Scouting Program

Moses, Our Original Scout Leader

As part of the Jewish community, we are no stranger to scouting.  Moses, our original scoutmaster, gathered the entire Troop Israel together, and guided the people to the land of Israel.  We learn from Moses how important it is that leaders be strong of character, and we also learn about how important leadership is to the preservation of the Jewish people.

Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. supports the missions of the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of America.  We believe that these organizations build character and confidence as well as teach responsibility to our future leaders.  These future leaders come out of scouting programs as strong citizens of the United States of America.

Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. recognizes the importance of these future leaders with achievement certificates – honoring their hard work and dedication.  Scouts becoming Eagle Scouts or Gold Award Girl Scouts are encouraged to notify Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. when they complete their Scout project for recognition of their service.

How to get your Girl Scout Gold Award and Eagle Scout Certificate

To order a certificate and congratulatory letter from JWV’s National Commander, fill out the Scouting form and email it to jwv@jwv.org. Posts are encouraged to present new Eagle Scouts with the Jewish War Veterans Eagle Scouts Certificate.

Last year, over 100 JWV certificates were awarded, but there were over 56,000 eligible Scouts. Help us grow our program by:

Eagle Scouting Form

Meet an Eagle

Eagle Scout Jacob Scissors was awarded a JWV Certificate for Significant Achievement by Post Commander Dennis Cohen of Post 644. Part of Scout Troop 803 in St. Louis, MO, Jacob completed all of the requirements to earn his Eagle Scout award in January 2016.

Jacob has been in Scouting since 2009, and has also earned his Ner Tamid religious award.  He served his troop in all leadership positions including Senior Patrol Leader, the highest position a scout can hold.

Jacob’s service extends to the military as well. Jacob’s grandfather served in the Army, and he always makes sure that all the deceased are honored just as he honors his grandfather’s grave each year.

Jacob plans on attending Southeast Missouri State University in the fall, and he will also be participating in the Air Force ROTC program – using his leadership abilities that he learned in scouting to help serve his country as an officer.

Do your Scouting Project with JWV!

The JWV SOS (Support Our Service Members) program is the latest recognition of this desire to let those who are currently serving know that we on the home front are thinking of them and supporting them. Through this program, the JWV sends packages, generally of toiletries and kosher food items, to those who are serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and stationed far away from home. We also supply special foods and ritual items for those celebrating the Jewish holidays on base or on the battlefield.  You can also customize packages to specific requests, such as those we have filled for coffee, packaged kosher meals, or items customized for special needs, such as an Oneg Shabbat.

In addition, we love to work with Scout Leaders on programming for their troops.  Our local posts will come to your troop to teach them about Americanism and American Jewish Military History.  Some events include marking Jewish veteran graves with flags, helping local veterans, trips to the National Museum of American Jewish Military History, and so much more.  If you are interested in creating programming for your troop, please contact your local Post or National Headquarters at 202-265-6280 or bvanstone@jwv.org.