Contests & Youth Programs

Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Contest

Open to Eagle Scouts who are currently registered in an active unit and have not reached their nineteenth birthday during the contest year. Applicants submit:

• A Chapter-level application (local entry moves to state, then national stages),

• A four‑generation ancestor chart,

• A 500‑word patriotic-themed essay.

Awards at the National level include:

• 1st Place: $10,000

• 2nd Place: $6,000

• 3rd Place: $4,000

• 4th–5th: $2,000–$1,000

• 6th–10th: $500

• 11th–15th: $200

Winners are typically recognized at the SAR Annual Congress, with travel/lodging provided. Awards may be delivered as cash or scholarships. A single Eagle Scout may enter multiple years within the age eligibility, but may not receive more than $10,000 total.

SAR C.A.R. Essay Contest (Children of the American Revolution)

Targeted to C.A.R. members (ages up to ~21), this scholarship contest requires an original essay on a designated Revolutionary-era topic, including at least five references (minimum three published sources). Features include:

• 800–1,200 words, typed, double-spaced, with strict formatting rules (no contestant info in essay pages).

• The application includes an essay, a title page, a bibliography, a letter of support, and parental consent as required.

State-level awards in Oklahoma, for example, range from $150 to $3,500. Judging criteria include historical accuracy, organization, clarity, grammar, and documentation.

Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest

Also open to high school students (grades 9–12). Contestants prepare and deliver from memory a 5–6-minute speech on a topic related to the Revolutionary era, showing its relevance today. Judging focuses on:

• Composition and delivery

• Historical research and accuracy

• Creativity and relevance

Students must submit the manuscript in advance and then deliver the speech without notes. Like other contests, it progresses from chapter → state, → national levels.

SAR ROTC/JROTC Recognition Program

Cadets in ROTC or JROTC may be honored with SAR recognition at the chapter, state, or national levels:

• The Bronze ROTC Medal—presented to one cadet per academic year per unit, based on leadership qualities.

• The Enhanced (Outstanding) JROTC Cadet Award—an essay-based competition (500–700 words) for high school juniors, nominated by instructors and supported by the principal’s recommendation and GPA verification. Awards may include scholarships and recognition at chapter/state events.

SAR Poster Contest

This contest is for elementary students (grades 3–5). Students create a poster focused on a selected theme, such as “Revolutionary War Events” (even years) or “Founding Figures” (odd years).

• Open to public, private, home-school, or C.A.R. members in the appropriate grades.

• Each participating chapter selects winners to advance to state and, ultimately, national competition.

• Judging emphasizes artistic design, historical theme alignment, creativity, and accuracy.

SAR Essay Contest (Knight Essay Contest)

Open to high school students (grades 9–12). Students submit an 800–1,200-word essay on a Revolutionary War–related topic (event, philosophy, person, etc.). Essays are judged on:

• Historical accuracy

• Clarity and organization

• Grammar and spelling

• Proper documentation

This contest begins at the chapter level and progresses through state and national rounds, with top entries advancing to the national SAR Congress.