This year marks the 50th anniversary of the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA), formed in 1972. Please Join Us, Give Back, and Get Involved to help celebrate and commemorate our Eagle Scout heritage as we march forward toward NESA’s next 50 years!
Join Us
Just as the Order of the Arrow began as an unofficial BSA program, so did several unofficial Eagle Scout alumni groups such as the lesser-known “American Campus Eagles” and the better-known Knights of Dunamis, or “KD” (pronounced DOO’-NA-MIS). The KD originated in 1925 in the former San Francisco Council (currently the Golden Gate Area Council). As KD chapters spread, a National KD Board was created in 1929. Eventually, the National Chapter of the Knights of Dunamis dissolved and merged with the Boy Scouts of America’s newly formed National Eagle Scout Association, created in May 1972.
Since then, NESA has continued as a unique fellowship of Eagle Scouts who provide leadership and service throughout the BSA.
Give Back
NESA leads the way for us to Give Back to Scouting and our fellow Eagle Scouts through our continued service to local councils. But also via scholarships awarded to young Eagle Scouts for their continued education. Your membership helps us to study and select a Service Project of the Year and to recognize many other Eagle Scout Service Projects; winners receive scholarships for their ongoing education or Scouting experiences.
We also recognize those who best exemplify the spirit and achievements of Eagle Scouts who Give Back through exceptional service via several awards such as the Outstanding Eagle Scout, Distinguished Eagle Scout, and Distinguished Service Awards. You can learn more about those awards by visiting the Awards and Recognition section on our website, NESA.org.
Get Involved
Eagle Scouts who join NESA can make a difference in their local councils via service as unit or District/Council leaders, as active members of local NESA Committees, and by assisting as merit badge counselors or by leading Eagle Searches. Further opportunities are available through National Service Territories, and during national events, such as National Order of the Arrow Conferences (NOAC), National Jamborees, and World Jamborees.
The Next 50 Years
The trail to Eagle Scout does not end with attainment of the Eagle Scout rank. Rather, BSA always needs leaders to help prepare good citizens of character who observe their duty to God and Country while observing the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. Today, NESA’s mission continues to connect Eagle Scouts, to support current and future Eagle Scouts, and to provide Eagle power as an important leadership resource for local councils.
So how can you Join Us, Give Back, and Get Involved?
Join Us
Join or renew your membership to the Lifetime level or gift a membership to a newly minted Eagle Scout!
Give Back
Help make your fellowship in the National Eagle Scout Association stronger by supporting the Eagle Scout Scholarships or by becoming a NESA Legacy Fellow.
Get Involved
Attend the National Gathering of Alumni at Philmont Scout Ranch this summer. Contact your local NESA committee, and ask how you can Get Involved. If your local council does not have a NESA committee, work with your local Scouting professionals to lead one!
THANK YOU for your membership during our first 50 years. Together, let’s Give Your Eagle Pride a Purpose that will make a lasting difference, now, and toward our 100th Anniversary year.
