NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Just over two-thirds of all astronauts have had some type of involvement in scouting. That's a significant number -- 209 out of 309 total astronauts have listed Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts as an activity they enjoyed in their youth. Maybe there's something to be learned from that strong association.

Image to left: Astronauts Bernard Harris, Susan Helms and William McArthur used many scouting skills in survival training exercises. Credit: NASA

Does scouting lead to a career as an astronaut? That may be quite a stretch, but it's not so hard to see how leadership, teamwork, life skills and positive role models help create motivated, high-achieving adults.

Adults who work with teens -- parents, educators and activities coordinators -- can encourage young people to pursue positive activities. A special recognition is available from NASA. Scout leaders preparing to recognize those young men and women who achieve their Eagle Rank (Boy Scouts) or Gold Award (Girl Scouts) can write to NASA Headquarters requesting the certificate. Letters should reference the name of the scout and the award they will be receiving, address where the NASA recognition should be sent, and the date of the ceremony. Inquiries should be sent to:

E-mail: public-inquiries@hq.nasa.gov

Paper mail should be sent to:

NASA Headquarters
Public Inquiries Business Center
Suite 1M32
Washington DC 20546
Telephone-Info: 202-358-0001
Fax: 202-358-3469

Image to right: Astronauts Louis, Lind and Pogue camp out as part of their astronaut survival training. Credit: NASA

Both awards represent the pinnacle of scouting achievement. Usually beginning in the elementary school years, as scouts progress through the ranks, they earn badges, pins and awards for mastering skills and developing character. Liberally sprinkled with fun and teamwork, the tasks assigned to scouts challenge their abilities and stretch their limits. To achieve that final goal of Eagle or Gold, however, a scout must go beyond the earlier challenges, and develop a project that benefits the community or creates a needed change. It's a task that involves networking, planning and resourcefulness, and by the time the goal is met, the scout is worthy of joining the ranks of those before them.

Related Resources:
Girl Scouts Gold Award Web site
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General Girl Scouts
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Boy Scouts Eagle Award Web site:
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Boy Scouts General
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Genesis Mission Office -- Patches, badges and projects for Scouting
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Space Place - Help With Your Scout Badges
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Kennedy Space Center's Salute to Scouts
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NASA's Solar System Exploration Cooperative Effort with Girl Scouts
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Maggie Griffin/NASA Educational Technology Services