtful leadership and the public good.
His dedication to fairness and the rule of law ultimately led him to the Texas Supreme Court, where he served as a Justice from 1979 to 1990. During his tenure, Justice Spears authored numerous opinions that helped shape Texas jurisprudence. Colleagues and scholars alike recognized him for his intellect, humility, and unwavering ethical standards—qualities that echo the values instilled through Scouting.

A veteran as well as a jurist, Spears devoted his life to service and civic responsibility. His leadership—in uniform, in public office, and on the bench—reflected the highest ideals of Scouting and was recognized in 1991 with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

A Legacy That Spans Generations

The impact of Franklin S. Spears did not end with his own achievements. His son, Carleton B. Spears, was also a Scout, continuing a powerful family tradition rooted in Scouting values. Today, Carleton serves as the President-Elect of the Alamo Area Council, an extraordinary full-circle moment that highlights how Scouting shapes not only individuals, but families and communities across generations.

This father-and-son legacy is a living example of Scouting’s long-term impact. It reminds us that the lessons learned around campfires, in patrol meetings, and through service projects often reappear decades later in boardrooms, courtrooms, and community leadership roles.

A Century of Impact, Measured and Unmeasured

While Eagle Scouts like Franklin Spears offer visible examples of Scouting’s influence, the true impact of Scouting extends far beyond titles and accolades. It lives in the Scout who learns confidence after their first campout. In the youth who discover a sense of purpose through service. In the young person who chooses integrity because someone once taught them to “do the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

For more than 113 years, the Alamo Area Council has served youth across our 13-county area, ensuring Scouting remains accessible to families from all backgrounds. That access, however, is not guaranteed. It depends on a community of supporters who believe in Scouting’s mission and its power to shape future leaders.

Keeping the Legacy Alive Through the 1912 Initiative

The 1912 Initiative honors our founding year while investing in the future of Scouting. A monthly gift of $19.12 helps sustain programs that build character, teach leadership, and provide safe, meaningful experiences for thousands of local youth. These contributions help maintain camps, support volunteers, and remove financial barriers for families who might not otherwise be able to participate.

When we reflect on leaders like Franklin S. Spears, we are reminded that today’s Scouts are tomorrow’s judges, legislators, veterans, educators, and community leaders. Supporting Scouting is not just an investment in a program…it is an investment in people.

Franklin S. Spears could not have known, as a young Eagle Scout in 1945, how profoundly his life would reflect the values he learned through Scouting—or how his legacy would continue through future generations of Scouts and leaders. Yet his story stands as a powerful testament to what Scouting makes possible.

As we honor his legacy through the 1912 Initiative, we invite you to help ensure that every young person in our community has the same opportunity to discover their potential. Because when we invest in Scouting, we are shaping futures, strengthening communities, and building leaders, one Scout at a time.

Text 1912 to 41444 or click here to join the 1912 Society and be part of Scouting’s next century of impact.

Eagle Scout Project of the Month (June 2024)

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Eagle Scout Project of the Month: Building a Better Future for San Antonio’s Children

The Boy Scouts of America Council is proud to announce June’s Eagle Scout Project of the Month. This month, two different, yet similar Eagle Scouts have been selected for their outstanding efforts in leading projects with a shared mission: providing beds for needy children in San Antonio. We are honored to recognize Emilio Edwards of Troop 163 in New Braunfels and Travis Ghormley of Troop 226 in Stone Oak for their dedication and hard work.

Emilio Edwards: A Community United

Sleep In Heavenly Peace – San Antonio Chapter estimates that more than 70,000 San Antonio children lack beds to sleep in every night. Inspired by his parents’ previous volunteer efforts with the organization, Emilio aimed to address the ever-pressing issue of child bedlessness himself. “I thought this project was a great way to work with the community to help raise funds to purchase materials and raise awareness about children without beds to sleep in.” Emilio and his team of 27 volunteers constructed 22 1/2 beds, 95 headboards, and collected 7 bed-in-a-bag sets, demonstrating the impact that one individual can make.

Travis Ghormley: Immediate Impact for Families in Need

Travis Ghormley partnered with First Baptist Church San Antonio (FBCSA) and the South Texas Alliance for Orphans (STAO) to build beds for families in need. His project specifically focused on kinship care families and those within the CPS system, addressing the urgent need for safe sleeping spaces for children. According to SATO, Bexar County faces significant child welfare challenges, including 21,897 cases where children need to be removed from their homes due to abuse. Providing beds for extended family members’ homes allows children to stay with their biological relatives rather than being placed in foster care, emergency shelters, or sometimes even with caseworkers. This initiative not only prevents family separation, but also reduces the strain on the city’s foster care system. “I chose this project because of the immediate impact it would have on the community and how urgent the need for beds was,” Travis explained.

Byron Pitts of FBCSA delivered the beds shortly after they were made. When Travis and his troopmates learned how quickly the beds they built were put into homes, they reconvened to construct more beds, even after Travis had earned his Eagle Scout rank. Reflecting on the need, Pitts stated, “We could build 1,000 bunk beds and never have enough. The need is so great that every church and every Scout troop could build beds, and we would still have a need.” To help address this ongoing demand, Travis is collaborating with these organizations by sharing the information he gathered during his Eagle Scout project planning and execution phases—specifically his notes and budget details—so that others may work together to meet the community’s need for beds.

The Importance of These Projects

Most people are unaware of this specific need in our community and are surprised by the number of children who often lack necessities such as a bed. Though Emilio and Travis may not have known about the other’s project, they approached the need to directly address urgent issues, providing much-needed beds for children of families in desperate situations.

Emilio’s and Travis’s projects exemplify the values of Scouting, demonstrating leadership, community service, and a commitment to helping others, embodying the true spirit of Scouting.

Stay tuned for more stories of exceptional Eagle Scout projects, and let these inspire you to make a difference in your community. Together, we can build a better future for all.

Local Scout Soars to National Success: Ricardo Awarded Top Eagle Scout in the Country

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San Antonio, TX – In the heart of Texas, amidst the bustling cityscape of San Antonio, a young Scout has emerged as a beacon of dedication and achievement. Ricardo L. has not only made his mark locally but has soared to national recognition, clinching the prestigious title of Top Eagle Scout in the country.

Just a month ago, Ricardo received news that he had secured the top spot in the Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Contest at the state level, representing the state of Texas. His application, forwarded by the local San Antonio Chapter, stood out among the rest, earning him the first-place position.

But Ricardo’s journey didn’t stop there. His excellence transcended state borders when he was selected as the First-Place Winner to represent Texas at the national level by the Sons of the American Revolution.

This past weekend, at the Sons of the American Revolution State Convention, Ricardo received news that would further solidify his status as a standout Scout. He was informed that he had been chosen as the Top Eagle Scout in the entire nation.

The accolades didn’t end with recognition; Ricardo is set to receive significant scholarships as a testament to his hard work and dedication. He will be awarded a total of three scholarships, amounting to an impressive sum:

  • $250.00 – Local Chapter 1st Place Winner
  • $3,500.00 – State-Level 1st Place Winner
  • $10,000.00 – National 1st Place Winner

With the national title under his belt, Ricardo’s journey continues as he prepares to embark on an all-expenses-paid trip to Lancaster, PA, on July 13th. There, he will be honored with the national $10,000.00 scholarship, marking a remarkable achievement in his scouting career.

The 583 extends heartfelt congratulations to Ricardo, expressing immense pride in his accomplishments! As he prepares to receive his well-deserved recognition on the national stage, the community stands in awe of his dedication, perseverance, and commitment to service. Ricardo’s success not only highlights his individual achievements but also serves as an inspiration to Scouts across the country, showcasing the transformative power of determination and hard work.

 

 

Do you have a Scout story to share? We want to hear from you! Email eNews@AlamoAreaBSA.org

Ensuring Safety and Privacy: Introducing Encrypted Applications

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We, at the Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council, are committed to maintaining the utmost safety and privacy for all individuals associated with our organization. As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance data security, we have implemented a new policy regarding application submissions. Effective immediately, we will only accept Membership Applications and Eagle Applications via email if they are encrypted. This change is designed to protect both the sending party and the individuals represented in the application itself.

Why is this change important?

In today’s digital landscape, ensuring the privacy of personal information has become increasingly crucial. With the rising prevalence of cyber threats and data breaches, we cannot afford to compromise the safety and confidentiality of our applicants. By requiring encrypted applications, we are taking proactive measures to safeguard sensitive data and protect the trust placed in us by our Scouts, Scouters, and their families.

What does it mean to encrypt a file?

Encryption is a method used to scramble information so that it is unreadable to unauthorized individuals. It adds an extra layer of protection by encoding the contents of a file, ensuring that even if intercepted, the data remains secure. When an application is encrypted, it can only be accessed and deciphered by the intended recipient who possesses the decryption key.

How can you encrypt your application?

We understand that encryption may be unfamiliar territory for some, which is why we are dedicated to providing you with the necessary tools and resources to securely submit your applications. To help you get started, we have curated a series of instructional videos that will guide you through the process of encrypting your files.

  • Choosing the right encryption software. The first step is to select a reliable encryption software that will allow our office to view and print applications once received.
  • Encrypting your application. The videos above will walk you through the encryption process step by step. You will learn how to encrypt your application files effectively, ensuring they are protected during transmission.
  • Send the encrypted file.

Unencrypted applications will not be opened by our office.
This strict requirement is in place to prioritize the safety and privacy of everyone involved in our organization.

At the Boy Scouts of America, we are steadfast in our commitment to providing a secure environment for our Scouts, Scouters, and all stakeholders. We believe that by implementing encrypted application submissions, we are taking a proactive stance against potential threats to your privacy.

We encourage you to access our video tutorials, follow the instructions, and reach out to your District Service Executive if you have any questions or concerns. Together, we can ensure that your applications are transmitted securely, protecting your personal information and upholding our collective dedication to safety.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we continue to strengthen our commitment to privacy and security.

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