Dear NESA Members,
As we near the conclusion of another noteworthy year, we take pleasure in looking back on the remarkable achievements and shared moments within the BSA and the National Eagle Scout Association. Notable announcements included the appointment of Roger Krone as President and CEO of the BSA, alongside Rich Pfaltzgraff as the incoming President of NESA. As the Scouting movement forges ahead with unwavering momentum, your commitment to Scouting principles and ongoing support have undeniably contributed to the success of this year.
Your Scouting journey did not end at Eagle; it merely evolved into a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and community. As members of the National Eagle Scout Association, you play a pivotal role in furthering the mission of Scouting by supporting and celebrating Eagle Scouts at all stages of life’s adventures.
Here are a few key highlights our NESA community celebrated throughout the year.
- 69 Eagles received a combined $524,000 in NESA-sponsored scholarships to further their educational journey.
- 116 council recipients of the Adams Service Project of the Year award
- 16 NST winners were selected.
- From that group, Jackson Davis of the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council was chosen as the national winner. Learn more about his Eagle Project at Aaron on Scouting.
- 3 Eagle Scout World Explorers went on expeditions courtesy of the NESA World Explorers program. Their exciting venues included:
- 2 Eagle Scouts went to the Amazon rainforest in Peru
- 1 Eagle Scout traveled to Voyageurs National Park and the upper peninsula of Michigan to observe and assist with a Bald Eagle Banding project
- 19 new Distinguished Eagle Scouts.
- 5 new NESA Distinguished Service Award Recipients.
- To date, 222 new NESA Outstanding Eagle Scouts.
- To date, 55 new members to the NESA Legacy Society.
Throughout the year, your fellow NESA members participated in various events that strengthened bonds and created lasting memories.
- In May, the BSA Alumni Association and NESA hosted a successful Alumni Reception at the National Annual Meeting (NAM) in Atlanta, Georgia. Fellow alumni were able to connect and be inspired by a panel discussion with first-generation Eagle Scouts.
- Also at NAM, NESA sponsored the Americanism Breakfast. At this event, special guest, Monty Gibson, Eagle Scout and strength and conditioning coach for the Cleveland Browns spoke about his Scouting journey and the positive impact it has had on his life and relationship with his father. Watch the full speech here. Monty was awarded the NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout award during this heartwarming event.
- In July, the BSA Alumni Association and NESA had the incredible opportunity to sponsor the Alumni Adventure Complex at the 2023 National Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve High Adventure Base in the heart of West Virginia. Visitors to the tent were able to listen to thought-provoking workshops and charismatic guest speakers. Read about more highlights from the BSA Alumni Adventure Complex.
In the ever-changing landscape of Scouting, our commitment to the timeless values embodied in the Scout Oath and Scout Law remains unwavering. Through the challenges and triumphs, we have shown that, as Scouts, we stick together and get to work. It is this resilience, along with the enduring spirit of loyalty, helpfulness, courtesy, kindness, and bravery, that defines us as Eagle Scouts.
As we approach the holiday season, let us extend a heartfelt thank you for your contributions to Scouting and NESA. Your involvement is crucial, and there is no Scouting without you, no NESA without you.
Looking ahead to 2024, we call on you to continue strengthening Scouting through three simple actions:
- Help NESA be Visible:
Spread the word about NESA to fellow Eagles and encourage them to join us. Consider gifting a NESA membership during this holiday season. - Help NESA be Relevant:
With your support, we can increase the number of NESA Scholarships awarded each year. You can help make this happen by donating to the NESA Scholarship Fund or joining the NESA Legacy Society. - Help NESA be a Place to Get Involved:
Contribute to your local NESA committee and seize the exciting opportunities to connect with other BSA Alumni at local or national events. Find your NESA committee here to connect today.
We look forward to what 2024 brings as your NESA community continues to work together to extend the impact of Scouting across communities and families nationwide.
We are wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a blessed new year.
Yours in Scouting,
National NESA Committee and Staff
